Sara, can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Tell us a little about yourself and where you come from.
I’m an American comedian who’s been writing, performing and producing comedy for over 15 years. I’ve done all kinds of American TV and digital media as well. I grew up in Virginia and started my career in New York City. Now I live in Los Angeles because the weather is actually that good.
How has the way you were raised shaped your career?
Growing up I was a devout Christian in the American south, specifically Baptist. I was very serious about Jesus, but I always had a sense of humour about him. Coming from a big family, I also learned to fight for and relish the spotlight. My family and church encouraged me to express myself, be vulnerable, and follow my dreams. Though I don’t attend church anymore, I will be forever grateful for the safe space they provided me to be myself. Authentically channelling who I am has been one of my greatest strengths as a performer.
You’ve had a very successful career – two Emmys, countless nominations – what has been the best part about it all?
My absolute favourite part of my career is executing one of my ideas. Whether it be a podcast, TV show, stand-up, etc. – to take a seed of a silly idea and watch it come to life, collaborating with others to see it through – it’s exhilarating.
If you could perform on any stage in the world, where would it be?
There are incredible dream stages here in the U.S. – the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and Carnegie Hall in New York. Still, one place I’ve always wanted to perform would be the old Mosque Theatre in my hometown of Richmond Virginia. It’s now called the Altria Theatre. I will never forget seeing Les Miserable there as a 13-year-old with my mom. I’d never seen a Broadway show, and it absolutely blew my mind. To perform on that same stage now would be amazing!
What can you tell us about your upcoming shows in London?
The show I’m doing in London will be an evolved version of what I put up at Edinburgh last summer. Little White Box explores what it’s like to be an American in the current political climate and how impossible it is these days to be ideologically pure. I will touch on religion, sexual harassment, my obsession with crafting, and more! We will have fun!
