WEST LIBERTY, W. Va. – This past week, I sat down with the director of WLU’s theatre program, Michael Aulick, to talk with him about his new production of “The Rocky Horror Show,” coming to the Kelly Theater at the end of October.

This version of the show will include the use of modern gender identity and sexuality ideology, but no change in any of the original script: just a ‘fresh’ concept.

When I asked him about bringing this classic to the stage in a new light, Aulick said he wanted to “let students who were trans/non-binary have a say,” even identifying that the student he chose for Dr. Frank-in-Furter is non-binary. 

We then talked about how the topic of gender identity can be considered sensitive or controversial. Aulick said that he wants to present this show differently than before and see it as a celebration of identity and sexual exploration.

Aulick, who used to be vice-chair at the Kennedy Center, decided to pick this production to figure out if this type of exploration is beneficial for both theater training and choosing shows he and his cast and crew want to put on in the future.

When I asked how he would give constructive feedback to his production crew, he said he only wanted them to “understand the characters each cast member plays.” In terms of creative differences, an actor’s perception of their character’s role and identity, and the way an actor chooses to handle more intimate scenes, were common. He wanted to make sure that everyone was comfortable, no matter their role.

Finally, with thoughts on the production itself, Aulick confirmed that the biggest quality of having a successful production is availability, always being on time and ready. 

Right now, Aulick and his team are still in the early stages of production, but we can still get excited for what’s to come. This Halloween, experience the craziness of “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” beginning October 30th through November 3rd at the Kelly Theater in the Fine Arts Building.