The Rocky Horror Show Expectations

[Ensemble17701165943]

Posted: 4/12/26 at 1:30pm

OnStage Blog Post

I am headed to see this at the end of May and I still have no idea what is expected in terms of audience decorum. Are we yelling or not yelling?

[WldKingdomHM]

Posted: 4/12/26 at 1:34pm

I think it’s dress to impress say a call back or two and keep it moving 

[CoffeeBreak]

Posted: 4/12/26 at 1:58pm

THE WORD ON PARTICI….PATION.

The call-outs are a product of audience reactions to the film, which was two years after the stage show. We are returning to the roots of the stage show while embracing the culture of Rocky Horror. The call-outs that many people know are part of the culture, but we also want to balance the experience for the audience members who want to hear the musical and give respect to the live human actors who are onstage performing.

We embrace the many different Rocky Horror Show experiences that people come into Studio 54 with, as well as those who have never experienced it and don’t know the history. The spirit of Rocky Horror is communal joy. Choose your call-outs carefully—as this is a Broadway musical, not a midnight showing of the film.

[cglaid]

Posted: 4/12/26 at 2:57pm

I was there last night, rear side orch on the aisle. I was overwhelmed by the number of callouts -- there were a few recurring ones, totally fine, but the "super fans" were out of control with the most niche, disruptive, constant participatory remarks. Some even busted out a string of lights. Not only that, I think it encouraged poor theater etiquette overall, as people around me were talking, loudly and regularly, telling each other who each actor was upon entrance, and just making remarks at their will. I do not envy those ushers.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 4/12/26 at 3:32pm

The problem with callouts at this current time in history is everyone wants to be the “main character.” Consideration of others is at an all time low and the desire for attention is at an all time high. So many people think they are special and can do whatever they want.  

[NOWaWarning]

Posted: 4/12/26 at 4:52pm

I keep asking myself why the call-outs seemed to work so well in 2001 but seem like such an impossible thing to contend with today and I think you nailed it, Betty. That's exactly what I've been thinking but haven't been able to articulate as clearly and efficiently. I actually saw a local production of Rocky Horror last Halloween that allowed the call-outs and it was absolute chaos. I can only imagine what it's like at this scale. It has to be insanely difficult for those putting on the show, even if they genuinely love the energy and participation. 

[Ensemble17701165943]

Posted: 4/12/26 at 10:00pm

This is the most non-answer I've seen. This is coming from the production, yes?

[quizking101]

Posted: 4/12/26 at 10:25pm

When I went in today, there were definitely a few pregnant pauses built in where callouts could easily be inserted, but people were far too reticent. But also, the cast is also at a different pace than the film - sometimes delivering lines at a clip to keep the show moving - basically the equivalent of stop-and-go traffic.

Even as I mentioned in the other thread, I let one slip during the Narrator’s opening scene (“they were dark, black, and pendulous” - LIKE YOUR BALLS), I was a little embarrassed that it came out loud enough to be heard, but Rachel played along with it and got some big laughs from the audience. 

To quote Frank - “It certainly wasn’t ALL bad, was it?”

[SkidRow82]

Posted: 4/13/26 at 10:43am

I've done the show and the callbacks are a blast in moderation. It's best when large groups do the "classic" ones, and a few folks with great projection, diction, and comedic timing sneak in a few "zingers." ... It's sadly the super-fans that often ruin the show for the rest of the audience (and the actors). The play version isn't built to have a call back after every single line. Also, you're not mic'd, and everybody is competing to be the "funny one" and "make it about them" and it reads as incoherent disruption. There's a music to the dialogue and callbacks in the film because the film is always the same. That doesn't exist in the show and you lose that well timed back and forth.

Best case scenario. 

1. Everybody really gets into the Brad (____) and Janet (____) intro callbacks. The virgins figure it out real fast and can join the fun, you leave in pauses for it, and everybody can enjoy. This also works for "say it! say it!" ... 

2. The Narrator sections can be more of a loose, free-for-all...  That character is talking to you, go ahead and talk back. That actor should be a solid improviser so have some fun. 

3. Don't callout during the songs. It just doesn't work in the stage version. Don't sing along (unless it's the Time Warp and everybody is up dancing along). 

4. Other than that... there really isn't too much need for callbacks when you're doing the show (and not the picture show). It's a different animal, and at least half the audience really wants to know "the plot" and understand what's going on. 

I think what this production is trying to say is "only do callbacks if your good at them" and "no matter what, still buy a ticket and come." 

Updated On: 4/13/26 at 10:43 AM

[kdogg36]

Posted: 4/13/26 at 11:16am

NOWaWarning said: "I keep asking myself why the call-outsseemed to work so well in2001"

I think the primary reason is simply that the 2000 production did a far better job planning for the call-outs and building them into the concept. Admittedly they had a big advantage in terms of performing at the ideal Broadway venue for an interactive production.

[ErikJ972]

Posted: 4/13/26 at 11:54am

When I saw it yesterday they unfrurl a sign at the end of Science Fiction Double Feature that says "Enjoy the show. Don't be an a@@hole." Is that a new addition?

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 4/13/26 at 11:59am

If that banner is a new addition to combat callouts, I'll be selling my ticket. Do not take my money and then chastise me and call me an asshole because you didn't prepare for decades of history associated with the show. 

[quizking101]

Posted: 4/13/26 at 11:59am

ErikJ972 said: "When I saw it yesterday they unfrurl a sign at the end of Science Fiction Double Feature that says "Enjoy the show. Don't be an a@@hole." Is that a new addition?"

That’s been there since first preview 

[SkidRow82]

Posted: 4/13/26 at 12:15pm

iluvtheatertrash said: "If that banner is a new addition to combat callouts, I'll be selling my ticket. Do not take my money and then chastise me and call me an asshole because you didn't prepare for decades of history associated with the show."

There's a certain kind of "call-backer" that they are singling out. The kind of person who does every. single. one. There's folks who have a callback for every line in the show - and they get so excited to "show off" that the others around them literally cannot enjoy the show or tell what's going on. 

Updated On: 4/13/26 at 12:15 PM

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 4/13/26 at 12:50pm

This thread is amazing because we have someone suggesting that the "the problem with callouts at this current time in history is everyone wants to be the “main character" and just a few posts later someone is making the whole situation about themselves. 

Good work folks. 

There was an extremely successful and long running production of Rocky Horror at Stratford and the callouts worked smoothly and were a really terrific part of the production. And I was worried. The narrator in Canada handle most of the callouts with wit and professionalism and lots of (funny) dirty looks. Of course, he was dealing with Canadians...

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 4/13/26 at 12:54pm

So, they changed the participation rules for the third time on their website. Jesus. Every time they change it, it just continues to say nothing. I think this will just piss and/or confuse people more:

The call-outs are a product of audience reactions to the film, which was two years after the stage show. We are returning to the roots of the stage show while embracing the culture of Rocky Horror. The call-outs that many people know are part of the culture, but we also want to balance the experience for the audience members who want to hear the musical and give respect to the live human actors who are onstage performing.

We embrace the many different Rocky Horror Show experiences that people come into Studio 54 with, as well as those who have never experienced it and don’t know the history. The spirit of Rocky Horror is communal joy. Choose your call-outs carefully—as this is a Broadway musical, not a midnight showing of the film.

[joevitus]

Posted: 4/13/26 at 1:05pm

KJisgroovy said: "This thread is amazing because we have someone suggesting that the "the problem with callouts at this current time in history is everyone wants to be the “main character" and just a few posts latersomeone is making the whole situation about themselves.

Good work folks.

There was an extremely successful and long running production of Rocky Horror at Stratford and the callouts worked smoothly and were a really terrific part of the production. And I was worried. The narrator in Canada handle most of the callouts with wit and professionalism and lots of (funny) dirty looks. Of course, he was dealing with Canadians..."

Except it's quite true, and has been a problem even with midnight showings of the film for sometime. People who want to make sure they say the line first, even if it means doing so way before the line it prompts, making the whole thing incoherant. Often even doing so in a bored, sing-song manner as if to signal "I'm above all this, but I've been part of the scene for so long, I still do it better than anyone." The same people who turned throwing rice at the wedding into rice wars, and in other ways acting generally obnoxious. What used to be participatory is now a lot of times just solipsism. 

Personally, I'd like no callbacks at a produciton of the stage show, but what most people here are asking for--and it's reasonable--is just for audiences to be aware that these are live actors they are directing the comments to. Don't run roughshod over them, and don't make the comments the center of attention rather than the show. 

[blaxx]

Posted: 4/13/26 at 1:26pm

The only real solution is to project the call outs they want in the show.

Then they can direct the audience to only yell out what they see, include the best known ones, and ensure the cast is aware of where these are placed.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 4/13/26 at 1:29pm

I'm not making it all about myself. To be honest, I have a terrible memory thanks to a brain tumor so suck at the call outs myself, but they make me laugh and I enjoy hearing them and I love the environment of Rocky horror when the callouts happen. It feels alive. 
 

I just don't like the idea of saying "don't be an asshole" to your audience as they arrive for a show. Some People spend a lot of money to go to the theatre. Is that how they want to be greeted? 
 

🤷‍♂️ that's all. It's not main character energy to think that's a lousy way of addressing the audience and the situation.

[darquegk]

Posted: 4/13/26 at 2:54pm

Even as a pro-callbacks person, if you're the sort who is so uptight "don't be an asshole" rubs you the wrong way at a show where shouting ASSHOLE is part of the participatory tradition, Rocky Horror may not be for you.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 4/13/26 at 3:59pm

It's not a Rocky Horror fan saying it to another. It's a corporation saying it to the people they're taking money from. There's a difference. 

[quizking101]

Posted: 4/13/26 at 4:15pm

darquegk said: "Even as a pro-callbacks person, if you're the sort who is so uptight "don't be an asshole" rubs you the wrong way at a show where shouting ASSHOLE is part of the participatory tradition, Rocky Horror may not be for you."

That part. While this production subverts the traditional formula aside with some casting choices, it’s still Rocky Horror. The costumes leave little to the imagination, it’s queer as hell, and sends up the sci-fi B-movies of the 50s. 

My take on this is that their subscriber base is around roughly the age where they were likely old enough to be aware of the original film when it came out in 1975 and they either embraced it or avoided it. The ones who are holding tickets know they’re in for a patently adult evening of theatre, obscenities and all.

And if the word “asshole” on a sandwich board possibly  offends them, they’re in for a rude awakening when:

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

They reveal Frank N’ Furter face deep in Brad’s cheeks, tossing his salad like an Olive Garden waiter.

 

[Menken Fan]

Posted: 4/13/26 at 4:18pm

I was very active in the Rocky Horror Picture Show world in the 80s. Call-outs were and are a hilarious and integral part of the movie experience, especially at a movie that the audience has likely seen multiple times. Like many others, I think the theatrical experience is very different, considering the price of tickets, the dissimilar audiences, and the fact that many of those call-outs do not make any sense at the live show. (Rachel Dratch does not have balls, nor is she missing a neck.) A handful of classic lines can be funny, but do we need to all be screaming "Slut" over and over and over and over. And does every line of dialogue require a verbal response ("She went ape****!" Clever.). And I can say from personal experience at the first preview, having someone behind you shrieking over every single line really, really diminishes the enjoyment of what's happening on stage. It can quickly become disruptive and self-indulgent. (Similar to when I recently saw Cats: The Jellicle Ball and the woman behind me screamed "MEOW" after every other line, for the entire show.)

For some reason, the callbacks for the 2000 revival, which I saw seven times, were not as disruptive.  Maybe people have just gotten more exhibitionist. 


All that said, I'm not sure how they can get the audience to strike the right balance, because people are going to do what people are going to do. The post on the Studio 54 website seems futile.

Updated On: 4/13/26 at 04:18 PM

[JSquared2]

Posted: 4/13/26 at 4:20pm

ErikJ972 said: "When I saw it yesterday they unfrurl a sign at the end of Science Fiction Double Feature that says "Enjoy the show. Don't be an a@@hole." Is that a new addition?"

 

It's not new -- it was there at the first preview.

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 4/13/26 at 4:44pm

iluvtheatertrash said: "Some People spend a lot of money to go to the theatre. Is that how they want to be greeted?"

And some people spend a lot of money to go to the theatre and don’t want that experience ruined by an overzealous fan screaming through the whole thing. 

I think “Don’t be an ***hole” is a great way to generally approach life; and some people need the reminder.