The graphic used to promote the production by the WCU Bardo Arts Center. Photo by Sydni Hall.
Western Carolina University’s Bardo Arts Center Performance Hall hosted a student shadow cast for a one night production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Oct. 31.
The film is a kinky classic, telling the story of a young couple who stumbles upon a castle infested with elaborate strangers and their leader, Transylvanian transvestite, Dr. Frank N. Furter. The film provides its audience members with different elements of amusement including horror, sexual humor and love.
The performance featured a shadow cast of WCU students ranging in academic year levels. The cast performed on stage while the film played on a screen in the background, creating a humorous, yet modern twist on the classic production.
The performance involved a large amount of cast and crew members to create the show’s powerful audience effect.
“I have done a lot of shows, but just the way the audience interacts with this show in particular is really amazing,” audio technician for the production, Travis Nagorski, said.
An important role of the production was played by phantoms. The phantoms were the onstage ghouls who were also members of the technology crew for the production. Phantom actress, Brandy Lyda, said, “Being in this production has been so fun. It’s awesome to learn about everyone and becoming open enough to work in a show like Rocky.”
The shadow cast performance was directed by WCU psychology student, Morgan Shupe. The shadow cast consisted of around 15 students who played different roles throughout the performance. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is the first production Shupe has directed at WCU.
“As a director, the show really came together well, like a form-fitting glove. To see it all come together was worth all the stress, the risks and even having my job on the line just for this show,” Shupe said.
Shupe also played the role of Rocky in the production.
“I had to put aside the responsibilities as a director and put on a costume, a wig and makeup and go on stage like everything is supposed to be like this.”
Students and members of the community came dressed to impress in their best Halloween costumes and enjoy the show. The production brought in a large crowd, almost completely filling the performance hall of Bardo Arts Center. This production was sponsored by the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center.
For a majority of the students who participate in these productions, performing isn’t just a hobby, it is a passion. With this passion comes stress and great risks, as Shupe mentioned. However, the payoff when the curtain closes makes it all worth it.
Related Links: Photo Story: The Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Cast WCU production (2018 show)
