The Suitcase Sideshow official website

The Suitcase Sideshow is a fringe theater that brings a message of hope to the far corners of the world

new book

TRAVELOGUES OF A FAMILY SIDESHOW

The book takes you back in time through different evangelistic performance art that one family has pioneered throughout the last century.

current running shows

THE SAILOR and THE BOAT

A sailor-themed parable based on the story of the Prodigal Son. The Suitcase Sideshow adapted it to also include the cross and resurrection narrative and gave it musical interludes throughout the story.

Featured Projects

TRAVELOGUES OF A FAMILY SIDESHOW

Travelogues of a Family Sideshow is a true story that spans over one hundred years in evangelistic art anthropology beginning with the Titanic. Journey the far corners of the world as one family, throughout generations, continuously surrender their art and lives to the calling of Jesus Christ—while facing war-stricken lands, financial burdens, remnants of political corruption, riots, and other countless adversity. This is not the account of a perfect family. Nor is this a tale of mere adventure. This is evidence of how extraordinary God’s plan can be when allowed to work a generational blessing in these travelogues of a family sideshow.

I'LL FOLLOW

I’ll Follow is inspired by the orphans of Romania. Learn more about the meaning of this song in the book – TRAVELOGUES OF A FAMILY SIDESHOW, available on Amazon (September 6, 2021/Labor Day).

MUSIC FROM BEHIND THE CURTAIN

Philip Shorey has composed the music for multiple productions throughout the years with The Suitcase Sideshow. This is a compilation of marionette and puppetry soundtrack music. Available now on bandcamp.com

KILL YOUR ART

A Street Performer’s Guide to Being a Messenger of Jesus Christ Available now on amazon.com

Our Story

The Suitcase Sideshow was founded by Philip Shorey in 2005 as a creative way to bring a message of hope to hard to reach corners of the world.

Productions

Testimonials

“This message should be standard listening for all Christian artists!

“To paraphrase St Francis, “Preach the Gospel and if you must, use art.”  We need to decide whether Paul’s exhortation to “Know nothing but Christ and Him crucified,” is an eternal truth for ALL Christians or not. If it is, then for artists who are followers of Jesus, to kill their art is not an option. There is almost nothing in the Christian world like this book. Philip Shorey totally gets it. This message should be standard listening for all Christian artists!”

– Dave Wilson, Founder of TACO

“The lessons Philip has learned are truly stirring

Philip Shorey has poured out his soul into this debut book! Because Philip is an artist in every sense of the word his ministry style is creative and out-of-the box. I am so grateful that Philip took the time to skillfully guide and prepare others with his stories of Christ-like pursuit and trial and error shepherding. The lessons Philip has learned are truly stirring and will leave all who read them (left and right brained alike) inspired to use every gift at hand for the time is NOW!”

Leanor Inez Ortega Till, Saxophonist of Five Iron Frenzy and urban shepherdess to a wandering flock of believers and seekers.

“Philip qualifies as dangerous soul with a sharp message.”

“Philip’s passion for street storytelling is intriguing, lively and otherworldly. His desire to see Jesus made famous—in places and to people who likely will never hear the gospel story as he is gifted to tell it—is refreshing of the tallest order. This book is a powerful resource to any artistically-wired follower of Jesus seeking to engage culture way outside the four walls of church. Any artist willing to kill their art is ultimately the hero for recognizing gift is never higher than giver. God doesn’t need more gifted creatives to show off skill, He’s seeking a generation willing to surrender everything (including the very gift they’ve been given). Philip qualifies as dangerous soul with a sharp message.”

Chad Johnson Founder of Come&Live! and former A&R of Tooth and Nail Records.

Testimonials

Steiger is a worldwide mission organization that is called to reach and disciple the Global Youth Culture for Jesus

Provoking and inspiring artists to proclaim the revolutionary message of Jesus

The Slot Art Festival is one of the largest alternative culture festivals in Poland.

TACO’s mission is to creatively proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to Muslim peoples everywhere.

We have

6 Productions

Translated into 16 languages

Performed in 15 countries

GET INVOLVED!

Send a Message

[email protected]

The Suitcase Sideshow is based in Minneapolis MN, and is available for booking marionette fringe theater performances as well as speaking engagements.