I lost my virginity last Saturday night…my “Rocky Horror Picture Show” virginity, that is.

Halloween weekend was the perfect time for me to attend my first “Rocky Horror Picture Show” viewing. Being a theatre major, I have seen the movie at least 20 times but not with a live audience and the oh-so-infamous callouts.

It all started when I saw an advertisement for the Mansfield Renaissance’s midnight showing of the film. At first, I couldn’t find anyone who wanted to go with me, but luckily I found some people who decided to tag along.

Then I had to decide what to wear. I didn’t have enough time to make a costume as one of the characters, so I just decided to create my own. My creation was a Tim Burton-style, punk rock version of “The Bride of Frankenstein.”

Once I got to the theatre, I saw that there was no one dressed up. I figured “How could this be?” as these showings are known for having people wear outrageous costumes. I went to go get my ticket and the lady at the window said there were plenty of people dressed up inside, making me feel a little better.

It was when I went into the theater that I fully realized that at “Rocky Horror,” you can dress up as absolutely anything you want. At the showing there was Wayne and Garth, Kiss, Madonna, the Joker and Harley Quinn. It’s a definite excuse to go crazy.

The part of the showing that I was most unprepared for was the callouts and the props you had to bring. The callouts were actually pretty easy to follow along to because a lot of people make them up as you go along. With a movie this open, it’s really not that hard.

Luckily, they sold us some prop bags, though getting rice, water and toast thrown at you is not always the best. It was fun for a while but, at these events, it’s better to try and be courteous to others. I really did feel bad for all the people who had to clean up because there was rice, toilet paper, toast, cards and newspaper all over the floor. I just hope they get paid extra.

These live gatherings were obviously not around when these midnight showings started, but I’m glad that they are around today. “Rocky Horror” gives people a chance to really break out of their shell and just have fun. For those who have not experienced “Rocky Horror” live, I highly recommend it because you will not believe how much fun you can have enjoying something that has such an eclectic fan base.