Check out our interview with award-winning sketch comedian Laura Ramoso who is best known for her comedy videos with half a million followers across Instagram and TikTok and is bringing back her electrifying comedy special FRANCES this November 24th – 26th, 2022 at Comedy Bar Danforth in Toronto.
The show follows Frances on her journey to meet up with her ex-boyfriend, Frank, who has asked her to “talk”. As she makes her way through the city, audiences will encounter a variety of unforgettable characters and painfully relatable scenarios. Bigger, bolder, and riskier, FRANCES pushes the boundaries of the form to create sketch comedy magic.
Follow Laura @lau_ramoso
Hi Laura, please tell us a little about you
Hi! I’m a sketch comedian and actor living in Toronto primarily known for my satirical online content, What We Do In The Shadows, and my latest comedy special, FRANCES. Originally, I am from Italy and Germany and moved to Canada in 2013 to attend the University of Victoria. I’m 27 years old and really enjoy cooking, playing volleyball, and watching good movies with my husband.
Describe yourself in 3 words
Playful, organized, and loyal.
What is the best and most challenging part of being a comedian and a social media influencer?
Best: I’m incredibly lucky to be doing what I love as my full-time job! It feels like a dream come true.
Most challenging: There’s a lot of pressure to always be performing, posting something new, doing the next big “thing”…generally being “on” all the time – which can feel tiring.
How do you get inspired for new content?
99% of my concepts come from real-world observations, big or small. I am inspired by the people I see and interact with in my day-to-day, or real-life situations and behaviours I find odd, charming, relatable etc. I then take that observation or truth, and exaggerate it to the point of satire. That is my favourite kind of comedy to write and perform. I keep a running note on my Notes app and I make sure to add to it throughout the day whenever I feel inspired.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Making people laugh, giving people an escape from day-to-day life, even if just for 45 seconds.
Now tell us about your electrifying comedy special FRANCES?
Directed by Second City veteran Alastair Forbes, FRANCES is my latest sketch comedy special – making its way back to Toronto after a fabulous premiere and sold-out run through BC. FRANCES takes my signature physical comedy, satire, mime and critically-acclaimed writing to the nth degree. The show follows Frances on her journey to meet up with her ex-boyfriend, Frank, who has asked her to “talk”. As she makes her way through the city, audiences will encounter a variety of unforgettable characters and painfully relatable scenarios.
What’s your advice for the up and coming comedians?
Don’t run away from failure and embarrassment, it’s completely natural and necessary.
Don’t expect to ever feel like you’re good or funny enough — the better you get, the more you realize you could be even better.
Natural comedic talent is a big part of the job, but an even bigger part is practice, reps, and discipline.
It takes a lot of time to find your personal style, keep at it and slowly but surely, you’ll realize what you like and what you don’t like.
It’s cool to care.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
That I’m in it for the long game (i.e. there will be lots of good days and lots of bad days, but it’s all part of the process) – and that no matter what, I must never give up!
What do you think is the secret to having a successful IG & TikTok account?
Make stuff that you actually like – don’t try to make videos you think others will like. Being true to yourself and creating content that is genuine and honest to you and who you are will not only make you feel good, but people will pick up on that. Also, try to make the creation process a part of what makes it fun, not just the posting (and the numbers). Finally, keep going! Trial and error x infinity.
As a popular comedian and influencer you are followed by so many people. Do you ever feel pressure creating content?
Yes, 100%. I feel like I can’t take breaks or stop posting. The internet is constantly moving at light-speed, and sometimes it feels like if I take even a week off from posting a new video, I’ll “fall behind”. At the same time, it takes a certain amount of time and effort to make a video, and I can’t let the pressure of posting rush me through that. I am working on finding a balance so I don’t burn out.
Now talking about Instagram and TikTok, can you share some tips for keeping your account interesting?
The most interesting thing you can do is be yourself and make what you want to make! I sound like a broken record, but people go on your page for YOU. If you stick to what you like, not only might you find a genuine audience who also enjoys it, but you’ll enjoy it too.
How would your best friend describe you?
Tall.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
“You’re doing okay. You’re making the decisions and having the experiences that you need to in order to get to where you’ll be. Follow your instincts.”
What’s next for Laura Ramoso in the last months of 2022 and for 2023?
Doing the FRANCES remount at the end of November in Toronto
Continuing to make fun videos
Collaborating on new projects with cool people
Planning a festival/tour circuit for 2023
Hanging out with friends and family!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Oven roasted vegetables.
And your favorite cheat food?
Ice cream.
What is your own definition of happiness?
A full, well-rounded, nourishing life that also includes let downs, hardship, and sad days.
Best advice ever given?
Don’t rush, you have time.
Favorite song? Why?
(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding: my husband and I’s song <3
Book: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Movie: 1917
TV Series: Fleabag
Favorite Food: Pasta alla carbonara
Travel Destination: Verona, Italy (home)
Sports Team: Either the Italian national football team or the German national football team – depends on who’s winning 😉
