“Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.”
If that was read in Dwight Schrute’s deadpan voice, that was intended.
Soon, Grant County fans will enjoy the opportunity to hear from the man behind this iconic character in person.
Rainn Wilson, best known for his role as Dwight Schrute in ‘The Office,’ is bringing his wit, wisdom and humor to the Gas City Performing Arts Center for a one-night-only event at 6 p.m. Sunday, April 12.
“One of the coolest things about him coming here (is) we are literally the only place that he is coming to in the entire state of Indiana,” Catherine Mang, the executive director of the Gas City Performing Arts Center, said.
Located in the heart of Grant County, Gas City offers a central, accessible gathering place for communities like Marion, Upland, Jonesboro and beyond, Conrad Herrera, the food and beverage general manager at the Performing Arts Center, said.
Since opening its doors on Oct. 11, 2023, the Performing Arts Center has catered to a wide variety of audiences, hosting country acts, “oldies but goodies,” Christian artists, pop performers and kid-friendly shows, with the intention of building a calendar that reflects the broad tastes of the region, Herrera said.
Comedy was high on the community’s wish list, and Wilson came to mind, Mang said.
“Anytime you can get somebody that’s from a show, or from anything that is still very pop culture relative, that’s always good,” Mang said. “‘...The Office’ is timeless, everybody knows what ‘The Office’ is.”
For many fans, Wilson will always be the eccentric assistant to the regional manager at Dunder Mifflin, but Wilson’s career extends beyond the beet farm.
In recent years, Wilson has leaned into deeper conversations about spirituality, creativity and purpose through his platform. He first launched his podcast “SoulPancake” in 2009 to create uplifting, thought-provoking content. Then, on April 25, 2023, he published a book, followed by a second podcast a year later, both titled “Soul Boom.” These publications feature conversations with religious leaders, authors, scientists and cultural thinkers as Wilson discusses spiritual tools for modern living.
“He’s so very philosophical,” Mang said. “He will talk with anybody about any religion, and loves to talk about things of the earth and about why we believe what we believe.”
Rather than a standup set, the upcoming evening in Gas City will feel more like a late-night talk show. It will step into something similar to the Jimmy Fallon show, Mang said, blending humor, storytelling and discussion.
Delivering a balanced mix of entertainment and a theatrical atmosphere, visitors can expect a professionally produced performance that combines visual storytelling, music and dynamic stage design, said the theatre guide for the Rainn Wilson Tour 2026-2027.
One of Wilson’s many stops on this tour will be Gas City’s Performing Arts Center.
Nikki Reed, co-host of 99.5 WZPL’s “The Smiley Morning Show,” will moderate the conversation. Known for her energetic personality and love for her job, Reed will guide Wilson and attendees through the evening.
“I think it’s just one of those lucky little nuggets that we found,” Mang said. “We reached out and we’re like, hey, could this work in your schedule at some point? And I just think it’s the fact that other venues weren’t really asking or looking, but we got him.”
To close out the fun and interactive evening, a live Q&A session will give families of all ages the chance to laugh and ask questions, so everyone should come prepared, Mang said.
Wilson will also be selling copies of “Soul Boom” at the event.
Every seat is a good one, and this is the place to be if you want to snap your fingers and stomp your feet, Herrera said.
“The Schrutes have a word for when everything in a man’s life comes together perfectly. Perfectenschlag,” Dwight said. “Right now, I am in it.”
