The set for the McPherson Theatre production of The Rocky Horror Show

The Rocky Horror Set Design Lights Up the Stage at Illinois Wesleyan

October 1, 2004

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. –- From tiny detailed shingles, to carefully painted drops, and textured roof gutters, attention to detail is a key element that helps the set design of The Rocky Horror Show stand out amongst the gold lamè bikini underwear and fishnet costumes that will dance across the stage at Illinois Wesleyan University.

A production of The Rocky Horror Show will run on Oct. 5-9 at 8 p.m. as well as on Sunday Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. at the university. There will also be special late-night performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 10:30 p.m. in the McPherson Theatre, 2 Ames Plaza East, Bloomington.

The undertaking of such a huge production in both fan followings and show recognition such as The Rocky Horror Show challenges a theatre department in every way, especially in its set design which must still be similar to the recognized designs from the film version.

Many set designers feel “horror, fear, and trepidation” when asked to put on a production of The Rocky Horror Show, said Illinois Wesleyan’s scenic designer Curtis Trout. The movie, which has a huge cult following, has grown in popularity since its first production in 1973, and “any deviation from the cinematic version receives harsh disapproval,” said Trout.

However, this year’s set design differs from the designs of years past at Illinois Wesleyan. “The amount of detail we’ve put on these structures baffles me,” said technical director Armie Thompson. Each piece of the stage has so much detail, it sets it apart from the others. However, the detail of the designs does not clutter the imagery on stage, said Thompson, because most of the set plays an interactive part in the show. A particularly good example of this is the “laboratory” where the Rocky Horror comes alive. Complete with plasma lamps and pyrotechnics, this set piece automatically draws the audience’s attention. Although the structures are relatively minimal, said Thompson, “this one is more about the icing than the cake, because there’s not much cake!”

This year, the first-year students, in particular, working behind the scenes have the opportunity to learn how to use fine points in designing a set. “Since the show focuses on the smaller elements of the stage, rather than large structures, the set design requires students to ‘step up’ to the demands of the show,” said Thompson. “It is time-consuming to work on every little detail and if it were not for the team effort of the students, it would be difficult to finish the show on time.

“Every day a student teaches me something new, and I teach them something new as well,” said Thompson. “I say to them, Here we go guys! Grab your bootstraps ‘cause we’re going! We’re not stopping!”

Tickets are $8.00 for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and the Sunday matinee and $10.00 for Friday and Saturday performances. Tickets are $1.00 for students with a valid I.D. To reserve tickets, call (309) 556-3232.