Emcee

An Emcee is the Master of Ceremonies at performances of The Rocky Horror Picture Show which feature Audience Participation, often with a Shadowcast.

Function

The Emcee might be a member of the Shadowcast, an usher, projectionist, theater manager, celebrity guest, or possibly a TV or radio personality if their station is sponsoring the show.
The Emcee welcomes the audience, explains any theater rules, encourages Audience Participation, promotes the sale of prop bags and other merchandise, and thanks any movie sponsors.
The Emcee encourages the audience to enjoy the movie, leads the audience in the Rocky Cheer, or chant "Lips!...Lips!...Lips!" to cue the projectionist to begin the film.

Duties

• Welcome and introduction
• Pre-show promotional announcements (raffle tickets, prop bags, social media, how to join cast and crew, upcoming shows, etc.)
• Reading Of The Rules
• Conduct Costume Contest
• Call for Virgins, e.g., audience may chant back, “Whatcha going to do to the virgins?" to which the Emcee may reply, “We’re going to pop some cherries tonight!”
• Virgin Pledge
• Host Virgin Games
• Introduce Any Live Acts
• Drawings (raffle tickets)
• Lead the audience in the Rocky Cheer.
• Cue Projectionist (have the audience chant "Lips!...Lips!...Lips!")
• Introduction of Shadowcast performers at end of movie with movie cast closing credit pictures
  
• Post-show announcements (raffle tickets, merchandise, social media, how to join cast and crew, solicit donations, etc.)
• Closer, i.e., meet in lobby for photos, thank the patrons for coming, etc.
• Promote the cast, e.g., "We are the The Denton High Drama Club."
• Promote the venue, upcoming shows, and other attractions.
  

According to the The Rocky Horror Picture Show Official Fan Site, "The Emcee of the show should explain the theater's rules loudly and clearly during the pre-show. The pre-show should be coordinated by the President, but should be run the Emcee, which should be the same person every week. In your pre-show you should always mention the names of the performers for that night, as well as information about how to reach your cast online, the RHPS Official Fan Club, and info about how to become a part of your cast."

Sal Piro

The most famous Rocky Horror Emcee is Rocky Horror Elder Sal Piro, President of The Rocky Horror Picture Show Official Fan Club, a position he has held since 1977. Piro was a member of the original Waverly Theater audience, and the 8th Street Players, from which many of the unique Audience Participation elements and part of the film's cult following were born. Piro is featured as Emcee in Fame, and Say It! The Rocky Horror Picture Show Audience Participation Album.

External Links

Fame [1]
Say It! The Rocky Horror Picture Show Audience Participation Album [2]
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Official Fan Site [3]