Audition Dates for 2026 Season:
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Director & Audition NotesThis production will be directed by Chance Harmon. The show will be music directed by E. Dwayne Moore and choreographed by Hannah Smith.
Auditions for "The Rocky Horror Show" will be on Sunday, July 19th at 3 PM, and Monday, July 20th at 6 PM! You do not need to attend both days, but it is recommended! If needed, callbacks will be on Tuesday, July 21st at 6 PM. |
Performance Dates
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Show Synopsis
Sweethearts Brad Majors and Janet Weiss find themselves stranded on a dark and stormy night after their car breaks down. Seeking help, they stumble upon the bizarre castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a sweet transvestite from Transylvania.
What follows is a wild night filled with eccentric characters, unexpected revelations, rock-and-roll anthems, and more fishnets than anyone could have anticipated!
Featuring beloved songs such as "Science Fiction/Double Feature," "Dammit Janet," "Sweet Transvestite," and "The Time Warp," The Rocky Horror Show is a celebration of individuality, self-expression, and embracing what makes us unique.
What follows is a wild night filled with eccentric characters, unexpected revelations, rock-and-roll anthems, and more fishnets than anyone could have anticipated!
Featuring beloved songs such as "Science Fiction/Double Feature," "Dammit Janet," "Sweet Transvestite," and "The Time Warp," The Rocky Horror Show is a celebration of individuality, self-expression, and embracing what makes us unique.
Performer Comfort & Safety
The Rocky Horror Show does contain mature themes, suggestive humor, physical intimacy, and moments of staged physical contact.
At Backdoor Theatre, creating a safe, respectful, and supportive rehearsal and performance environment is a top priority. We want every performer to feel comfortable, heard, and valued throughout the process!
Any intimacy, physical contact, or potentially sensitive staging will be discussed in advance and choreographed intentionally with clear communication between Backdoor staff, the director, and performers. Questions, concerns, and conversations about comfort levels are always welcome!
We also recognize that Rocky Horror is known for its bold and unique costumes. While costumes will reflect the style and spirit of the show, we will work with each performer to have costume options that are appropriate for their role while respecting individual comfort levels. No performer will be asked to wear something that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
Auditioning for this production does not mean you are agreeing to every possible staging or costume choice! We encourage open and honest communication so that together we can create a production that is fun, memorable, and respectful for everyone involved!
At Backdoor Theatre, creating a safe, respectful, and supportive rehearsal and performance environment is a top priority. We want every performer to feel comfortable, heard, and valued throughout the process!
Any intimacy, physical contact, or potentially sensitive staging will be discussed in advance and choreographed intentionally with clear communication between Backdoor staff, the director, and performers. Questions, concerns, and conversations about comfort levels are always welcome!
We also recognize that Rocky Horror is known for its bold and unique costumes. While costumes will reflect the style and spirit of the show, we will work with each performer to have costume options that are appropriate for their role while respecting individual comfort levels. No performer will be asked to wear something that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
Auditioning for this production does not mean you are agreeing to every possible staging or costume choice! We encourage open and honest communication so that together we can create a production that is fun, memorable, and respectful for everyone involved!
Audition Information
Audition materials will be available soon! We recommend signing up for auditions now. We will email everyone once the materials are up!
Character Descriptions
All are welcome to audition, no matter how you identify! Character ages are flexible for this production and may differ from traditional casting! All performers cast will be age 50+!
- Dr. Frank-N-Furter - Baritone - A charismatic, larger-than-life scientist from Transylvania. Confident, theatrical, seductive, and completely unapologetic. Frank drives much of the action and requires a strong performer comfortable commanding the stage.
- Janet Weiss - Mezzo Soprano - Sweet, innocent, and optimistic...or at least she starts that way! Janet experiences one of the show's biggest transformations as she discovers new confidence and independence.
- Brad Majors - Bari-Tenor - Janet's clean-cut and somewhat conservative fiancé. Well-meaning, earnest, and often bewildered by the strange events unfolding around him.
- Riff Raff - Tenor - A mysterious servant in Frank-N-Furter's castle. Quirky, unsettling, and observant. Riff Raff serves as both participant and commentator throughout the story.
- Magenta - Mezzo Soprano - Riff Raff's sister and fellow servant. Sharp-witted, mischievous, and fiercely loyal. A strong comedic role with plenty of personality.
- Columbia - Mezzo Soprano - An energetic groupie with a big heart and even bigger emotions. Columbia is fun-loving, expressive, and one of the show's most memorable characters.
- Rocky - Tenor - Frank-N-Furter's newly created "perfect" man. Physically expressive with limited dialogue. Rocky should be comfortable conveying emotion through movement and stage presence.
- Eddie - Baritone - A rebellious former delivery boy whose arrival turns the castle upside down.
- Dr. Scott - Bariton - A scientist and investigator searching for answers.
- Narrator - Nonsinging role - Guides the audience through the story with wit, charm, and a sense of playful authority. Strong storytelling skills and comedic timing are important.
- Phantoms / Ensemble - All vocal ranges - The castle's inhabitants and party guests. Ensemble members sing, dance, and help create the unique world of the show. There are many opportunities for featured moments throughout the show!
Ready to sign up? Click the button below!
Audition FAQ's
What is the overall audition process like
The process is different for straight plays versus musicals, and may also depend on who is directing the show. All auditions include an introduction to the Director and committee members, and all participants fill out an audition form. Audition lengths can vary depending on the number of people who come. Familiarize yourself with the play/musical you are auditioning for before you come to the auditions. We recommend keeping an eye on this page and our Facebook page for more information on each aduition session!
What are Musical auditions like and how do you prepare?
Musical auditions are usually made up of three parts: choreography, vocals, and scene reading (reading from the script of the show). However, some musicals do not contain choreography so this section may be omitted from the audition process.
- Choreography: The choreographer will teach the group a routine. You then perform it as a group. You can prepare for this portion by watching videos of other productions of the show ahead of time. This will expose you to the type of choreography you will be taught.
- Vocals: You're encouraged to bring a 16 to 32 bar (30-45 sec.) cut from a song in the style of the show. We provide an accompanist and there is a speaker available if you have tracked music. If you do not bring your own music cut, the musical director or accompanist will teach the group a portion of a song from the show. You will then be called up to perform this song individually or as a group. The best way to prepare for this is to listen to the soundtrack for the show ahead of time.
- Scene Readings: Portions from the script will be distributed to participants, you normally receive lines for the part you are auditioning for, sometimes the director will hand you different part to ascertain your range as an actor. The best way to prepare for this is to read the script ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the character you wish to portray.
What are Straight Play auditions like and how do you prepare?
Straight play auditions consist of scene readings. Occasionally, a play can demand a certain type of movement so there may be a portion of the evening in which the director will work with you to see how well you can move and adapt to the needs of the script.
- Scene Readings: Portions from the script will be distributed to participants, you normally receive lines for the part you are auditioning. Sometimes the director will hand you different part to ascertain your range as an actor. The best way to prepare for this is to read the script ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the character you wish to portray.
Who casts the show?
A deliberative body called the casting committee. The committee is made up of the director, choreographer (if applicable), and guests who are experienced in theatre arts. The casting committee acts as a sounding board and another set of eyes and ears for the director who makes the final decisions.
How do you make your decisions on who to cast?
- Availability- Rehearsal is incredibly important. If your schedule inhibits you from attending rehearsals you may not be cast. This will be clarified at the beginning of auditions, and included on your audition form.
- Talent- Vocal ability and acting.
- Physicality- Some roles require specific looks, accents, age, etc. Some shows require specific dance choreography/movement.
- Chemistry- When casting, the committee is required to look at the cast as a whole and see how and IF you fit into that puzzle. For example, You may be right for Role A & B, but if you are cast as Role A, there may not be someone for Role B. You may be cast as Role B if there is a second option for Role A.
How do you find out why you were cast, or not cast, for the part you wanted?
Backdoor Theatre is a teaching theatre. We encourage all participants to reach out and ask this question. We will provide constructive feedback on how you can improve your skills. Please email us by using the form on this page.
Do you need to have experience to try out?
Not at all! We will teach you what you need to know. However, you are expected to be familiar with the show and material. Please email [email protected] to receive a script for the show. If you are trying out for a musical, familiarize yourself with the songs.
What do I wear to auditions?
Whatever your comfortable in and closed toe shoes. If your audition involves dancing, bring appropriate footwear and wear clothing you can move around in.
Do I need to come to both nights of auditions
It's not required but encouraged.
What do I do if I don't get cast
There are several reasons you might not get cast. Please reach out and ask for constructive feedback. Come to more auditions, and don't give up! Being a part of a Backdoor production is an experience you will never forget. If you don't get cast, we also suggest asking the director about being apart of the Tech Crew!
Does Backdoor Theatre precast shows
On a rare occasion, some parts may be precast. This will be listed in character descriptions on this page and all audition announcements.
What about callbacks?
When referring to callbacks, we may not always need everyone to read or sing again. This does not mean that you are not being considered for a role or not cast. The Casting Committee makes the decision on callbacks for various reason.