All around Nick Edwards, actors and actresses applied makeup, changed into provocative and downright strange costumes, and rehearsed lines one final time. It was the final hour before the team presented The Rocky Horror Picture Show on October 28 at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

The annual performance – now in its 23rd year – is a Halloween tradition for the university’s student-run theatre group, 20 Cent Fiction. A silent cast acts out the 1975 film playing behind them, and enthusiastic fans in the audience shout back at the film. The show chronicles the exploits of a newlywed couple who stumble into the lair of a mad scientist.

“It’s so different from what I was used to,” said Edwards. As the show’s director, he spent six weeks rehearsing with a cast of about two dozen actors and actresses. “It’s the music and campy fun.”

Gabriella Barthe sat at a makeshift make-up booth as she finished getting into character. The senior took on the starring role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the mad scientist from an alien planet. She repeatedly watched the film in addition to her regular rehearsals to prepare for her role.

“It’s fun to do my dance at the end,” Barthe said, referring to the final dance of the night, which takes place on the stage floor and invites audience members to dance.

Bill Hanley was ready for the show in just 30 minutes, as his role as Rocky required the least amount of makeup and clothing – can you say golden underpants? – of any cast member for a majority of the show.

The senior started out as a stagehand for the show in his freshman year, and decided to pursue a role after he discovered his love of acting.

“The best part of the show is the audience participation,” Hanley said. “I am so excited to get people in on it.”

He added that his toughest costume change includes being wrapped in paper before his grand unveiling – or unwrapping – in the show.

Other opportunities to celebrate Halloween with the quirky cast include an 11:59 p.m. showing on October 29, and 8 p.m. showings on October 30 and 31 at the university.