The Rocky Horror Picture Show is renowned for its audience participation roles at different times and scenes during the film. Astra-appropriate props are included with every ticket! To encourage the safety and enjoyment of the film by all in attendance, any bags brought to the theater could be subjected to a search for inappropriate/non-allowable items.
What is Allowed & What’s in the kit!
The kits include:
- Balloon, Glow Stick, Rubber Glove, Noisemaker, Confetti Popper, Toilet Paper, Party Hat, Sponge, Paper Plates, Cards, Instructions, Bag, and Newspaper.
So now we know what the kit will include, we’re new to this thing. How do we use them, which ones that aren’t in the kit are also allowed OR are not allowed, and at what point in the movie do we use them?
This movie is all about participation but we also want to make sure the theater isn’t damaged, wrecked, or burned down (under NO circumstances should an open flame ever be used within the Astra Theatre). People are absolutely encouraged to dress up and have fun, but there are just a few things we cannot and will not allow and they are listed below along with the items included in the kit, as well as when to use them.
Another thing we ask is to please not throw things at the screen, it’s not new for sure, but it is functional and we want to keep it that way. Besides, throwing things at the screen is pretty much just not cool.
Here’s your play-by-play of when to use your props, as well as the things that just can’t be allowed. Here we go:
Balloon
In the kit? Yes (1 qty)
Is it allowed? Yes
When to use: During the song Science Fiction Double Feature, the move When Worlds Collide is mentioned – pop the balloon at this time.
Rice
In the kit? No
Is it allowed? No – Not included in the kit and not allowed. Sorry rice can get slippery, it’s messy, and we don’t want rodents. There’s a reason people don’t throw rice at weddings anymore.
When to use: At the beginning of the film when the wedding guests exit the church.
Large “J”-“A”-“N”-“E”-“T” cards
In the kit? Nope
Is it allowed? Yes, we just didn’t include it since it takes some decent coordination between people to pull off. You’re welcome to do it if you feel like your four friends can spell.
When to use: During the song “Dammit Janet” when Brad says Janet’s name, and when spells out Janet’s name, each card is held up as he spells it. Some people also write “Oh” “B”-“R”-“A”-“D” on the back of them and use them then.
Water Guns
In the kit? No
Is it allowed? No, sorry we’re not a friend of wet floors, seats, etc..
When this normally happens: During the song There’s a Light (Over at the Frankenstein Place), while they are walking through the rain
Glow Stick / flashlight
In the kit? Yes (1 qty)
Is it allowed? Yes (NO Lighters, matches, flammables due to fire code restrictions). Get creative and download a concert lighter app on your phone. Those are much less flammable!
When to use: During the song There’s a Light (Over at the Frankenstein Place), while the “There’s a Light” chorus is playing. Do this during the chorus and when they say “in the darkness” lower it.
How to Time Warp Flier
In the kit? No (We do have a slide showing how to do so pre-show in case you need to brush up your moves)
Is it allowed? Of course! Yes but try to keep the aisles open if possible for people trying to get through.
When to use: During the Time Warp – get up and dance!
Rubber Glove
In the kit? Yes (1 qty)
Is it allowed? Yes
When to use: During Frank’s speech at the tank when he puts on the gloves, stretches and snaps them. He does this three times and try to snap them at the same time!
Noisemakers
In the kit? Yes (1 qty)
Is it allowed? Yes
When to use: During the “Lab” scene, when the Transylvanian Guests use their noisemakers at the end of the creation speech.
Confetti
In the kit? Yes (1 confetti streamer popper)
Is it allowed? Yes
When to use: At the end of the “Lab” scene when the wedding march is being played when they head to the bedroom.
Toilet Paper
In the kit? Yes (1 qty)
Is it allowed? Yes
When to use: When Dr. Scott makes his entrance and Brad exclaims “Great Scott!”. Get it? Like Scotts toilet paper? Yeah, that’s why people do it. Wait to toss it when Dr. Scott crashes through the wall. By the time Dr. Scott hits the Transducer wall and Frank has his leg on the chair it’s time to stop tossing.
Party Hat
In the kit? Yes (1 qty)
Is it allowed? Yes
When to use: During dinner, Frank will put on his party hat, and you should too. It’s a party after all and you should be dressed appropriately 😉
Toast
In the kit? No
Is it allowed? : No. Sorry it’s a pun and I love puns but your mom taught you better than to toss food. We’d rather not have crumbs everywhere either.
When this normally happens: During dinner after Frank is done carving, he will lift his class and proclaim “a toast”.
Newspaper
In the kit? Yes
Is it allowed? : Yes
When to use: When Frank pulls the table cloth off the dinner table.
Bell
In the kit? No
Is it allowed? Yes, if you didn’t bring a bell you can use your keys also. However it doesn’t look as cool.
When to use: When Frank is chasing Janet after dinner and asks the musical question “did you hear a bell ring?” during the song “Planet Schmanet”
Sponge
In the kit? Yes (1 qty)
Is it allowed? Yes
When to use: When Columbia is doing her “bitch out” speech and says to Frank, “you’re like a sponge!”
Cards
In the kit? Yes (8-12 qty)
Is it allowed? Yes
When to use: After floor show, when Frank is doing his solo number and sits down and sings the line “cards for sorrow, cards for pain”. Make it rain!
Rope
In the kit? No
Is it allowed? Yes, we just didn’t include it in the kit.
When to use: When the rope falls from the rigging after Riff finishes shooting.
Hot Dog and Prunes
Is it allowed? Please, please, please DON’T.
People sometimes throw these anytime they’re mentioned. It’s messy, stains things, and nobody wants to get hit with a prune or a hot dog for that matter.