Shadowcast screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show are a time-honored Pittsburgh tradition since the days at the King’s Court Theater in 1978, which carried through the heyday of the 80s and 90s and created the JCCP you see today. Whether you’re a first-timer, or a virgin, as we call them, or a frequent flyer from Transylvania, here is a guide to have the best time possible at our next show.
Who are we?
We are the Junior Chamber of Commerce Players (JCCP), Pittsburgh’s official Rocky Horror shadowcasting group. The JCCP has a passionate love of the Rocky Horror Picture Show and of radical self-acceptance. We perform The Rocky Horror Picture Show year-round as well as occasionally other shows such as Repo! The Genetic Opera, Mamma Mia!, and Shock Treatment. In addition to our popular Halloween season performances, you can find us at local Pride events where we perform a medley from Rocky Horror!
What is a shadowcast?
A shadowcast is a group of performers who perform simultaneously with a film using a variety of costumes, props, and set pieces. Shadowcasting involves groups of loud and rambunctious actors breaking all movie-going norms by hooting, hollering, heckling, and hurling props about during the film.
Where can I watch the show?
The JCCP does Rocky Horror year-round! Our home theater is the historic Hollywood Theater (now Rowhouse Hollywood!), but we perform around the city. Our Halloween shows are on Oct. 17 (horror movie theme), and the classic shadowcast experience is on October 30 and 31.
How does audience participation work?
No shadowcast is complete without the audience playing along! Whether you’re a Rocky Horror virgin or the most dedicated superfan, our show is about having fun. The most fun we can have is you joining us as we scream callbacks, get up and dance, or sing along!
Callbacks are coordinated lines, phrases or inserted words that you, the audience, yell at the movie. For example:
Whenever Brad or another character says “Brad Majors,” you yell “ASSHOLE!”
Whenever Janet or another character says “Janet Weiss,” you yell “SLUT!”
As for other callback rules, don’t say mean things about our actors, we are sensitive! And, no bigoted jokes, ESPECIALLY Nazi slogans or salutes. We don’t tolerate that, and you WILL be asked to leave. So don’t be a jagoff!
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If you’d like to learn more of the historic and staple callbacks, come see us and other shadowcasts again!
From the Q Archives!
A feature article in the October 1978 issue of Gay Life Pittsburgh highlights the local phenomenon of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the King’s Court Theatre in Oakland, noting its interactive audience and special plans for Halloween and New Year’s Eve. Pittsburgh’s version was even chosen by CBS for a feature on their new show People.
When do you throw your props?
Prop bags are available at our shows for $3 and are a key part of the Rocky Horror experience! There will be a reference card stapled to your prop bag, but here’s your study guide so you are extra prepared.
- Newspaper- when you see Janet put a newspaper on her head, you do the same!
- Glowstick- wave it back and forth “There’s a Light”
- Latex glove- snap it when Frank does during the lab scene
- Noisemaker- use it when the transylvanians use theirs during the lab scene
- Toilet paper- throw it when Brad says “GREAT SCOTT” after Dr. Scott busts through the wall
- Toast – throw it when Frank says “A toast!” during dinner scene. (don’t worry, it’s gluten free!)
- Party hat- put it on when Frank does during dinner scene
- Playing cards- toss them when Frank sings “cards for sorrow, cards for pain” during “I’m Going Home” near the end of the movie
A cast member will usually strut out ring-girl-style with a poster to cue the prop tossing. Just don’t throw them at our expensive screen, or cheap actors, because if you break it you buy it. The screen won’t fit in your car, and our actors don’t look as glamorous in the morning.
What should I wear?
Whatever makes you feel most comfortable and confident! Whether that’s jeans and a T-shirt or fishnets and corsets, you do you!
We always love seeing people turn a look or dress up like the characters from the movie!
We can’t wait to see you at our next shows! For more information, make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and on our website jccppgh.com
Come do the Time Warp with us!