Jacob L. Smith will play Sir Dennis Galahad in “Spamalot” which will be performed at the Bill Heard Theatre Wednesday and May 5.

Smith, who is originally from Cedar Falls, Iowa, graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City.

Before moving to New York, he had received his bachelor’s degree in communications studies from the University of Northern Iowa and was working on a master’s degree.

While in college, Smith did some community theater. He enjoyed it, but he had no idea that in a few years he’d be traveling around the country performing in “Spamalot.”

The musical is loosely based on the 1975 Monty Python movie, “The Holy Grail,” which is loosely based on the King Arthur legend.

We spoke to Smith about the play last week. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

How does one go from Iowa to New York City?

I saw the posting for the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and thought I’d give it a shot. I auditioned for the school and got a pretty hefty scholarship. I wasn’t enjoying graduate school, so I thought I’d take the chance. There is something about New York and I clicked. It just worked. New York is my home now.

What was your master’s degree going to be?

I was getting a masters in education and I was going to work in college administration.

What made you switch to acting?

I had been doing regional stuff, mostly local things. None of it was professional until I went to school. I had been acting two-or-three years before I decided to go to school. It hit me in my early 20s. It was a new, fun thing.

Was it a seamless transition for education to acting?

There were definitely some bumps along the way. It came naturally, and it was something I really enjoyed. I embraced it for all it was.

What have you learned as you’ve toured?

I’ve learned a lot about the country. I’ve seen a lot of places that I would normally not have gone to. I’ve seen a lot of great places; seen some great houses (theaters). It’s been a great treat.

Had you ever seen “Monty Python’s Holy Grail” before you joined the cast?

I watched the movie for the first time before I auditioned. I’m a big fan; this is absolutely my favorite of all the Python movies.

You play Sir Dennis Galahad. I didn’t know Galahad’s first name was Dennis. Did you?

I didn’t know that until I saw the script. You know they made that up.

What have you done to make this role your own?

It’s interesting. As an actor, you want to take original work and try to use it, but I still wanted to make it my own. The vocals with the Lady of the Lake (“The Song That Goes Like This”) is my own. There’s a lot to this character that’s just me.

Did you get to see the show on Broadway?

I never got to because it had closed. But there is a lot of source material out there with videos of the production.

I’m sure your goal is to originate a role on Broadway. What do you envision that role to be?

If it happens, I will definitely be the straight leading male, the stupid guy or the best friend. It will depend on the time frame, if it happens when I’m 40 or 50.

Ever thought of branching into TV or film?

Oh, definitely. That’s part of my career plan.

Now that many soap operas have moved to Los Angeles or have been canceled and “Law and Order” has been canceled, what do Broadway actors do?

They keep auditioning and keep working in theater. The TV stuff is extra for Broadway actors and only a few do it. We move on; most of us are quick on our feet.

Is there a role you’ve done in the past for which you’d like a do-over?

Not necessarily. There are some roles I love and would definitely do again. I’m proud of most of the work I’ve done. Every new experience is a growth experience. I’d do a role again because I loved it.

What role are you dying to do?

“Pajama Game.” It’s kind of what my voice is built for. It’s my ideal and everything. Maybe when it’s revived again, I’ll be lucky to do that.

Will you ever go back home to live and work? Or are you a city boy now?

I’m definitely a city boy. My family are all back in Iowa and I love them and I miss them. But I can’t imagine myself moving home.

Often, you’re doing one-nighters so you probably don’t get a chance to really look around the city. What do you do to pass the time?

We do like to take the opportunity to see the city, but when we have a hectic schedule, we kind of rest up. Sometimes we are in need for some rest. So we have cast movie night or game night. We stay in and rest up and try to stay healthy.

What’s the toughest thing about being on the road?

Not seeing the family, but I’m kind of getting used to that since I’ve been living in New York. It’s not easy to just go to Iowa.

Has your family seen you in “Spamalot”?

They came to see the show and saw me in action. My entire family, except my mother, came (when the show was in Iowa). It was the first time they’d seen me in a professional production.

Where was your mother?

She had seen me a few times already.

And the best thing about being on the road?

Getting to explore the country. I don’t think I’d necessarily gone to New Orleans but I absolutely fell in love with the city. It’s great to see all these new places.

Are you having fun with the show and the cast?

Every night, it’s so much fun on the stage. We’re doing show No. 207 tonight. Sometimes I have to fight to keep from laughing on stage. Everyone is so great, so funny. We have so much fun.

No fist-fights on the bus?

No, definitely not. But like any family, we have our moments. We are a cool, calm, collected bunch for actors.