What is the Gridiron Show?
Well, first of all, it has nothing to do with football!
The Northwest Arkansas Gridiron Show is a theatrical performance that spoofs local, state and national newsmakers and cultural trends of the past year in sketch and song. It is written, directed and performed by the regional Society of Professional Journalists.
In addition, it’s a very nice social event. Fans come out to see who’s going to get skewered and many of those targets are in the audience! Before the show and at intermission, refreshments are offered and you can hobnob with the cast.
How do I get tickets?
Friday and Saturday night tickets will go on sale for the public on Sept. 1. All tickets are for general admission. There are no reserved seats.
Food and drink?
Snacks and drinks are available at the show and included in the ticket price.
Where is the Theater?
The show will be at main theatre of the Jones Center in Springdale at the northwest corner of Emma Avenue and Old Missouri Road. The primary guest parking is on the north side of the theatre with additional parking on surrounding streets.
Where do I park?
Parking is easily accessed from Old Missouri Road, Emma Avenue or Huntsville Avenue. The parking surrounds the main entrance and the theater will be to your right as you go in.
Where does the money go?
The Society of Professional Journalists uses proceeds from ticket sales to fund journalism scholarships and provide professional development for students and professional journalists.
How long is the Gridiron Show?
We work really hard to make sure that neither half lasts more than 45 minutes. Of course, that depends on how much you laugh!
The show begins at 7 p.m., and with the 20-minute intermission between acts, we usually have folks out of the theater by 9 to 9:15 p.m.
Who’s in the Gridiron Show?
While our emcee is often a well known public figure, most of our cast members have worked for local newspaper, TV and radio stations, public relations agencies or are faculty, staff or students in the School of Journalism at the University of Arkansas or the journalism program at NorthWest Arkansas Community College. We also are lucky enough to get journalism students involved each year, either in front of the curtain or behind.
One thing’s for sure: If you’re a newsmaker, you won’t be on the stage, but we hope you’ll join the audience! It’s our turn.
Who writes the Gridiron Show?
Same folks as above.
How long has the local Gridiron been around?
The first Northwest Arkansas Gridiron Show was produced 48 years ago. The troupe played to packed houses from 1978-1990, then took a 13-season hiatus. We’ve been back now since 2004.