RISE Housing and Support Services proudly presents our 1st Annual Rocky Horror Picture Show Fundraising Event! RISE chose RHPS as the center of our new signature fundraising event because of the positive impact it had (and continues to have) on individuals who have been made to feel alien, outside, or even outcast from society. For more details and to purchase tickets visit: The RISE RHPS Fundraising Event.
RHPS History
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a 1975 musical comedy horror film. It is a parody tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the 1930s through to the early 1960s.
The RHPS is based on the 1973 musical stage production, The Rocky Horror Show, written by Richard O’Brien . The stage production premiered on June 18, 1973, at The Royal Court Theatre Upstairs in London, England. After a short while, it was moved from the 60-seat Upstairs theatre to a converted movie house, and then to the King’s Road Theatre, which seats 500. It was named best musical of 1973 by the British drama critics.
Lou Adler – owner at the time of the Roxy theatre in Los Angeles, California – saw the musical and brought it to the Roxy.
1975, The Rocky Horror Show was made into the movie and renamed the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Its world premiere was in London on August 28, 1975. Its US premiere was in Hollywood on September 29, 1975. October 31 is generally celebrated as Rocky’s “birthday”, for obvious reasons.
It bombed everywhere – expect for in Los Angeles, where a following had already been created by the RHS at The Roxy. However, some attentive cinema owners noticed that, while RHPS wasn’t selling as many tickets as other movies, the same people kept coming back. Twentieth Century Fox then re-released the movie for midnight runs. Its first regular midnight run started in New York City on April 2, 1976. Soon, people had started dancing and singing along with the music, and a following soon developed – giving those who felt like aliens or outsiders in society a place to go, interact, and meet like minded people.
The story centers on a young engaged couple whose car breaks down in the rain near a castle where they seek a telephone to call for help. The castle is occupied by strangers in elaborate costumes celebrating an annual convention. They discover the head of the house is Dr. Frank N. Furter, an apparently mad scientist who actually is an alien from the galaxy of Transylvania, who creates a living muscle man named Rocky in his laboratory.
Still in limited release in 2022, some 46 years after its premiere, it is the longest-running theatrical release in film history. In many cities live amateur shadow-casts act out the film as it is being shown and heavily draw upon a tradition of audience participation. The film is most often shown close to Halloween – and sure to become a Saratoga Halloween staple!
RHPS FAQ’s
Why do people go see the RHPS?
Richard O’Brien – the author of the Rocky Horror Picture stage show – probably said it best: “It’s a guaranteed party.” RHPS is a place to go where you’ll be accepted, whoever you are. The music is wonderful, the costumes are flashy and fun, and the film can be a wonderful vacation from reality. If you remember the ’70s, it’s a nostalgia trip. For those of us who don’t, it’s still a nice place to visit.
What should I take to the RISE RHPS Event?
Yourself. Plenty of friends (optional). Your ID – there will be a cash bar. And most importantly – a sense of humor and an expectation of fun.
What about Props?
We’ve got the props covered! Your official prop kit is included in the ticket price and will including everything you need. OUTSIDE PROPS (ESPECIALLY FOOD ITEMS) WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. (Oh, and remember babies, Rocky etiquette says to throw your props up and back – NEVER at the screen!) Download the RISE Prop Kit List Here .
What should I NOT take to the RISE RHPS Event?
Leave any weapons at home – including water guns. No outside alcohol. No food products, including common RHPS foods used for props – rice, toast, hot-dogs. No confetti either – remember we have the props covered!
What should I expect at the RISE RHPS Event?
Expect that you’ll have a great time! Sure, there’s raunchiness, lame jokes, and bad singing and dancing, but that’s all part of the fun! For the most part RHPS-goers respect each other, and are there to have a good time alongside you.
You should however, expect to get up and dance! Although not compulsory, you may find that during the Time Warp you are the only person in the audience not on your feet! By simply following the rule: ‘do what it says’ you will also be able to participate in this famous dance. For example the phrase ‘it’s just a jump to the left’ should be danced by jumping to the left. If you want to get up and boogie to the other songs, feel free to do so, remember though the Time Warp is the only dance that has set moves shown – so show us your style! Learn the Time Warp Dance Here!
What’s with Audience Participation?
Audience Participation is the main part of the RHPS. During the show, costumed audience members may make their way to the front of the theater mimicking what is being shown on-screen. The audience shouts “call-back” lines to the screen – often clever, but some may sound rude. This is expected. If you can’t hear the dialogue over the audience, that’s normal. The audience also throws items from the prop bag on cue – but NEVER at the movie screen – Rocky etiquette says to throw your props up and back! Pull out your prop list and study it so you’ll know which prop to toss around when!
Are Costumes required?
No, costumes are not required but are highly encouraged! DON’T DREAM IT! BE IT!! Click HERE for costume ideas.