The annual Rocky Horror Picture Show performance in Athens is a community staple. Each year it is put on by the student organization The Lost Flamingo Theater Company at The Union bar on Union St. If you’ve ever heard of this event, or been yourself, you know that it is crazy packed and CRAZY fun. I have gone every year, and this year I am even a part of the production, so I have a ton of tips and tricks to help you with your experience.
What Should I Wear?
One of the greatest parts of Rocky Horror events like this is dressing up. When else do you get to dress up in lingerie and go out in public and everyone else is also dressed like that. It is an unreal experience. Any other time I would be too embarrassed, but when everyone is dressed like that (and most everyone goes all out) it is so fun, and no one judges you. My least favorite thing about going out is the “What do I wear?” question because in a lot of other Athens establishments, I am so scared about dressing too gay or too girly or too scandalously. But at Rocky I can basically wear whatever I want, and it doesn’t matter.
Anyway, here is what I suggest you wear:
It all depends on your comfort level. If you are totally comfortable with whatever, I suggest going all out. If you are comfortable with it, then go nuts. The union does have policies against certain levels of nudity. You should be okay if you have like swimsuit equivalent nudity, if that makes any sense. My go-tos are usually like a lacy bra and some short-shorts or like bikini bottoms. If you are looking for a teeny bit more coverage, opt-in for a bodysuit or maybe a sheer-bodied piece of lingerie (like a teddy). Some advice if this is the route you choose to go, to finish off this look accessories will be your best friends. Some heels, some fishnet stockings or thigh-highs, some edgier jewelry, etc. will really take your look to the next level. Also, please be sure to protect yourself. Although many people will be dressed up, keep in mind that they are still bad people out there. Maybe wear a jacket to the venue or a shirt over your outfit. The #1 priority is that you are happy, comfortable and safe.
If you are looking for a more casual look, you could go for a slip dress or a cropped shirt of some sort with a slip skirt, shorts, etc. For more of a “going out” and for that Rocky Horror type vibe, you could also reach for a corset top. There is an amazing variety of full to less coverage corset-esque tops on every online shopping website these days. They even have them at places like Walmart for pretty cheap.
If you are going for full coverage, you could try leaning into that Eddie rock-n’-roll-look. Perhaps wear jeans and some sort of leather. You could also wear jeans/leather pants and a band t-shirt of some sort. If you want to add a little something extra, maybe try using old or thrifted shirts/pants and try ripping them up a little to give your outfit that extra edge (if you are okay with tearing up your clothes that is lol). You could also try dressing up as the characters. For instance, Brad and Janet both have pretty modest outfits (at the beginning of the movie anyway). This is fun especially if you are a super fan of the movie and love the characters. Even if you are comfortable with dressing in more scantily clad attire and still want to do this just for fun, GREAT!
Above all, make sure to wear something that will last all night and that you can wear for 5+ hours standing. Not only is there the waiting in line, but once you get in the venue there will be no sitting for at least 1.5-2 hours. Be careful of heels, maybe opt for a more comfortable show. Don’t bring anything you don’t want to hold the whole time or get stolen. I brought a tote bag and a coat one year because it was cold, and I REGRETTED it so much. I had to hold it the whole time while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a bunch of random people. Not. The. Move.
When Should I Go?
This year Rocky will take place over the course of 4 nights instead of 3 as in previous years. The performance dates are Oct 16-19 (Wednesday-Saturday nights).
I would suggest going Wednesday, personally. I think it will be the least busy night (obviously I don’t know that for sure but…. I’m just guessing) and your best chance of getting in. Plus, if you try on Wednesday and can’t get in, you can always go earlier another night. Every night is essentially the same experience performance-wise; it is more about your schedule and how many people go each night.
Doors open at 8pm every night of the performance. DO NOT GET THERE AT 8, YOU WILL NOT GET IN. Last year I showed up at 4:30pm and I was still not even the first person in line. At the very least, you need to get in line at 6pm. If you get there and the line is past Whit’s, I wouldn’t even bother. Sometimes people can get in if others leave, but more than likely you are out of luck. Plus, the best experience of Rocky is a front row one. If you can get right up next to the stage or the catwalk, DO IT. And more than likely you can only do that if you get there EARLY (especially if you want drinks while you’re there, which is a whole other thing). The Union only has so much capacity, if you don’t get there in time, it’s your own fault.
What Else Should I know Before I Go?
First, drink lots of water beforehand. I always walk out of there more dehydrated than I have ever been before from dancing, singing, yelling, etc. ESPECIALLY if you will be drinking, drink water. PLEASE. It is also hotter than the sun in that room, so this makes staying hydrating and dressing accordingly the whole time extremely important as well.
Along those same lines, eat before you go. My choice has always been to grab food to-go on the way there and eat while I wait in line. It gives you something to do (because waiting in line can be boring af) and you will need sustenance for the amount of energy you will burn once you get in.
Make sure to bring cash/card so that you can pay to get in. It does cost $8 at the door for 21+ and $10 for under 21. If you are over 21 and want to get drinks while there, bring more I guess lol. Also, for the love of God, tip your bartenders I am begging you. One piece of advice though: If you are going to get drinks and still want to be at the front row, send one friend to get your drinks at a time, because if not you WILL lose your spot. The people in that crowd are NOT afraid to push, believe me.
Please for the love of God be kind to others. I cannot tell you how many rude people I have met at Rocky. People that push you out of the way, say rude things to you when they don’t get their way, shout things at the performers because they think it’s okay to be unnecessarily nasty and weird, etc. Just… don’t be that guy. Also, don’t get too drunk, because that can contribute to this as well. Other people want to enjoy the show, it isn’t all about you (heart emoji).
Virgins Beware
If you have never been to Rocky, then you may not know about the many traditions that go along with it. One of my favorites is the Virgin Games. Essentially, while you are standing in line, various directors/cast members/etc. will come down the line with a tube of lipstick and ask if you have been to the show before. If you haven’t, then you are considered a “Virgin” and they will ask you if you want a “V” on your forehead to signify that. DO NOT WRITE THE V YOURSELF BEFOREHAND OR YOU ARE AN EMBARRASSMENT AND NO FUN (or at least that’s how I feel about the matter). Then, once you get inside and the show starts, the games begin (literally). The directors will come up onto the stage and announce the Virgin Games. Then the cast/crew will pull people up that are sporting a “V” and are raising their hands. ONLY A FEW PEOPLE GET CHOSEN, SO CHANCES ARE, YOU WON’T. The past few years that I have gone, these have been the games:
- Drag Race – You and a partner (decided randomly from the crowd) will get up on stage and race other groups to switch clothes. If you are not wearing opaque undergarments, you are NOT allowed to play this game. This rule goes back to what I stated previously about the Union’s policies on nudity.
- Best Orgasm – This is basically a moanin’ and groanin’ contest. You get up onstage and showcase your “best orgasm” reaction. That’s it. Some people go ALL OUT, some are too scared. But honestly, it’s Rocky, so, who cares.
- Cream Pie – This is my personal favorite. They played this my freshman year, but not my sophomore year and I was upset. Basically, you get a random partner. Then, one person will put the oatmeal cream pie between their legs and the other person has to eat it, no hands, before any of the other teams can.
- Banana Condom Race – There isn’t a clever name for this one, but it is exactly what it sounds like. It is very similar to the Cream Pie game. You will be partnered with another random crowd member and one will put a banana between their legs. Then, the other person will get down on their knees and attempt to put a condom on the banana using only their mouth. No hands.
If you don’t want to participate, you of course do not have to. If you don’t want the “V”, you don’t have to have it. If you do want the “V” but don’t want to do the games, that is fine too. Just don’t raise your hand. If you aren’t going to give it your all, don’t even bother. There are some people that would give ANYTHING to get up on that stage and do the Virgin Games, so if you are too embarrassed or indifferent, leave it for others to enjoy.
In Closing
I highly suggest that everyone go to Rocky. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience, and it is so worth the wait in line, the price, etc. If you have been looking for a crowd that is just as freaky as you are, then trust me when I say you NEED to go. Every year I have gone I have genuinely enjoyed myself and loved every minute of it. You don’t even have to know what the movie is about to go and enjoy, it is seriously fun for EVERYONE.
If you hate crowds and being close to others, then maybe it isn’t your crowd. But that is really the only time I would say don’t go.
Seriously, I think everyone needs to experience it once. It will change your life. Have fun, stay safe, and TIP YOUR BARTENDERS!