ESU Theatre takes on cult classic for October Homecoming production

Emporia State’s theatre program is leaning into camp, cult classics and community this fall with its production of The Rocky Horror Show. The show opens Oct. 23 in the Karl C. Bruder Theatre and will run for two weekends, Oct. 23–25 and Oct. 30–Nov. 1 with a special midnight on Halloween.

Tickets go on sale Oct. 1, with free admission for students to all shows except the Halloween midnight performance, which will be $5 and will go towards funding the homecoming musical scholarship. Audiences can also expect a costume contest, themed merchandise, and a chance to participate in the show.

This year’s homecoming musical was chosen with purpose. Director and associate professor of theater Aubrey Wilson explained that the program wanted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Rocky Horror film, which has the longest running theatrical release in history. “We just thought, you know, it’s the anniversary year, we’ve got to do it. And it’s Halloween. Homecoming

on Halloween—you’ve got to do it,” she said.

For a show with as much cultural influence as Rocky Horror, Wilson knew the program needed to find a way to make this production their own. Wilson and choreographer Marah McFadden even made a 10-hour trip to Indiana to attend a documentary screening about the film, emphasizing the importance of research. But rather than simply aiming to recreate the cult classic, this production highlights what matters most: how the story makes people feel.

“Rocky Horror has become a safe place for self-expression,” Wilson said. “And we’re really trying to harness that in our production. The thesis of the show for me is ‘don’t dream it, be it.’ That no matter how outlandish it might feel to be the person that you know you are inside, it’s important to do that.”

The ESU Theatre’s production promises to be immersive, breaking down barriers between actors and audience. The set itself extends into the first rows of the theatre, creating a deeper sense of connection and encouraging interaction. Audience members can expect callouts, participation packets, acting in the aisles and scenic elements that spill into the house. Of course, Rocky Horror wouldn’t be complete without its campy costumes, energetic choreography and outrageous humor. 

With 50 students involved in the production, Wilson is confident that the production will showcase ESU’s top talent. 

“I’m not kidding when I say the voices are incredible. They are so good,” she said.

Beyond just spectacle, the show carries a deeper meaning. For many in the queer community and beyond, Rocky Horror has represented freedom, belonging, and acceptance. 

“Especially in queer culture, [Rocky Horror] was the first thing that people saw where they felt like they were normal,” Wilson said. “And so there are all these stories about people finding themselves in this show, but especially those of us who feel like we haven’t belonged, and that’s why it’s so important—it’s subverting the norm.”

ESU Theatre’s Rocky Horror Show is set to be one created with the audience in mind.

“Why else do we do theatre?” Wilson said. “It’s for the audience. So many people’s hearts and souls are going into this, and it’s just going to be a special one. You can already tell.”