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

Proceeds from ticket sales benefit journalism scholarships and professional development.

The annual spoof 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, faculty advisor for the RSO and president of the Northwest Arkansas Professional SPJ chapter. “We have first-time performers working with veterans with experience dating back to the first Gridiron show in 1978.”

One of those first-timers, Kaslyn Tidmore, a graduate student in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media, said she is surprised by how much work goes into the event.

``The show is hilarious. The writing this year is amazing. We never stop laughing during rehearsals. The people involved have such a love for the Gridiron show and its rich tradition,” said Tidmore, who plays several roles, including that of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

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

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

“Our event is for anyone who keeps up with the news – or really just wants a good laugh,” said Rusty Turner, an executive in residence at the Journalism School and director of this year’s stage production. “This is a year you don’t want to miss.”

Writing for the production began in earnest in July, and minor updates were still being made this past weekend. The writers make fun of local politics, state mishaps and national goings-on. This year, one sketch will even take you into outer space.

Tickets for the NWA Gridiron Show are between $33 and $38 and are on sale now at stubs.net. They will also be available at the door. A discount is available for students. Those interested may contact Shelton at ginas@uark.edu or 479-575-7255.

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About the Society of Professional Journalists RSO: The purpose of SPJ is to bring together the journalists of the University of Arkansas to fulfill the mission of the national SPJ, which is the dedication to the perpetuation of a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty.