In this instance, the “Gridiron” term is not a reference to football. Instead, it refers to the common cooking griddle often used in frying bacon and making pancakes. In our case, elected officials and other public figures, as well as pop-culture and sports icons are verbally “grilled” or “griddled” in a live-theater production set to songs and skits with highly irreverent comedic intent.
It is governed by the Tulsa Gridiron Educational and Charitable Trust which comprises a dozen members who serve rotating terms of three years. The Trust is headed by a chair who is elected from among the Trust members. The members have varying professional backgrounds including news reporters, public relations practitioners, accountants, IT professionals, sales, and others. The Trust is designated a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit by the Internal Revenue Service.
No. Organizationally, the Tulsa Gridiron and the Tulsa Press Club are unaffiliated and have separate governance structures. They do share similar missions, however. Each exists, in part, to promote high standards in professional journalism and the exercise of free speech.
Yes. Its mission is to support free speech and political and social commentary. It does so by contributing proceeds from the Gridiron show to support college scholarships for journalism and communications students.
It is an annual event held in the spring.
The Tulsa Gridiron’s inaugural performance was in 1933.
The show is written by a number of Tulsans volunteering their time and talents to create fresh, original humor.
The show typically has about 30 songs, several of which also incorporate brief, humorous skits.
The Tulsa Gridiron provides money to support existing scholarships for journalism and communications students offered by local colleges and universities. Those educational institutions are responsible for administering their own programs and awarding scholarships to students.
Yes. Sponsorships are available at a variety of levels. While the Gridiron show provides a great time for the audience, it’s also a worthy cause. As a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit, the Tulsa Gridiron contributes to scholarships offered by local universities and colleges for aspiring young practitioners of the First Amendment.
Your sponsorship of the Tulsa Gridiron can help us continue our many decades-long endeavor to further the great American tradition of political humor and social commentary, and to support a free press.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Randy Krehbiel, Gridiron chair, randy.krehbiel@tulsaworld.com, 918-581-8365.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.tulsapac.com, in person at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center box office, or by calling the PAC ticket office, 918-596-7111. From outside Tulsa, call 1-800-364-7111. Tickets are also available at area Reasor’s store locations.
General admission seating is $25; individual seats at cabaret tables are $50.
There are some special deals on tickets: General admission tickets are available at $20 apiece for groups of eight or more; VIP cabaret tables (preferred table position, bottled wine at table) are available for $500 each. Call the Tulsa Performing Arts Center ticket office, 918-596-7109, to purchase group seating or VIP cabaret tables.
Contact the Tulsa Gridiron Trust:
PO Box 14506
Tulsa, OK 74159-1506