How would you describe your comedy style?

Physical, satirical, relatable, and a little bit absurd. Who are some of your influences? Mr. Bean, and Italian sketch comedy trio Aldo, Giovanni, e Giacomo!

Who was your favourite comedian growing up?

I really enjoyed watching Robin Williams, Kristen Wiig, and Rowan Atkinson do their thing.

Who is your favourite comedian now?

Ben Schwartz, among many others!

What is your pre-show ritual?

I try to get a good sleep the night before if possible and typically run the show in my head or speak the show to myself during the day just to keep the words front of mind. I’ll get to the theatre about two or 2.5 hours before curtain, make sure everything is set and tech is working. My favourite pre-show snack is candy like Skittles or gummies. I warm up, get into makeup and costume, and then 10 minutes before I start, I will do a little meditation and grounding exercise. It helps me focus and manage the nerves!

What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?

This year, it’s a tie between The Historic Theatre at The Cultch in Vancouver and Comedy Bar Danforth here in Toronto. They were both just so special, magical nights with incredible audiences!

What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?

I’m very proud of adapting my German Mom and Italian Dad characters (who originally only appear in online videos) into live stage sketches.

What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?

Social media! Instagram and TikTok are amazing for discovering other comedians.

Tell us a joke about your city.

If you’re looking for something fun to do this winter, make sure you catch Toronto’s haunted walking tour: walking up and down King West on a Saturday night 17 times.

Do you have anything to promote right now?

I post new videos every week and will announce my 2023 live tour dates soon! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok.

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | TikTok | Website

PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?

I love me some Andy Assaf.

The post Chatting With Sketch Comedian, Laura Ramoso appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Laura is an alum of the Bad Dog Featured Players’ sixth season and a graduate of The Second City Sketch Conservatory. In 2019, she was invited to perform at the Just for Laughs New Faces Solo Character Showcase, where she debuted two of the sketches that would eventually make up the first rendition of diane. The full show went on to sell out audiences in Toronto, grant her the Best New Show Award at the Bad Dog Theatre’s “Good Dog Awards 2019” and most recently, was featured at both the Chicago and San Francisco Sketch Comedy Festivals in January. diane is directed by Second City Mainstage alumnus and Canadian Comedy Award Nominee Devon Hyland.

This week we spoke to the funny woman herself to learn more about her influences!

How would you describe your comedy style?

Physical, satirical and lots of different characters. I love, love, love silent scenes and using music and sound to build and influence a moment.

Who are some of your influences?

Gad Elmaleh, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader and my father. I admire entertainers who use innovative ways to share their ideas.

Who was your favourite comedian growing up?

I am from Italy so I grew up watching this popular sketch comedy trio called “Aldo, Giovanni e Giacomo”. I would watch their shows over and over and learn the lines so my friend and I could re-create their sketches. I also idolized Mr. Bean.

Who is your favourite comedian now?

Nick Kroll and Sebastian Maniscalco. I did two I’m sorry!!!

What is your pre-show ritual?

Usually, if I have a show in the evening I’ll stress about it all day and get what my best friend calls “The Ploppies” (amen). This is no good because it means I can’t really do anything except worry about the show and be unkind to those around me. Lately, I’ve been trying to keep busy with things that don’t require too much mental energy so I’m not consumed by my thoughts, but I do want to make sure I have enough time to get ready mentally and warm up.

What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?

The Bad Dog Comedy Theatre because it’s a beautiful and intimate space and it’s also where I first premiered my show diane.

What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?

Word of mouth still works really well!

Where can we follow you?

Instagram: @diane_toronto

Facebook: @diane.donut

PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?

I gotta give a shout out to Chelsea Larkin; a true inspiration in many ways but mainly for all of her horse material. You can also catch her at Toronto Sketchfest with her duo troupe Li’l RasGALS!

Tell us a joke.

Here’s a video of me doing strong character work instead.

The post Laura Ramoso of diane featured at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival appeared first on Toronto Guardian.