“Preacher’s Kid” An Autobiographical, One-Woman Show at Orlando Fringe!

Orlando Fringe is back with a wide variety of ticketed performances, a free outdoor stage, an eclectic visual art gallery, and kids’ activities. While there’s simply too much Fringe to cover in one single article, we are doing a series of posts about this incredible Orlando event. In this second installment, we’ll explore another original show on this year’s itinerary: Preacher’s Kid!

What is Orlando Fringe?

Preacher’s Kid will perform at Orlando Fringe, a two-week theater festival focused on unjuried and uncensored works of performance art. While similar festivals exist all over the world, Orlando Fringe is the longest running event of its kind within the United States. Fringe Festivals are generally known for featuring alternative or experimental pieces of art, so you really never know what you’re going to find!

About The Sarakeet

Preacher’s Kid was developed by Sara Russell (aka The Sarakeet). With a wide range of performance experience in several different cities around the United States, Sara is a talented storyteller and speaker.

In addition to her involvement in the performing arts, Sara also provides life coaching sessions and group goal-setting services. Learn about her other endeavors on her personal website.

Preacher’s Kid

Taking place in the Brown Venue (inside Orlando Shakes), this 60-minute, autobiographical, one-woman show follows the artist’s journey through a church-centric childhood, adult challenges, and finding her peace in unconventional faith.

Preacher’s Kid according to the Orlando Fringe website,

When Sara was three years old, her dad moved the family to Florida to start a church. She grew up with bible songs, no cable, and a clear idea of right and wrong. With her irreverent take on religion and her deep love for family, Sara’s stories and songs have us laughing and crying along with her. She runs from dogs, walks in the woods, and slowly finds her way. Don’t miss this new solo work from a Chicago artist who came home right on time.

With a minimalist approach to set and sound design, Preacher’s Kid focuses your attention on Sara’s voice, humor, and insightful recollections of her faith journey. Utilizing a few well-chosen anecdotes, Sara is a master storyteller – describing a lifetime of joy, pain, and struggle to find her true faith.

Freaky Thoughts

To be perfectly honest, I was expecting a very different kind of show. As a self-described “ex-vangelical,” I am super familiar with the deconstruction movement and the growing population of “nones” (those with no religious affiliation). I expected this show to be an outgrowth of those concepts, full of bitterness and stories about religious hypocrisy and legalism.

Instead, I found an inspiring story of a woman trying to balance her loving relationship with God and her positive views about the outside world. I saw someone struggle with the term “Christian” while still finding comfort in the community of a congregation. And I watched a woman describe how her faith pulled her through life’s biggest struggles – even when she had to find God in some unexpected places.

And honestly, who wouldn’t be inspired by this story? Even if you don’t have a personal spiritual struggle with which to identify – Sara doesn’t preach. She doesn’t use her experiences as proof in the existence or non-existence of God. She simply shares her world and how she chose to integrate her faith into her own life story. No matter your inherent spiritual views, there is something to appreciate in this touching tale of love, family, and acceptance. I encourage you to check it out.

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Tickets for Preacher’s Kid

Preacher’s Kid runs on select dates and times from May 18-28. To see a complete listing of available showtimes and to buy your ticket visit Orlando Fringe’s website.

Because 100% of the base ticket price is given directly to the respective artists, you will also need to purchase a reusable 2022 Fringe Festival button. Buttons are $10 and grant access to all the performances at this year’s event (along with an individually purchased show ticket). No matter how many productions you plan to see, you only need one button per person. 

Know Before You Go

• To attend a showing of Preacher’s Kid, you will need to purchase both a show ticket and Fringe Button. You can buy both of these on the Orlando Fringe website.
• Parking at Orlando Fringe can be tricky. Make sure you arrive early to allow plenty of time to locate a suitable spot and travel to the show location.
• Preacher’s Kid is located inside the Orlando Shakes Theater.