As the iconic red lips appear on the silver screen, cheering blends with intro music as Loyola Film Club students enter for their annual Rocky Horror Picture Show performance.
The event involves a live shadow cast of students recreating the cult classic as it plays on a large projector behind them. Part of what makes the event interactive are prop bags that come with the purchase of your ticket. The bags include items, such as a noise maker, a newspaper, and more, to pull out during specific movie points to add to the atmosphere.
The event took place on February 27 and 28 in the Communications Complex. It first began back in 2024. Abigail Robins, President of the Film Club as well as a senior film and Mass Communications major, started the tradition her sophomore year.
“I started the Rocky Horror shadow cast with my roommate Janssen. He brought me on because I have a background in theater, and this kind of stretches over the boundaries of film into that theater lane,” Robins said.
This year, she played the role of Janet.
Aside from actors, members of the film club also helped behind the scenes. Kassidy Pattain, sophomore film major who acted as Columbia last year and worked in costuming this time around. She was drawn to the production by the vibrant community.
“Initially I had actually never seen the show or the movie before joining the cast last year but after watching it, it was so camp and it’s so important for the time, and it’s just really nice to be a part of something that’s still impacts generations of people today– even if it’s on a small level at the university, it’s a cultural phenomenon for the gay community and that itself was really important to me,” Pattain said.
This was Taylor James, a senior musical theater major and business administration minor’s, first year involved in the production, and she also played the role of Columbia. She shared how the process included meeting twice a week for a few hours, watching the movie several times, and running the scenes.
“My favorite part of the production was getting to meet new people and make new connections! Every person in this process was so cool and so supportive in this crazy and amazing process. I’m so excited to build on the amazing friendships that I made during this production!” James said.
Robbins, now a senior, had the goal of creating a space outside of the traditional classroom setting where film students are able to create and learn, without stress. They have various events throughout the semester, but Rocky Horror is a fan favorite. She described this annual showing as “the most organic interdepartmental event (hosted by students for students) that I have had the pleasure of being a part of. Over the past 3 years, I’ve met so many amazing people in all types of majors, so I hope this continues to be an aspect for years to come,” Robbins said.
According to Robbin’s, the ticket sales from the event funds the club for the entire academic year. This allows the Film Club to host events such as workshops, Oscar watch parties, and to compete in various film race festivals, among other things. Anyone, regardless of major, is encouraged to join. The production calls for actors, lighting teams, props, costumes, front of house, and camera departments.
