Chatham screens “Just Gender” for Transgender Day of Remembrance

Since the murder of transgendered woman, Rita Hester, in 1999–to honor those who lost their lives in a similar fashion and protest violence against transgender and gender variant peoples–Transgender Day of Remembrance is held.

In the time leading up to this day, on November 23, in collaboration with Pittsburgh’s Gay and Lesbian Community Center and the Association for Women in Psychology, Chatham University’s Psychology of Research Team presented “Just Gender,” a documentary that explored the complexities of being a transgendered person. The documentary was shown on November 14 at 6 p.m. in Eddy Theatre.

The documentary set out to dispel myths, educate, and represent a variety people on the gender spectrum. The interviewees in “Just Gender” consisted of transgendered and gender variant people, psychologists, lawyers, activists, parents, and spouses.

Some individuals shared stories of knowing about their gender identity as young as the age of five; others did not come out until their sixties. Parents of transgendered people discussed and interviewed in the film ranged from very supportive to deeply ashamed.

Pronouns, poverty, medical care (or lack there of), rights, discrimination, and the search for a community were discussed.

A common theme within the documentary was the way that because of gender roles transgendered people are often categorized as being gay or lesbian.

“Sexual Orientation is who you wanna sleep with; Gender is who you wanna sleep as,” said one expert.

“Just Gender” highlighted the reality that even in 2014 very few laws exist to protect transgendered people from discrimination. Transgendered women are victims of violence and presumed to be involved in prostitution. Only 16 states currently have laws prohibit discrimination based on gender identity.

Many of the interviewees admitted to feeling suicidal at certain points in their lifetimes.

“I think the idea of suppressing who you are is unfathomable to most people,” one woman said. “Gender Identity is so fundamental to personal identity.”

With the expense of medical resources sometimes needed to transition from one gender to another, transitioning can be extremely difficult.

“Transgender people are the most unique, and interesting people, but they’re also one of the most marginalized populations that routinely experience a level of hatred and discrimination that most people could never imagine,” said Jason Lucarelli of the Counseling Psychology program, who secured the funding for the event. “And more often than not, trans people are victims of homophobia and many did not identify as gay prior to their transition.”

The Microscopic Opera Company hosts “Frida” at Chatham

The sounds of the instrumentalists warming up filled Chatham’s Eddy Theatre on Sunday, November 2, as audience members entered and took their seats for the fourth and final performance of the Microscopic Opera Company’s show, “Frida.”

Written by Robert Xavier Rodriquez, “Frida” is about the life of the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

The Microscopic Opera Company which, according to its website, “creates innovative, thoughtful and cutting edge performances of contemporary chamber opera, featuring professional artists in the Pittsburgh area,” put on the show as a collaboration with Chatham University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Pittsburgh.

The stage in Eddy Theatre was set up in a minimalist style, with a set that consisted of tapestries and a projection screen, as well as a small desk and chair (meant to represent Frida’s bedroom) set up on the right side of the stage.

By the time the show started there were about 80 people in attendance, and a hush came over the crowd as the orchestra director Robert Frankenberry took the stage and, in accordance with theatre tradition, was met with an enthusiastic round of applause before he took his place with the orchestra.

The overture began with soft drawn out notes on the piano and violin, and gradually the rest of the instruments joined in to create a slightly mysterious melody that culminated with Raquel Winnica Young, the actress playing Frida Kahlo, entering the stage, with a photograph of the real Kahlo’s face projected on the screen behind her.  She then walked over to the desk, where a camera system projected a live stream of her face superimposed over the image of Kahlo in the screen.

This technique of projected images was a theme throughout the show, with still images and video footage of Kahlo throughout her life constantly displayed behind the action on stage.

Also found several times throughout the show were day of the dead masks, used to represent the theme of death in Kahlo’s life.

Another unique feature of this particular opera was the fact that it was, for the most part, in English. There were a few lines of Spanish, but all of the translations were projected on the wall above the pit orchestra, making it easy for the audience to follow along with the narrative.

The show was essentially an operatic biography of Kahlo’s life beginning with her schoolgirl years and progressing through her involvement in a tragic bus accident which left her permanently disfigured and in chronic pain; her marriage, divorce, and remarriage to Diego Rivera; her time living in New York City; and her eventual death in Coyoacán, Mexico.

The show was filled with evocative and poignant lines like, “The only road to heaven shouldn’t be through hell on Earth,” which was said in reference to the rampant poverty and death that existed in Mexico before the revolution in 1910.

Young also boldly exclaimed, “I was born the same day as the revolution!” which was a fact that Kahlo did claim throughout her life, despite the fact that she was actually born three years before the revolution began

Several times in the show actors seemed to speak directly to the audience, like in the sequence after the bus accident in which George Milosh, who played Kahlo’s love interest at the time, sat cross-legged on stage describing all of Kahlo’s injuries to the audience.

The brilliant staging was the product of the show’s director, and general director of the microscopic opera company, Gregory Lehane.

The show ended with the death of Frida, however it did not leave the audience feeling unhappy. Instead, Young left the stage with an enthusiastic cry of, “ Viva la vida…alegria…and Diego,” which accurately embodied everything that Kahlo stood for in her life.

Filmmaker Michelle Citron screens film, “Daughter Rite,” at Chatham University

On Friday, November 7, in Chatham University’s Sanger Hall; faculty, alumnae, students, and film enthusiasts came to Chatham to watch a film about a common theme: resenting one’s mother.

Viewers watched “Daughter Rite,” a documentary-style movie that explores the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship. Although it was released in 1980, “Daughter Rite” is in many ways timeless as director Michelle Citron forces viewers to acknowledge the often painful difference between the relationships we see in photo albums and videos and relationships as they are in real life; through home movies, actors, and narration.

The event began with cookies, coffee, and a heartfelt introduction by Program Director, professor, and filmmaker Prajna Parasher–who was herself mentored and taught by Dr. Citron at Northwestern University.

The event was co-sponsored by the Pittsburgh Psychoanalytic Center, Three Rivers Film Festival, and Pittsburgh Filmmakers.

After the film, while the film’s director was in the room, University of Pittsburgh’s Jane Feuer and psychoanalyst Christine Fischetti analyzed the themes of the film for those in attendance. They critiqued and analyzed the symbolism, use of feminism, and artistic liberties within the film; and they posed the question of why fathers typically aren’t the subject of their children’s anger.

The audience, after viewing the film, heard Citron herself speak about her motivations and inspirations behind making the film so many years ago.

Dr. Citron is a professor, filmmaker, and author. Part of her inspiration was her own experience after receiving her own family’s home videos.

“The family on the screen had nothing to do with the family in real life,” she said.

“Daughter Rite” is told from the perspective of daughters. It is narrated by a nameless and never seen twenty-eight year old woman who is torn between her fear of becoming her mother and pitying her mother.

Whilst hearing the narrator’s story, the stories of two sisters, Stephanie and Maggie, are also told. These two young women are taking care of their ailing mother could be seen as representative of the different kinds of relationships that daughters can have with their mothers. In the in film, everything that is usually avoided in family conversation is discussed: incest, anger, resentment, financial difficulties, and death.

In addition to “Daughter Rite,” Dr. Citron shared other films she has created. Most of Citron’s films explore the lives of women. One was an interactive narrative about lesbians and their lives at different points and times.

Another titled “Leftovers,” is the story of a lesbian couple who spent majority of their relationship in the closet until (at years apart) their ultimate deaths.The story is told from the perspective of their caretaker.

Following the viewings there was a discussion about the films between the filmmaker and audience. Some audience members shared their own experiences because of the very realistic events in the films. Citron herself shared the autobiographical aspects that went into her films along with extensive research. After questions, laughter, and applause Michelle Citron and Professor Parasher bid the audience goodnight and left them to ponder the things they had seen.

Some of Citron’s works are available for viewing on her website: michellecitron.com.

Javier Colon of “The Voice” hosts Chatham’s annual talent show

On Friday November 7, the atmosphere in Eddy Theater was full of nervous energy as the Chatham community waited patiently for their talented peers to take the stage. Hosted by one of the winners of “The Voice,” Javier Colon, Chatham University’s Talent Show brought music from some of Chatham’s finest. Colon augmented the show by giving Chatham an exclusive performance of many of his songs.

“Chatham never ceases to amaze me with its plethora of student talent and variability,” said senior Catherine Giles. Thanks to Student Activities and Resident Life, Family and Friends Weekend of 2014-2015 had a glimmering start.

First to grace the stage was senior Danielle Marcano. Marcano was a natural for the stage with a calm, relaxed aura to her performance.

Though, Marcano wasn’t the only one with the idea to sing for this talent show. First-year Jessica Conrad attracted the audience’s attention with a big finish to her song. She started out her show by taking the microphone off of the stand in order to “use her boots for walking” around the stage.

Avery Walker, graduate student Carmen Adamson, and sophomore Heather Catley commanded their spots of the stage, with musical performances ranging from popular radio tunes to hard alternative rock.

Graduate student Nick Bender and first-year Krista Arena added their own musical instruments to their performances. Bender played his guitar and Arena rocked out with her saxophone skills.

“Chatham students and staff both outdid themselves” said senior Kaitlyn Lacey. “It was a fantastic event and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”

Performing twice–once with the Relay for Life Committee and once by themselves–sophomores Alice Shy and Lynzy Groves showed their dance skills. For Relay for Life, they revealed Carson the Cougar’s kidnapping activities and his addiction to catnip.

In a special performance by one of Chatham University’s youngest members, Conner Chung, son of Masters of Business Administration Program Director Rachel Chung, sang a beautiful traditional song with his mom there for support.

Bringing Chatham a taste of Bollywood was Tahmina Tursonzadah and her brilliant dance.

Chatham’s Ukulele Club displayed their hard work and dedication to their craft as they strummed together and sang their hearts out.

Karen Salaverria and Kimberly Webb chose to sign “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” from Disney’s “Mulan.”

Last, but certainly not least, came Chatham’s featured performance. As part of Native American Indian Heritage Month, Earl Dingus mesmerized the audience with his strikingly beautiful music called, “Echoes of the Four Directions.” With his handmade flutes and his traditional songs, Earl Dingus took the talent show beyond just a Chatham experience to a level of total fascination. Yet he also made an impact with his modesty and the appreciation he gave to every performer in the talent show.

At the end of the night, when all of the talent was shown, sung, or played, Javier Colon waited patiently for the results of the Talent Show.

The judges for the talent show were Chatham’s own Professor Lorena Williams; Sean McGreevey, Assistant Dean of Career Development; and Zauyah Waite, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students.

In the end, the third place winner was Tahmina Tursonzadah, the second place winner was Carmen Adamson, and the first place winner of Chatham University’s 2014-2015 Talent Show was Heather Catley.

Chatham Choir hosts annual Cabaret Benefit

On Sunday, October 25, Chatham students and members of the larger community gathered in Chatham’s Welker Room for an afternoon of music, food, and camaraderie at the Chatham Choir’s annual Cabaret Benefit.

Decorated to fit an autumn theme, the room was filled with round tables covered in red and black tablecloths with pumpkins, gourds, candles, and small pumpkin shaped beads as centerpieces. At each place setting was a program that listed the line-up for the evening’s performances.

In addition there were several long tables against the walls filled with food, drinks, and raffle baskets.

As guests arrived, Chatham Choir members clad in red “Chatham Choir Cabaret” shirts promptly came over to explain the afternoon’s festivities and take drink orders.

“Plates of food are $1.00, and drinks are $0.50,” explained Hannah Gregor, one of the servers, to the guests at the tables in her section. “All proceeds go to the Chatham Choir and music department”

The mocktails served at the event were all designed around a Chatham theme, and included creative concoctions such as the Ivy of Chatham, and The Carson.

After several minutes of eating and socializing, the approximately 50 guests at the event began to take their seats as the Chatham Choir members excused themselves and went into another room in preparation for the beginning of the show.

Shortly thereafter, Stacey Brett Conner, Director of Choral Activities, made her way to the microphone at the front of the room to welcome everyone and thank them for coming.

Conner told people to, “keep browsing and eating during the performances.”

“This is a cabaret,” she said, “It’s a casual setting.  It’s relaxed”

Photo Credit: Ivy Kuhrman

Photo Credit: Ivy Kuhrman

She finished by pointing out that with Chatham University going coeducational, the Chatham Choir has, “already started the ball rolling,” by allowing men to join and is actively seeking interest from men on Chatham’s campus.

The Chatham Choir then joined her at the front of the room, where they performed two ensemble pieces: “Come Fly With Me” and “Through the Eyes of Love.”  They were accompanied on the piano by accompanist Amy Kapp and student accompanist Kathryn Polaski.

Afterwards most of the choir members returned to serving the guests. They left the room one and two at a time to change into their performance clothes before going up to the microphone to perform their solo pieces.

There were a wide variety of musical styles through evening. The repertoire included everything from sophomore Camila Centeno-Bonnet’s rendition of “In The Cold, Cold Night” by The White Stripes–accompanied by guitarist Dane Hager, who wore a black suit and wolf mask–to audience favorite, junior Sarah Weinschenker’s performance of “Youkali” by Kurt Weill.

Photo Credit: Ivy Kuhrman

Photo Credit: Ivy Kuhrman

Weinschenker, who received an enthusiastic round of applause, was immediately followed by first-year Bethany Bookout, who joked with the audience saying, “How could you follow that up? Well I’m gonna try, so lets have a little fun!”

Later in the show Weinschenker returned to the microphone with graduate student Nicholas Bender to performe a duet of “A Little Priest” from the musical “Sweeney Todd.”  The two, rather than just singing the piece, performed it in a theatrical manner, much to the audience’s amusement.

As the show drew to a close, the Chatham Choir returned in full to perform its last piece. But first, they drew the winners of the raffle baskets, which one audience member joked was “rigged” because one woman won three different baskets.

The choir closed the show with a rendition of “With One Look” from the musical “Sunset Boulevard,” after which they dispersed to mingle with the audience and talk to their friends and family members in attendance.

Photo Credit: Ivy Kuhrman

Photo Credit: Ivy Kuhrman

The Chatham Choir’s next performance is Chatham’s Candlelight tradition on December 5 at 8 p.m. in the Campbell Memorial Chapel.

 

Waiting for Intermission: Review of “13 Score” and “House of Oddities: The Story of the Atrocity Exhibition”

Monday night became movie night for many of Chatham’s film students and faculty as they gathered in Eddy Theatre to watch independent films from their colleagues. The first film reviewed by the Chatham Community was “13 Score,” directed by Don Gabany and Chatham faculty member Max Walters.

A classical horror movie that didn’t disappoint on the blood and gore, “13 Score” was able to mark itself in classic horror of the film world. From an awkward first date, undercover police, and professional wrestlers affiliated with the mob, no one was safe from the cursed anniversary at Conley Lake.

Sacrifice and love, literal heart snatching, and zombie fighting make this film stay at a fast pace. For setting, traditional western Pennsylvanian hills create an ominous feeling in the crisp air of a fateful Halloween night. With a little investigation into the paranormal, the viewers find themselves asking if we truly need to know what is in the beyond.

I was never much for gore or horror growing up, but the story and plot of “13 Score” intrigued me enough to keep me watching through the blood. The idea of a lingering curse of cannibalism with an unknown origin could keep any classic horror fan entertained. With an added bonus of the 1753 curse turning unsuspecting carnival lovers into flesh-eating zombies, “13 Score” kept it classy.

The second film of the night, “House of Oddities: The Story of the Atrocity Exhibition,” was from another of Chatham’s faculty members, Brian Cottington. Where “13 Score” was strictly blood and gore narrative film, “House of Oddities” is a wonderfully unique documentary film.

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As the story of the Atrocity Exhibition from its first year to its fifth and current year, it is a living art collection of the fantastically strange and bizarre–located right in our fair city of Pittsburgh.

This particular year had been inspired by Steampunk Industrial and the film give an in depth look into the performances and the lives of these beautiful individuals.

Talking with Cottington before and after watching the film, there was a personal feel to the documentary. What audiences often forget within films are the individuals behind the masks of the characters they play.

However, when the viewers are given a rare opportunity to see the mask removed, there is a moment for real life empathy. Audiences can usually experience empathy when the film’s realm of imagination is replaced with the concept of realism.

Most documentary films can achieve concepts of realism easily, but “House of Oddities” maintains the concept of realism while letting artistic imagination run freely. These individuals become more than performers on a heavily lit stage and are able to redefine the meaning of family.

“13 Score” : 2.5/5

“House of Oddities: The story of the Atrocity Exhibition” : 4/5

Waiting for Intermission: Review of “The Judge”

Small towns seem to be the theme for this year’s film releases in the box office. Typically, the main character comes back to a life they wish to forget because there’s a problem at home that he or she chooses to forget by remembering all the problems they have at home, only to realize that they aren’t solving anything by running away from the past. It gives the impression that filmmakers want to have the audience remember where their roots are, even if the memories are too painful for them to bring up.

Hank Palmer, a successful lawyer of Chicago–and therefore one of the most despised men in the game, gets pulled back into his hometown because of the death of his mother. All of his problems that he drove away from one fateful night, 20 years ago, come crashing on him like a beat-up pick up truck. Including his father, Judge Joseph Palmer.

His old life and his old room make Hank regret what good memories he has with his father. After one more argument and insult, Hank finds himself on the plane back home when he gets a call from his oldest brother. His father, a judge for 42 years, is being tried for murder of the first degree.

Swallowing what little pride he has left, Hank returns to the rolling corn fields of his childhood to watch as his father gets bullied by the law for a crime he doesn’t remember committing. Hank, a charismatic lawyer of the Windy City, willingly goes down the dismal road of memory lane to be on the trial of his life.

Robert Duvall (best known for his work in classical movies such as The Godfather, The Godfather II, Apocalypse Now, and Deep Impact) portrays the character Judge Joseph Palmer, who reins his house and his boys just like his courtroom.

His sons (portrayed by Robert Downey, Jr., Vincent D’Onofrio, and Jeremy Strong) all had different views of how the house should run. Rules are what run the country; rules are what ran the house during Hank’s childhood.

While watching the film, I was waiting to see which character would tell the other the giant, “I’m sorry”–the apology that the audience waits for in the conclusion.

Who gets the most sympathy from the audience? The law bound judge, the mentally challenged younger brother, the delinquent turned lawyer, or the brother with the stolen dream? Family issues arise, as the past never seems to be forgotten when unwanted, while the truth remains a distant memory. When the plot slowly begins to unravel and the questions are soon answered, I noticed the impeccable similarities between Hank Palmer and Joseph Palmer. It is ironic that Hank became the man from which he tried to run away.

Rating: 4/5

Chatham Marketing Association hosts Young Art Fair

As one of its professional development fund raising events, the Chatham Marketing Association (CMA) hosted an art fair in Mellon Board Room last Friday. The Young Art Fair had several art pieces, paintings, and gifts donated from different local stores.

Debbie Delong, the faculty advisor for the CMA, said, “Every year we plan a number of events for professional development. We basically do everything we can to get more applied experience with marketing skills and getting students ready to be professional marketers.”

Christina Fortunato, Junior and member of CMA, said, “From a business stand point we had to market ourselves. We had to get donations from local businesses around the area and then we also went to Children’s Hospital to see if they could paint beautiful pictures, and everyone was really involved in it.”

The art fair also had henna, face painting, handmade accessories, art pieces, and a bake sale. Addressing the payment method, Delong explained, “When you buy art or you buy bake sale items, you buy tickets and pay for things using the tickets.”

The event brought in a total of $1,100. Chatham Marketing Association will donate $400 to the Free Care Fund at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The artists that were showcased made $270 from the pieces sold during the event, and the remainder of the money will go back to CMA to cover the costs of the fair.

The Young Art Fair was a mix of student’s passions in art and marketing. Fortunato said, “I actually just started working in the marketing club. And of course I love art and I do ceramics and I came up with the idea of having an art fair to support the Free Care Fund for Children’s Hospital.”

Lynzy Groves, another member of the CMA, said “This is my first year in CMA because I just switched majors. My major is marketing now and am just happy to be a part of such a great event because I love art and that was my former major, and it is really neat to see the two married together.”

During the fair, people had the chance to make simple art pieces made of paper and buy paintings done by kids in the Children’s Hospital. Groves, who was responsible for the kids painting booth, said, “There are 22 pieces in total and we are actually doing a sign up option for all of the pieces.”

The booth also had a wish tree, and many visitors wrote wishes for children at the Children’s Hospital. The tree will be taken back to the hospital and displayed for each of the kids.

About their opinion of the CMA event, sophomore Elina Lankinen said, “I think it is really impressive I didn’t realize that there will be so much art and stuff like this.”

Senior Emily Kocian, who visited the art fair, said “I heard about the art fair through several e-mails that I got, and I got interested in coming to check out all the artwork, and then the Children’s Hospital work as well. I love handmade art–especially paintings–so I’m building my collection even though am a poor college student.”

Chatham’s Marketing Association gets creative about social impact

Create. Formulate. Innovate. This is the 2014-2015 theme for the Chatham’s Marketing Association (CMA).  Each year, CMA chooses an avenue to create some type of social impact, and this year was the CMA Young  Art 2014 Art Fair.

The fair was held on October 10 in Mellon Board Room. It showcased a collection of student artwork. The artists included Lorraine Yanjtovich, Christina Fortunato, Bonnie West, Lynzy Groves, and Anjelica Fortunato.

Project leaders say the art fair exceeded expectations.

“Our goals were met above and beyond,” said CMA member and event co-chair, Lynzy Groves. “Ultimately, we wanted to raise money for a good cause but we were also able to show the importance of art in the education of children. Without art as an outlet a lot of the kids at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh would struggle.”

A featured part of the fair was the wish tree and the silent auction. The wish tree was a concept developed by Groves.

“I wanted the wish tree to act as a way to give something visually stimulating that carries a message back to the kids at Children’s,” Groves said.

How the wish tree operates is an individual writes a message to the patients at Children’s sending them wishes for their future. The wish tree is currently stationed in the Falk building and will be put on display in Children’s.

As for the silent auction, Groves contacted the employees at the Free Care Fund to ask to showcase the children’s artwork. Little did she know that they would donate their work to the art fair

“I never thought they wouldn’t want their own creations back,” said Groves. “I have sentimental value with each piece I create and I figured they would, too. They surprised me and I wanted to see what I could do with their talent.”

Groves created the silent auction as a “classy” way to sell their work. The auction was very successful with every single piece from Children’s, a total of twenty-two pieces, sold.

Photo Credit: Alice Shy

Photo Credit: Alice Shy

Bringing the art fair into fruition was not a solo act. CMA collaborated with student organizations and local businesses to make the fair a success. The Artist Collective led by their president, Meg Scanlon, created interactive origami stars on each table along with light sculpture installations that were located at the entry ways for the Mellon Board Room.

Local businesses made their stamp on the art fair by donating their products for the CMA basket raffle. Businesses who participated include Artist and Craftsman, The Coffee Tree Roasters, Color Me Mine, Little’s, Michael’s, Sephora, Standard, Starbucks, Union Project, and Williams-Sonoma. There were 13 raffle baskets and all were sold. Funds raised will go to the CMA’s travel fund for their conference in New Orleans next year.

The Young Art Fair raised a total of $1,100. Part of these proceeds will go to the Free Care Fund at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. The Free Care Fund provides care to every child, despite his or her family’s ability to pay for treatment. The fund is made possible through community donations. CMA’s contribution will help to provide care to children, who, due to meek finances, would otherwise go without.

CMA expects the art fair to become an annual event.

“We may change the date of the event for next year due to it being so close to mid-terms, which made planning stressful. However, it coincided with marketing week and helped CMA finish strong,” Groves said. “We may also change the integration of Children’s Hospital artwork. We would love to know more about the kids who donated their time and art. Hopefully we will next year.”

Chatham University Drama Club rocks Chatham with shadow cast of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”

In keeping with the Halloween theme that takes hold of Chatham’s campus every October, the Chatham University Drama Club decided to host a one-night-only shadow cast performance of Jim Sharman’s 1975 cult classic: “The Rocky Horror Picture.”

The event, which took place in the Eddy Theatre on Friday, October 17, was a success, with more than half of the theatre filled with Chatham students and non-Chatham students alike.

Upon entering the theatre, students were given programs and encouraged to make a donation. Additionally the Drama Club sold pre-made prop bags filled with all of the props traditionally used by audiences to participate during screenings of the show. These included bubbles to blow during the wedding scene, glow sticks, playing cards, streamers, and toilet paper, all of which coincided with lines within the show.

All proceeds from the show went to the Dreams of Hope Organization as Kimberly Webb, director of the show, explained in a short speech before the show began. According to Webb, “It is a queer youth oriented theatre group. They do really great work, providing summer camps, arts in schools, and of course putting on productions–and they do it with a queer orientation.”

In regards to her participation in the show, Webb said that as soon as the Drama Club voted to do “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” shadow cast she, “applied immediately to direct it, because it’s such a fun show, and I had a really good time working on the other

‘Rocky’ two years ago.”

As soon as the film began playing on the big screen, and the cast took their places on stage the audience began cheering, clearly aware of what was to come next.

Given that the show has such a colorful history and large fan-base, most of the audience had seen it before, which was evident through their enthusiastic participation. Not only did people use the props, but many also shouted retorts to nearly every line of the film. Some individuals even dressed up as characters from the show–which is another common practice at screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

“I did not expect so many people to yell a–hole at me every time I introduced myself,” said Samantha Bigley, who played Brad Majors, the male lead in the show. “It’s a very high-energy show and having an audience there to egg us on was awesome.”

Webb expressed a similar opinion, saying, “I love the audience participation element of the show, and how into it people get.”

According to Bigley, “Preparing for the show was very weird for me. I’m used to rehearsing for regular stage plays where you learn your lines and block every single movement for each character. Blocking to perform in front of a movie was much different.”

According to her, “The toughest part of rehearsing for the show was probably learning to time what we were doing on stage so that it would line up with what was happening in the movie. We couldn’t look at the screen at any point, so we had to learn the audible cues for when we should move on stage.”

The other difficult part of the show, according to Bigley, was a costume change in which they, “had less than three minutes to change into fishnets, garter belts, corsets, and high heels.”

“I am now an expert at the quick change,” said Bigley.

All told, the show was a success, and the cast, crew, and director were pleased with the result. There are hopes of performing it again next year or even making it an annual event.

According to Webb, “This cast and crew was amazing to work with, and they did such a good job. It was everything I had hoped it would be.”