Aziz Ansari: “Parks and Rec” star showcases his stand-up skills

HOW TO GO

Who: Aziz Ansari

Where: Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7

Cost: $30.50

More info: (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com

Artist info: www.azizansari.com

Most folks know Aziz Ansari from NBC’s “Parks and Recreation,” but he is a seasoned stand-up comic.

The Columbia, S.C. native, performing at Victoria Theatre in Dayton on Saturday, Sept. 7, was spurred on by his friends when he was 18 to try his first open mike. He fell in love with the format.

Critical darling: Although his scene-stealing role on “Parks and Recreation” has opened the door to more acting roles, Ansari remains devoted to stand-up. The actor-comedian, who was unavailable for an interview, was on the cover of the October 2011 issue of “Rolling Stone” magazine. The special comedy issue also featured a story naming him “the funniest man under 30.” In 2009, “Paste” magazine named him one of the “Top 10 Comedians of the Decade.”

Special routines: Ansari’s first one-hour comedy special, “Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening,” premiered on Comedy Central in January 2010. His second stand-up special, “Dangerously Delicious,” touched on everything from his struggles with women and rude people to modern technology and a college essay written by his chubby cousin, Harris. It was released via the comedian’s Web site in March 2012. Earlier this year, Ansari taped a new special, “Buried Alive,” in England. A release date has not been announced.

TV exposure: After small parts on television programs such as “Uncle Morty’s Dub Shack” and “Flight of the Conchords,” Ansari cracked through to the mainstream in 2007 with “Human Giant.” The short-lived-but-highly-regarded sketch program, which aired for two seasons on MTV, opened the door to a short run on “Scrubs” before Ansari became the first cast member to sign on to “Parks & Recreation” in 2009.

Animated acting: In addition to live-action programs, Ansari also has become an in-demand voice actor, lending his talents to animated programs such as “Bob’s Burgers,” “The Venture Bros.” and “Adventure Time.”