Upright comedy star Ben Rameaka joins Savannah’s Front Porch Improv for weekend shows

You might have seen comedian Ben Rameaka in Martin Scorsese's film "The Wolf of Wall Street." Or maybe you caught him in the Comedy Central series, "Upright Citizen's Brigade"?

Since making his TV debut in 2009, Rameaka has popped up in a range of hit shows and movies as he steadily makes a name for himself in Hollywood. But one of his favorite passions remains performing for live audiences, which he honed during years spent in the underground New York City comedy scene.

On Friday and Saturday, he takes the stage at Front Porch Improv for some live, in-the-moment comedy with Savannah comedians.

Recent Front Porch show: Comedian Andrew Sleighter brings his thoughtful stand up to Savannah and Front Porch Improv

Other Savannah comedy shows: Atlanta-based comedian Yoshee So finds laughs and truths through the immigrant experience

Local scene: Savannah's comedy scene is finding community and success, but keeping local talent still a challenge

John Brennan, Front Porch Improv’s Artistic Director, says Rameaka has a talent for creating immersive live comedy. “I think audience members will love his world building. I have seen Ben sip a cup of coffee on stage and the audience could feel a volcano explode in their own mouths."

Rameaka took a minute out of his hectic schedule to share with DO Savannah why he's excited to bring his jokes back in front of a crowd and what he hopes audiences take away from his shows.

When did you get into comedy? And why?

Ben Rameaka: "I began studying in NYC at the Upright Citizens Brigade in 2006. People kept telling me I was funny (read: annoying) and that I should find a place to display my talents (read: somewhere else to do my unbearable bits)."

What do you love about performing?

Rameaka: "The communication with the audience. The live wire aspect of improvising. Building a scene with another human being. The unexpected surprises that arise. The moment of expectation and not knowing what will happen the second before you step onstage…and the 401(k)."

The past few years have been challenging for live events. What have you learned?

Rameaka: "Live performance artists need live performance like fish need water, like humans need oxygen. When there is no ability to congregate, we are deprived of a vital aspect of ourselves. We lose sight of some essential spiritual aspect of whose we are. It can get pretty bleak. You have to learn to find other creative outlets to sustain yourself. Maybe that’s writing, maybe that’s zoom performances, maybe that terrorizing your close friends and family with your unspent creative energies."

What do you hope people experience from your performance?

Rameaka: "I hope that there is a cataclysmic shift in their inner workings that jolts them out of their solipsism and helps them recognize that we all function as a larger communal organism that moves together, ultimately towards the good, in this brief moment within the broad sweep of history. Just kidding. I hope they laugh and that maybe there’s a fart joke or two."

Any favorite moments in the show you look forward to?

Rameaka: "It’s improv! I look forward to the inimitable joy it will bring. I look forward to every moment—good and (hopefully not) bad."

For tickets and information visit frontporchimprov.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah GA events: Comedian Ben Rameaka at Front Porch Improv