Back Row Productions
The original Charleston’s Absent Friends
Original Name
Did you know the original name for the cast was Back Row Productions? The cast has since been renamed to Charleston’s Absent Friends.
Back Row Productions
We were born from a small group of regulars who always sat in the “back row". Maybe we needed something more than yelling lines at the screen or throwing toilet paper around or maybe we just got tired of putting on makeup and costumes to sit in the back row and not be seen. Regardless of why it happened, we are here!
We made the jump from rowdy audience members to cast members at the June 1, 2002 showing when we sacrificed our first virgins and began acting out parts of the movie. Our goal is to bring the Rocky Horror theater experience to as many people as possible by putting on a screen accurate performance while still having fun.
The Back Page
There was a monthly newsletter released at each show that BRP hosted! Here are a few to the left.
Earliest Documented Business Cards
Check out the earliest business cards for the cast we have record of from the early 2000s!
First Documented Cast Photo
Here is the Earliest Cast photo we can find!
Old Show Fliers
Check out some cool flyers from BRP!
Charleston’s Absent Friends
“Modern” Day History
New Name
In 2018 the cast was renamed to Charleston’s Absent friends, and the cast started to rapidly grow.
New leadership
Cast leadership has been passed to Jules from Jody and since 2020 Jules has been cast president (unofficially until the cast became an official non-profit and she was named the official cast president).
Modern Challenges
Recently after taking over cast the world halted with the start of covid. CAF overcame it after only stopping shows for a short amount of time before continuing outdoor performances.
Barry Bostwick
Charleston’s Absent Friend’s biggest event with new leadership. The asshole himself, Barry Bostwick, made an appearance at the Terrace Theatre and we’ve had such an amazing time!
Non-Profit
After lots of time, and hard work the cast has been officially filed as a 501(C)(3) non-profit! Opening us up to so many new opportunities to help create our lovely community.
Inaugural Board
The first Board has been hand selected, with the assistance of everyone in the cast / crew to help get the non-profit up and running.
Princess Bride
For the first time in cast history, BRP & CAF, the cast performed a show other than The Rocky Horror Picture Show. During Atomacon in May of 2024, the cast shadowed The Princess Bride. Opening up the cast to more performances and more shows to offer the community.
Our Logo
Did you know this logo was hand drawn by our amazing RHPS Stage Manager?
This logo was created as a memorial image of the late TJ. TJ was a founding member of the cast, and has since passed away.
