(Image via Instagram / @20centfiction)

Staff Writer: Brian Galindo

Email: bgalindo@umassd.edu 

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult-classic film from 1975 starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Barry Bostwick. 

At UMass Dartmouth, it’s a yearly tradition.

20 Cent Fiction, the campus’ more alternative, edgy theater company, has been putting on a shadow cast of the film for 31 years straight. They even did a production during COVID-19 by filming individual clips and mashing them all together for the masses to watch.

Just because it’s a long-standing tradition, that doesn’t mean it’s the same thing every year. 

The fact that it’s done every year just brings more change as time goes on. Each new director will make their own calls that change how actors portray what the film is showing behind them.

If you’ve never seen the show, you might wonder what a shadow cast is. 

A shadow cast is a unique type of show where instead of simply doing a play or a musical on stage with props- a cast acts in front of a film. Shadow casts are most notable in attachment to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, to the point where one could find many just by searching.

In addition to the shadow cast, there is an ensemble group of “Transylvanians”-  named after the alien species within the film. 

The ensemble performs the film’s famous “Time Warp” song and dance, along with doing call lines, where they shout rude and sometimes profane phrases as the film goes on to comment on what is going on within it.

To keep the show fresh, the Transylvanians are also tasked with writing and acting out a pre-show skit. These skits can be related to the show, share similar themes to it, or be completely unrelated and just be a fun time.

Additionally, keeping the show fresh requires a new take every time. This means no actor can be cast for the same role more than once. This practice also has the bonus of making it easier for new faces to get involved.

The production team also keeps casting gender-blind, allowing people of any gender identity to audition for any role they see fit. It is even commonplace for some people to audition for every role.

The film is raunchy, including many racy scenes. Because of this, directors have the added challenge of ensuring that all of their actors feel comfortable during the performance while also sticking somewhat true to the film.

 For obvious reasons, it is common practice to put the actors first.

Since this is a long-standing tradition, 20 Cent Fiction doesn’t need to recreate the whole set yearly, instead using the same pieces each year and making improvements wherever possible. 

In some cases, set pieces will need to be replaced entirely, though most of the sets seem to be in good condition in recent years.

This year’s production is being co-directed by Jay Winsch and Kodi Lee. 

Winsch has worked on other shows by 20 Cent, such as serving on the stage crew for the 30th Annual Rocky and serving as Assistant Stage Manager in the 2024 spring production Ride the Cyclone. 

Lee has been involved in both the 29th and 30th Rocky as a Transylvanian, as well as being a part of Ride the Cyclone in the show’s Rat Band.

Rocky Horror is 20 Cent’s bread and butter. With the show’s status as a cult classic and a campus tradition, it tends to be what the company is known for and its main point of attraction. 

Though not all members love the film itself, most do hold the yearly production in high regard.

The show will be performed in the Angus A. Bailey Auditorium on October 31st, November 1st, and November 2nd at 8 PM, as well as a showing at 11:59 PM on the 2nd. 

Tickets are $5 for students, $7 for faculty, staff, and alumni, and $10 for general admission. All are welcome!

Interested in keeping up with 20 Cent Fiction? Follow them on Instagram at @20centfiction!