B.J. Novak standup show at Farthing Nov. 19
Actor best known as Ryan from NBC’s “The Office”

Actor, writer, producer and standup comedian B.J. Novak, best known for his contributions on NBC’s award-winning comedy series “The Office,” will perform in Appalachian State University’s Farthing Auditorium Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. 

The doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18 for students in advance and $22 for the general public and on the day of the show. Tickets are available through the Farthing Auditorium Box Office at 828-262-4046 and at www.farthing.appstate.edu. 

In “The Office,” Novak stars as Ryan, the one-time temp who has risen to become the company’s corporate boss.  He is also co-executive producer of the series, and, as a writer, has scripted many of the show’s most memorable episodes, including “Diversity Day,” “Sexual Harassment Day” and “The Fire.”  Novak’s work on “The Office” has earned him a Writer’s Guild Award for Best Comedy Series as well as two Screen Writer’s Guild Awards for best comedy ensemble cast.

First discovered as a standup comedian, Novak has since established himself as one of the most original and prominent new voices in the comedy world.  He has performed on Comedy Central and “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” In his time away from “The Office,” he continues to headline sold-out shows at theaters, colleges and comedy clubs across the country.

As an actor, Novak has recently appeared in “Reign Over Me,” starring Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle, and “Knocked Up,” directed by Judd Apatow.  Before “The Office,” Novak was best known for his improvised performances on the MTV hit “Punk’d,” the celebrity prank show.  His performance as Hilary Duff’s driving instructor remains one of the highlights of the series.