Interview: ROCKY HORROR's Erin Wasmund Talks TUTS, Magenta and the Value of 'Don't Dream It, Be It'

Since her 2011 Hobby Center debut in TUTS' production of GUYS AND DOLLS, Erin Wasmund has returned to grace the stage again and again in shows like ANNIE, WHITE CHRISTMAS, and MARY POPPINS, to name a few. The actor, singer, dancer (named one of the Houston Press' 100 Creatives in 2013) is back once more, this time to do the "time warp again" in the dual role of Magenta and the Usherette in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.

Today, the Woodlands College Park grad (which means yes, we're claiming her as our own) joins us to talk about the everlasting appeal of ROCKY HORROR and to give us some blunt, but important advice.

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Erin, first things first - are you as excited to "Time Warp" as I am to see it?

Erin Wasmund: I am so excited to do the "Time Warp" again! I never get tired of doing it. And for these characters, the "Time Warp" is like their religion, their national anthem, a piece of their home - so that importance is there as well. Can't wait to take you on our journey!

I know you've done THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW at least once before, but that was (and correct me if I'm wrong), one-night-only and in a different role. But do you remember the first time you encountered the show? What was your first impression?

Erin Wasmund: Yes, this is actually my third rodeo with THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, and I still love and live for the show. You are right, last time was here in Houston, and I played an '80s rock, edgy Columbia. But the first time was when I was a freshman in college at Florida State University studying musical theatre. I was a Phantom and understudied Magenta.

I remember seeing the movie for the first time and being surprised at the sheer sci-fi, campy, sexy weirdness. I had no idea what the show was, but the moment we got into rehearsals I loved it. Seeing a live screening for the first time was one of the most fun things too. A friend of mine made sure all us "Rocky Virgins" were marked and made us do some ridiculous things as part of the cult following. It was so much fun. And I still love going to see the screenings!

ROCKY HORROR is a show that never really goes away - the fan base seems to grow a little more rabid with the passage of time, and it's maybe even a little more relevant to young people since it's been GLEE-ified and remade on Fox. Do you expect to feel that energy from the audience when you go onstage?

Erin Wasmund: Absolutely. The movie cult-following arose from people who felt they didn't belong, or were an "other." ROCKY HORROR became a fun, safe place for people to have a sense of community. Rabid is an understatement for some fans [laughs], myself included at times! But the energy from the audience is positive, encouraging and inclusive. We all love these characters and the story and are a part of the ROCKY HORROR community.

The Usherette, in a show filled with iconic characters and songs, really sets the stage (literally and figuratively) with "Science Fiction/Double Feature." How does it feel to be the one who introduces the show every night?

Erin Wasmund: Oh my gosh, it's a dream. First off, what an honor to sing the song Patricia Quinn's lips (the original Magenta/Usherette on stage and screen) do in the movie. There is so much love of the sci-fi genre in the show and in that song in particular. The Usherette and I definitely have that in common - I am a huge DOCTOR WHO and ALIEN fan, and that's just scratching the surface [laughs]. But more than that, the song is also a way of bringing people into this world where "others" are welcome and safe and can be themselves.

How would you describe this production of ROCKY HORROR? How does your Magenta, both in personality and style, fit in?

Erin Wasmund: Honestly, when I read the script, this is the version of the show I see in my head - even after all the times I have done and seen it. I am so honored and thankful to be a part of this production. The entire creative team has been on the same wavelength about the story we are telling and the characters and lives they lead Mitchell Greco [director] and Kristin Warren [choreographer] have been great leaders and have let us actors really get to explore and play. The costumes by Colleen Grady and hair by Jeff Knaggs are incredible and vibrant.

As to my Magenta, she is my Magenta. And I love her. She is focused, intelligent, terrifying, intimidating, and always sexually engaged. And she always sees everything that is happening. It goes hand in hand with the storytelling. The play is ridiculously fun, of course, but these characters always have a plan and a reason why they are where they are, and it's rewarding as an actor to explore and nail it all down.

You've had experience in several different mediums - theater (of course), film, web series, etc. - and training in different disciplines. How do you think this range helps you as a performer? What does this production in particular call on you to know?

Erin Wasmund: It has helped me with specificity and storytelling. Knowing what it is your character wants and, more importantly, needs, is so crucial. Even in a campy musical, we as actors still need to play the scene and live truthfully as the characters, however weird. I have been doing a lot of film lately so it's great to be back on stage and in a musical, especially one so dear to my heart.

And finally, what is the best advice anyone has ever given you?

Erin Wasmund: I know you may have to censor this [laughs], but the one piece of advice someone gave me was from my acting coach Mykle McCoslin [THE ASTRONAUT WIVES CLUB, commercials]. She once asked us, in regards to our lives and art, "Why the fuck else are we here?" Which is to say, why else are we on this earth but to share our art and live our dreams? I love that this ties in with our show too, with "don't dream it, be it." The show is about giving into your deepest desires, and as humans, we struggle with that. Our lives are so short, and we are on this planet for so little time, why else are we here but to live and do that which sets us on fire?

And also, never let anyone stop you from being you. No matter what.

If you're in the mood for some campy escapism (and let's face it, who isn't), check out TUTS' production of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, running now through November 20 at The Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. Tickets are $39 to $89, with a special VIP experience available (including cabaret-style seating, an autographed Playbill, audience interaction and post-show photo-op) starting at $139. Official prop bags, plus audience participation instructions for "Rocky Virgins," will also be available with a $5 donation to the TUTS Annual Fund. For more information, call 713-558-8887 or visit tuts.com.

And for more information on the lovely Erin Wasmund, please visit her website at erinwasmund.com.

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