Interactive Rocky Horror Picture Show events coming to G’ville’s State Theater Oct. 10, 23

This fall, the Ripples non-profit organization is bringing two nights of the Rocky Horror Picture Show to the historic State Theater in downtown Gainesville. Held on Oct. 10 (in conjunction with Depot Days) and Oct. 23, this fully immersive, wildly fun, and completely collaborative community event will include a live shadow cast performing alongside the film; audience callbacks, cue cards and interactive props; a costume contest before the show; and plenty of gags, surprises and unforgettable moments throughout the night. Both performances are entirely free.

The shows are presented by Ripples, a nonprofit service organization in Gainesville whose mission is to build bridges of change, one relationship at a time, that connect the people in the community to one another through shared events, programs and services. The organization works with local partners to bring their ideas to life.

Ripples first held this show last year after putting it together in just eight weeks. Last year, they held auditions in late August and opened in October to an audience of nearly 250 people. The event was such a hit they decided to hold it again this year.

“We wanted a fun, interactive, free event that the community could be a part of,” Ripples founder Tavia McMinn said. “We really like making sure people experience things and not put so much value on cost. We just want to create more connection points.”

McMinn’s hope is that events like these will inspire others to be involved. 

“It’s like we’ve seen with our park clean-up project,” she said. “After three days where we loved on our green spaces, other groups in town like the Kiwanis and Eagle Scouts started holding their own. It just proves how one small act ripples out.”

This October’s Rocky Horror Picture Show performances are for audience members aged 18 and older (unless accompanied by a parent or guardian) and are designed to be a safe, inclusive and high-energy space for the community to come together and have fun.

While the shows are free, Ripples is seeking individuals and businesses to support this event through sponsorship tiers, each with unique perks like recognition, promotional opportunities and VIP experiences.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or the Rocky Horror Picture Show event itself, visit ripplesgainesville.org