The Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps ( ROTC ) Chicago is an energetic, charismatic all-male volunteer visual performance ensemble. They perform unique rifle performances locally and at a few LGBT events nationally.
But don't think the smiles on the faces of ROTC stars hide the truth.
"It takes a lot of skill and coordination to chuck a five-pound piece of wood in the air and catching it without hitting your eye or busting your lip," said John Tebault, 30, who lives in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood and has been a ROTC member since 2006.
"We're just out there to have a good time [ and ] entertain. We come from all different backgrounds; we have university professors, flight attendants, secretaries, business managers, etc. It's a group with a very diverse background that's able to come together, work together and entertain the local community, as well as throughout the world."
The 2009 ROTC season kicks off this month and features 25 members, including Interim Director Michael Vaughn, who replaces Rhett Lindsay.
ROTC Chicago will perform this summer at Andersonville Midsommarfest, Proud To Run, Chicago Pride, Indianapolis Pride, Northalsted Market Days, the Bank of America Marathon and the Dallas Pride Parade, among other shows.
Members range in age from 20s to 50s and several have previous color guard experience, having performed with drum and bugle corps. All have spent countless hours since early February practicing and performing their flamboyant, physical, creative, and campy routines.
"The season's looking great," Tebault said. "This year, we're featuring a very up-to-date song and also doing a new stand-still routine, which [ incorporates ] an older song from the past."
ROTC Chicago will offer its unique take this summer on Bend & Snap from Legally Blonde.
"Look for the different faces, the different creations that we're doing," said Tebault, who is an advertising specialist and a member of the group's five-person governing board. "This year's team is as strong as ever, including several former members of marching drum corps."
Tebault, for instance, is a former member of The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps. Others in the group have performed with the Suncoast Sound Drum & Bugle Corps and the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps, among other groups.
ROTC Chicago was founded in 1994 and performed at Millennium Park for the Gay Games in 2006.
ROTC Chicago will host its third annual Armed & Fabulous event, "Dames Behind Bars," Saturday, June 6, at 8 p.m. See www.ROTCChicago.org .