Pay to Play

Pay to play is the practice of a cast paying for the rights to show the film in a venue (as opposed to the venue taking on the financial risk if attendance is low). Sometimes this is the only way to get a local Rocky showing.

Pay to play can also refer to the performing cast having to pay for an admission ticket to the film and then performing instead of being able to watch the movie. This is sometimes due to low audience numbers. Charging the performing cast is an attempt to increase ticket sales to justify continuing showing the film. Rocky Horror does owe its longevity to Audience Participation. Performing is more of a privilege than it is a right.