The Gridiron Show opens this Friday and Saturday to have fun while supporting journalism scholarship

The 2024 Northwest Arkansas Gridiron Show, sponsored by the student and professional chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists, will be held Friday and Saturday, Oct. 11 and 12, at 7 p.m. at The Medium Theater in downtown Springdale, 214 S. Main St., listed.

Proceeds from ticket sales benefit journalism scholarships and professional development.

The annual parody of the year’s news events is a sketch comedy written and performed by journalism professors, students, alumni and local reporters.

“This is a chance to support local journalism and just have a good time,” said Gina Shelton, RSO faculty advisor and president of the Northwest Arkansas Professional SPJ chapter. “We have first-time artists working with veterans whose experience dates back to the first Gridiron show in 1978.”

One of those newcomers, Kaslyn Tidmore, a graduate student in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media, said she was surprised at how much work went into the event.

“The show is hilarious.” The writing this year is amazing. We never stop laughing during rehearsals. “Those involved love the Gridiron show and its rich tradition so much,” said Tidmore, who plays multiple roles, including Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

The theme, “No Country for Ye Olde Men,” references one of this year’s big sketches, the presidential race. Doors open at 6 p.m. for refreshments and seating. The show starts at 7 p.m. All places are reserved. Parking is free.

The moderator is John Davis, director of the David and Barbara Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History and associate professor of political science.

“Our event is for anyone who wants to stay informed – or just have fun,” said Rusty Turner, executive in residence at the journalism school and director of this year’s stage production. “This is a year not to be missed.”

Writing for production began in earnest in July, and minor updates were made this past weekend. The authors poke fun at local politics, government mishaps, and national events. This year, one sketch even takes you into space.

Tickets for the NWA Gridiron Show are priced between $33 and $38 and are available now from stubs.net. They will also be available at the door. There is a discount for students. Interested parties can contact Shelton at [email protected] or 479-575-7255.

About the Society of Professional Journalists RSO: The purpose of the SPJ is to bring together University of Arkansas journalists to fulfill the national SPJ’s mission of maintaining a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our freedom.