As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Ruzanna Tovmasyan. The Cleveland, OH native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Ruzanna Tovmasyan
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Instagram/Twitter/Tik-Tok: @iamruz/@iamruzan/@iamruzanna/@iamruz
Years in Comedy: 3 years on social media, around 7 months performing. I started making funny skits on social media in 2021 and did my first standup on November 21st, 2022. I went on tour for the first time with the Baklava Comedy tour (August 2023 – December 2023).
Comedic Influences: Sebastian Maniscalo, Max Amini, & Tim Hawkins
Favorite Comedy Special: Sebastian Maniscalo “Aren’t You Embarrassed”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Dumb and Dumber
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Friends
Favorite City to Perform In: New Jersey
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Immigrant parents are honestly the best. Everyone can relate to family dynamics and it makes people realize we are much more similar than we are different.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: I love having a mixed ethnic audience, it makes it so fun and lively.
Favorite Comedy Club: HaHa Comedy Club in North Hollywood, it feels like home there.
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I love telling stories and entertaining people and there was a demand for more of it by my followers, and as I stepped into the comedy realm I realized how life-giving it was for me personally. I enjoy bringing people joy.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
My IBS got activated (Laughs). But an honest answer, I felt at home on stage, I was scared yet comfortable all at the same time. It’s one of my favorite memories.
How would you describe your comedic style:
I would describe it as sarcastic storytelling and observational relatable comedy.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
A lot of my jokes come out in the midst of conversation. I think about things that I went through that are relatable to the common person. Also, have you just watched people? It’s all comedy.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
It’s very popular in LA, there’s a lot of amazing comedians here and fantastic clubs. It’s a good vibe.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Based on what I have learned I would say: 1. People feel like they know you because of your material 2. The audience feels like they can relate to you 3. You’ve become a household name.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
There are so many inspiring comedians out there. Jack Jr. has become like a big brother to me and I love him dearly, he helped me start my comedic journey. I also enjoy watching Antic, Vahe Berberian, and Kev Orkian perform. They are amazing comedians.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
I met a fan in Paris that told me her and her mom bonded over my comedic videos before her mom passed away from cancer and that the videos brought healing within their own relationship. I was a PUDDLE. Hearing stories like this have been some of my most memorable and fulfilling moments.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Don’t take yourself so seriously, dust yourself off and keep going. If people don’t laugh at a joke, it’s not a personal reflection of you. Either it was the wrong audience, the delivery was off or it just wasn’t written well. See it as data without any judgement attached to it and adjust.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Jack Jr. always tells me to “just go up there and have fun”. I know it sounds obvious but we get stuck on wanting to perform well and the anxiety can suffocate the humor.
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I once met a celebrity who told me they were my fan and stalked my videos. I was so honored.
A Ruzanna Tovmasyan Fun Fact:
I was a preacher, I don’t know if that’s a fun fact, but it’s a fact. Also I’m Armenian. That’s also a fun fact.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I would love to do more filmmaking, I’m in the process of making feature films.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
I would tell them to make videos on Instagram, create a fan base first and then start doing stand up comedy because the audience already loves you and is excited to see you in person.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
Comedians can be like modern day prophets. They have an opportunity to speak difficult truths in a time today when people’s voices are being silent. I think comedy is more than just getting laughs. As the Armenian proverbs go “Always tell the truth in the form of a joke”.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
If I could choose 3 comedians to perform on my perfect comedy show it would be Sebastian Maniscalo, Max Amini, and Dave Chappelle. That would be unreal.
What’s next for you:
So much! Growing as a comedian, planning my own tour, continuing to collaborate with fellow comedians and working on some films. Sign up for my email list to hear about upcoming events!
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Laughing is therapeutic and brings healing. Proverbs 17:22 says, “a joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Follow Ruzanna Tovmasyan’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Ruzanna Tovmasyan
Youtube: Ruzanna Tovmasyan
Personal Website: Ruzanna Tovmasyan
