LIPS: Rocky Horror at House of Yes
October 2023–Present | House of Yes, NYC

LIPS: Rocky Horror at HoY! is a bold, high-camp, high-glam reinterpretation of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, adapted exclusively for the immersive stage and capabilities of House of Yes. Conceptualized and pitched on my very first day working at HoY!, this production has grown into a sold-out, annual tradition that continues to expand in scale, spectacle, and cultural relevance each year.

This full-scale stage show fuses aerial arts, immersive staging, queer expression, and rock musical mayhem into an unforgettable theatrical experience — drawing packed houses, rave reviews, and even a personal shoutout from Little Nell, the original Columbia.

My Role

Creator & Director
Executive Producer
Creative Lead
Casting Director
Showrunner
Script Adapter

Creative Concept

LIPS was born from a single overnight creative frenzy: the night before I officially started at House of Yes, I stayed up adapting the entire Rocky Horror screenplay to the venue’s unique capabilities — dreaming up how to stage each iconic scene with immersive, aerial, and interactive elements.

From the very beginning, my goal was to elevate the story through the strengths of our performers and our space. I completely reimagined the “Sword of Damocles” number, reworking Rocky’s birth to center the skill set of our aerialist. This scene has since become a signature moment that changes every year to highlight the talents of each new cast member.

This wasn’t just a restaging — it was a complete reinterpretation of a queer classic through the House of Yes lens.

Scope of Work

• Conceptualized the entire show and pitched to executive team on Day One at HoY!

• Adapted the full Rocky Horror script for stage with venue-specific blocking and scene transitions

• Directed and cast the entire show, tailoring roles to the talents of NYC’s top drag, burlesque, circus, and musical theater performers

• Collaborated with lighting, costume, set, and aerial rigging designers to create seamless and impactful stage visuals

• Oversaw rehearsals, blocking, creative development, and full performance timeline

• Directed creative for promotional materials, voiceover, and teaser videos

• Managed performer scheduling, tech logistics, and overall production budget

• Directed live performances and worked closely with talent to shape character arcs within our immersive interpretation

Impact & Results

• Completely sold out opening year — every single show

• Quickly became an annual flagship production for House of Yes

• Expanded show schedule due to overwhelming demand

• Received personal recognition from Little Nell, original Columbia from the film

• Established HoY! as a Halloween destination for immersive, narrative-driven theater

• Helped bridge the gap between nightlife and stage performance for new audiences

• Built a show that evolves creatively every year, allowing for recurring attendance and seasonal anticipation