NWA Gridiron Show Pokes Fun While Aiding Journalism Scholarships

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From left: Katherine Shurlds, a former professor of journalism, leads a spoof of "Mother Russia" during a 2018 performance, with Andrea Elvir, Alex Golden, Heath Anderson, Sarah Warnock, Andrew Epperson and Nathan Owens.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The student and professional chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists will bring the 2022 Northwest Arkansas Gridiron Show, "Keep Fayetteville Funny (and NWA, too)" to the Butterfield Trail Village Performance Hall stage at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5.

Tickets are still available through the Gridiron website.

The show pokes fun with its comedy sketches at state, local and national politics as well as cultural trends. This is the first time the show has been performed in Fayetteville since the 1980s.

"We were lucky enough to book the Butterfield Trail Village Performance Hall," said Gina Shelton, the U of A chapter adviser. "It has seating for 250, a large parking area and is home to many of the people who have supported the Gridiron Show through the seasons. We're really looking forward to performing at Butterfield."

The show is sponsored by the student chapter and the regional professional chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists to provide scholarships for students in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Arkansas. The show includes students, faculty and alumni of the school as well as professional journalists who volunteer their time to entertain.

Proceeds are put toward student scholarships and ongoing professional development for journalists.

"It's a great way for members of the Northwest Arkansas community to support university students and have fun at the same time," said Charlie Alison, assistant director. "We're excited to be back on stage."

This will be the 40th stage production of the show. During the last two years, performances were done via video segments in 2020 and as a radio podcast in 2021 due to COVID.