MANSFIELD—On October 29, the Renaissance Theatre aims to cure many fans’ “antici…pation” as they show their annual screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This will be the second year in a row that the cult classic film screens in Mansfield and the staff of the Renaissance hope it will become a yearly tradition.
“Since the pandemic, the staff is more focused on the mission and community-based programming,” said Renaissance Theatre Operations Manager, Ryan Shealy. “The conversion has turned to our community, and who we needed to program for. We pride ourselves on having something for everyone and Rocky Horror speaks to a different audience.”
Last October was the first time the Renaissance had screened the film in almost a decade. Prop bags were handed out, costumes were worn, and squirt guns from the balcony simulated a rainstorm. “Even with a pandemic, we had a great turn out and everyone wanted it to come back,” Shealy said.
This is just a small part of the Ren’s push to create opportunities for tradition in the community. “Part of our mission statement is to create ‘memorable experiences, and we want to be that place for people,” President Chelsie Thompson says. “We want patrons to remember the first time they sang carols with the symphony at Holiday Pops or took the kids to our annual summer musical and want to relive that experience every year.”
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a Halloween tradition in many areas of the US and is often presented with a live “shadow cast” who perform along with the film. While the Ren’s showing of Rocky Horror won’t feature live performers, don’t count that out for the future. “As long as people keep showing up, the sky’s the limit,” said Shealy. “We have many talented performers in our productions and I’m sure they would jump at the chance.”
Until then, The Renaissance is counting on the audience to bring the house down. “We want everyone to feel safe and feel like they can really get into it. Yell at the screen, dress up, and don’t be afraid to let their freak flag fly.”
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is part of the Techman Sales Film Series. Tickets are just $13 and are now on sale at Renaissance Theatre for the October 29 screening at 8:00 PM. For more information visit the Ren’s website at https://bit.ly/RHPSPR
The Renaissance is a performing arts presenter and historic theater located at 138 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, Ohio. Looking for Things to Do in Mansfield? Visit the Ren’s website at rentickets.org to check out their other great events or contact renaissance@mansfieldtickets.com for events, tours, arts, culture, and more. For behind-the-scenes videos and more visit the Renaissance Theatre’s YouTube Channel.