Today we’d like to introduce you to Kari Ringer.
Hi Kari, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Kari Ringer. I’m a 35-year-old entertainer, who currently holds 4 full-time jobs: as an actor/podcast host at Universal Studios Florida, as a Simulation Specialist with Mursion, founder of The Darlings Productions entertainment company; and as a singer with a 50s/60s band called Johnny Wild and the Delights. I also gig around town as an actor/singer/dancer/host through multiple theatres and entertainment companies. Born in Ohio, I got my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre from Otterbein College in 2009, moved to NYC where I lived and acted for 4 years, started working with Holland America Line cruise ships as the lead singer on inaugural production casts, and eventually made my way to Florida with an original touring show I wrote called Red Hot and Blue Collar. After a series of life changes, that show morphed into a two-woman show called The Downhome Darlings, which inspired our production company, The Darlings Productions. I’m a workhorse who is deeply passionate about bringing the highest level of professional entertainment to the Florida area!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Struggles include mixing business with friendships/spouses, financial backing, and of course, COVID.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Known for being a creative mind who can somehow delight audiences completely off the cuff. I prefer to work without a script and fly by the seat of my pants. That adrenaline rush of “what do I do now” is the ultimate way to push me to another level. I’m most proud of the network I’ve created. Lots of folks in this town are continually burning bridges and shaking things up with a bad attitude. I’m proud that I maintain excellent relationships with the ones who really matter.
What does success mean to you?
Success is different for everyone. For me, it’s being able to say I make my living completely by entertainment. For some, it’s just getting out of bed. For others, it’s making a lot of money. I fall somewhere in the middle—I want to be happy, healthy, and always looking forward to the next smile on an audience member’s face.
Contact Info:
- Website: KariRinger.com
- Instagram: JohnnyWildandtheDelights
