GovState celebrates camp and community this Halloween with The Rocky Horror Picture Show & John Waters
By Jane Cox, Cultural Marketing Director, Guest Writer
This Halloween season, The Center for Performing Arts (The Center) at Governors State University (GovState) is celebrating with cult cinema, campus talent, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for students. The Center for Performing Arts hosts two iconic events that put GovState alumni, faculty, staff, and students front and center.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a GovState Twist
On Saturday, October 25 at 8 p.m., The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns for its third annual shadow cast performance at The Center—just in time for the film’s 50th anniversary. This glitter-soaked tradition is made extra special by the many GovState faces involved:
- Alex Pavloski, GovState alumna, as Janet
- Dr. Katherine Carl, GovState Assistant Professor of Business Analytics and Management Information Systems, as Columbia and Trixie
- Tracey Offett, GovState staff member, as Riff-Raff
- Maya Shelton, GovState alumna and staff member, emceeing the night
- Directed by Jane Cox, GovState staff member
A pre-show costume contest and official audience participation kits guarantee an interactive, multigenerational night of fun. Families, students, and alumni alike will be doing the “Time Warp” together in the aisles.
Tickets: $20 | $10 for students
Reserve at govst.edu/RockyHorror2025
John Waters: Camp Legend Meets GovState Students
The Halloween festivities continue on Halloween night—Friday, October 31 at 8 p.m., when filmmaker and “Pope of Trash” John Waters arrives for A Live Director’s Commentary and Screening of Serial Mom. Waters will narrate his outrageous 1994 cult satire in real time, followed by a post-show Q&A.
Thanks to the GovState Intellectual Life Grant, GovState students have exclusive access:
- The first 50 students who reserve will receive one free ticket
- These students will also have first opportunity to attend a post-show meet and greet with John Waters
Reservations must be made in person, by phone (708-235-2222), or via this form.
Box Office Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Thu: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Additional student tickets: $20 | General tickets: $39–$84
Reserve at govst.edu/JohnWaters
“These events embody the wild, the weird, and the wonderful,” says Jane Cox, Cultural Marketing Director at The Center. “It’s about celebrating GovState’s own alumni, faculty, and staff on stage, while giving students unparalleled access to one of film’s most legendary voices. It’s the ultimate Halloween on campus.”