In 1997, Atamanuik graduated with a bachelor of science in film theory from Emerson College. He moved to Los Angeles and worked for Jim Henson Interactive, Mr. Show, and Suzanne Somers. He moved to New York in 2000. In 2002 he began training and performing at the Upright Citizens Brigade. Atamanuik appeared in the shorts My Wife, The Ghost, and The Incredible Drunk.