Planet Ant Theatre

Planet Ant Theatre has been Hamtramck’s home for improv, sketch comedy, and edgy original scripted work for roughly a quarter century, and it’s the place where Detroit native Keegan-Michael Key first honed his craft before SNL and Key & Peele. The nonprofit now runs three stages out of its Caniff Avenue building, anchored by Monday Night Improv, billed as one of the longest continuously running improv shows anywhere.

Beyond the weekly shows, Planet Ant runs an actual training center with classes in improv, sketch writing, acting, and screenwriting, plus corporate “Ant Works” workshops that use improv techniques for team building and public speaking. It’s an intentionally scrappy, community-built space rather than a polished commercial theatre, which is part of the point — it’s built for people at every stage of their creative journey, from total beginners to working comedians.

On our radar for a genuinely funny, low-stakes night out, or for taking an improv class yourself instead of just watching one.