Audiences are invited to be thrilled and chilled this Tuesday and Wednesday in downtown Statesboro as a nationwide tradition continues with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is  is a cult classic that has become an American tradition.

“The best way to describe it is a movie that was made in 1975. It was horrible,” Bob Peterson, the director of this year’s show, said. “It went over horrible, but then picked up that cult following in the early eighties, and yeah, now we’re here.”

On top of directing, Peterson is also playing one of the leads, Riff Raff, a butler in the castle.

The show features actors who shadow-cast the movie, while audience members become part of the show with various things to shout out. Participants also receive prop bags to throw items during certain cues.

“There’s nothing like seeing four hundred people throw toilet paper, or put on party hats or even dancing at the same time,” Peterson said. “I’m expecting a good year because I pretty much have my all-stars.”

This year “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” veterans, who have done the show many times, play the leads.

“I think Magenta is a really fun character to play,” Megan Bowen, who is playing the role of Magenta, a maid in Frank’s castle, said. “She’s a bit all over the place; it’s super fun because every time she’s on stage she’s making the craziest faces. She’s probably the most out-there of the female characters.”

The show is notorious for its insane characters and plot line

“I can be totally over the top crazy,” Charlie Bowen, who is taking on the lead role of Frank-N-Furter, said. “It’s totally acceptable.”

Guests are encouraged to dress up for the event. Anything from a Halloween costume to lingerie is acceptable.

“We have everyone dress up in costume,” Peterson said.

Guests are also encouraged to get there early for the pre-show.

“We usually have somewhat of a pre-show, which is the virgin sacrifice,” Peterson said.

The term “virgins” refers to those brave audience members who have never been to a live Rocky Horror showing. To lose their “virginity” they must participate in the virgin sacrifice. Details about what happens during this are normally secret but Peterson’s advice is: don’t be scared, everyone has had to do it.

Bowen said, “Be open minded, you know we’re going to have fun and do virgin games, but it’s not going to scar them. It’s all in good fun, enjoy the moment.”

The event will be held at the Averitt Center for the Arts. Tickets are $7 at the door. The theatre opens at 7:30 p.m., the show begins at 8 p.m.