Planet Ant Theatre

I finally made it out to Planet Ant for the first time and would HIGHLY encourage you to do the same. I saw a written sketch show called The Dogman Prophecies. The show surpassed my expectations– it was fun, clever, and every cast member was fantastic playing multiple characters. Really quality comedy no matter what show you see. The space is very versatile and comfortable. BYOB. The show I saw was packed so I would purchase tickets in advance. I bought mine in advance but for some reason my name wasn’t on their list but they still allowed me in without a hassle. They have improv and sketch shows as well as classes and workshops– all worth checking out.

I feel so lucky to have Planet Ant in my neighborhood. Monday night improv is totally worth your $ 5. The home team is just as talented as folks I’ve seen at the Second City or Upright Citizens Brigade, and you get to bring your own beverages! My first time at Planet Ant was a few years ago for a theatrical production, and I had very low expectations (based on experiences at other small theatres) but I was totally impressed! Planet Ant is a Hamtramck gem.

If you are looking for Second City, this isn’t. BUT it’s a funky little place where you can be decently entertained for $ 5. Couple that with a visit Yemen Café or some Pollonia (I’m biased, I love both places) and you have yourself a funky date night a la Hamtramck.
We went on a night an acquaintance was performing. It was my first time, but I had passed by the place a number of times on Hamtramck outings. We had to go through the back door (typical?), and a few members of our small group of new friends were visibly concerned. Hey, welcome to Detroit. The performance was entertaining and engaging (volunteer participation anyone?) and during the break we got to chat up the folks that were performing that night. I hear they do classes if you want to flex your improv skills.
BYOB? If I have a chance to go back, I am def taking advantage of this.

I have been here a couple times for their shows. My first time here I was like ehhh… it looks really sketchy. But it has definitely warmed up to me. I like how laid back it is here. I love the outer décor and how they have a tiny ant house model they use for raffles and whatnot. It is very homey and there are always some kind of event going on so if you are bored come on over. BYOB! They have improv classes. I am too busy for it but my friend LOVES it!
Single bathroom. Nice and clean porcelain.

I’ve been in Hamtramck for two years and I finally went to Planet Ant Theater.
Cost was only $ 5.00 at the door. For the money you received a two hour improv show, grilled hot dogs, chips and soda. No kidding. They feed you. Found out post facto that it was BYOB which is a cool option to have. Steve’s Liquor Emporium is only a ½ block west on Caniff if you require Devil’s Juice.
Improv is tough comedy. Having done improv for a couple of years myself, I know that even at large theaters, the laughs only run about 60% of the time. They take some suggestions from the audience but don’t expect the Drew Carey format with a series of games. Planet Ant improv players performed well beyond expectations and frankly for the money, it’s an incredible value. Seating is limited and in close quarters but comfortable enough.
I just missed the David Mamet play «November» but I will look forward to attending more often. A jewel in the city of Hamtramck and it’s walking distance to my house.

My wife and I went here to see David Mamet’s November. The theater has an intimate performance space (fewer than 40 seats to my eye, all of which are sturdy and movable). If we had been any closer to the stage, we would have been part of the play. The actors were of high quality and the whole operation feels like a bunch of sincere artists doing a lot with a little. We definitely plan to return soon.

My girlfriend and I had a great time here. It’s exactly the type of theatre space I love… quirky, cozy and intimate. The focus is on the performance, not the bells and whistles that a lot of larger art spaces employ. The audience was lively and (I could tell) very loyal… always a good sign that you’re going to enjoy yourself.
Also, kudos to Planet Ant for cultivating new works! It’s great to see theatre companies in the Midwest that are still taking chances on untested plays… especially ones with a local theme (like the one we saw recently).
Their season is also impressively diverse (includ. improv and short work), so we’ll definitely be back. There’s even a free new play reading series. Love.

A staple in Detroit’s improv scene along with Go! Comedy, Planet Ant Theatre boasts some of the finest talent in the Midwest. Second City cast members migrated to Go! and Planet Ant, and their skills come to the fore especially during their seasonal festivals.
Only in Detroit will you be invited to a pre-​show barbecue with the cast, who aren’t too busy fielding phone calls, posting Youtube videos, and too drunk/​high/​depressed to bother with their fans. Show up an hour early on Mondays for your chance to rub shoulders with D (etroit)-list comedy celebrities.
Throwing away all pretension, the Planet Ant theatre lives inside a rehabbed Hamtramck rowhouse across from the Hamtramck Public Library. In a strange coincidence, the outstanding Go! Comedy, a sister venue, is –also– located across from Ferndale Public Library. Just a coincidence or a reality that comedy all-​stars are frequently broke and need free/​cheap parking? You be the judge.
Where else can you score seats to a brilliant show with some serious talent while only being set back $ 5 – 15? And how many of those places let you bring your own booze? Planet Ant, that’s who. Screw a liquor license, they’re all about Hamtramck traditions (more bars per square mile than any other US city) and expressing yourself through hoots, hollars, and drunken giggles. I for one thing the sound of a can opening or a swig of wine is a time-​honoured nod to appreciated actors. You should too, as they’re BYOB.
The nature of improv is to be unscripted, sort of like a major weather television channel. Unlike the TV, though, you can feel good about laughing at other people’s misfortunes, disasters, and innuendo. One act plays often focus on key events, like the Emergency Manager laws or Detroit’s finances, which are as much tongue in cheek as they are scathing opinion pieces. Don’t worry, not everything is high brow. Anything is fair game in improv, including prison relationships and your sister’s addiction to Instagram, hipsters and Royal Oak parking tickets. Audience participation is often welcome.
Planet Ant is small enough that you’ll feel right there up close with the performers… or they’ll be in the audience, pretending to be one of you. Either way it’s a blast. The seating space is cozy and intimate with four banks of four seats on each wing. Large groups may need to call ahead, otherwise you might be sitting in one another’s laps.
Remember: laughs welcome.

I love Planet Ant Theatre, especially Monday nights. Monday night is improv night; for $ 5, you can get over 2 hours of improv. Some of the home team members were mainstage cast members from Second City Detroit. To be able to see such amazing improvisers, for practically nothing, blows my mind. There is an improv jam after the home team finishes performing for anyone who wants to their hand at improv (it’s a fun, judgement free environment).
Oh — and it’s BYOB. Always a good thing, in my book!

I came in to Planet Ant last night with my fiancé, his dad, and his stepmom to check out their play, «Séance 4,» before it closed. I’d heard of Planet Ant before, and driven by it a few times, but never actually stopped in. I was glad to finally come by. I love Hamtramck, and I’ve been wanting to come here for a while.
The cast was awesome, the one-​act play was both creepy (seriously!) and hilarious, and the theatre is a quaint, cozy, and awesome place. I really enjoyed myself. The folks were all sweet and talented, and I just couldn’t get enough. Tickets were $ 10, and well worth it. Definitely a must-​visit!

FYI– This is a rating of Monday Night Improv.
FYOI– To get inside, go into the gate and through the backyard.
As long as I’ve been a Detroit City resident, I’ve always missed this place. I knew it was here, for years! I wanted to go, but I just never did. Why, I dunno? So finally last Monday I decided to go. And I came back last night as well.
For $ 5, you can get 2+ hours of laughs. First show «away team» starts at 8, then the «home» team starts at 9. If there’s enough people who want to participate in the «open jam» at 10, then stick around for that as well.
The seats are chairs arranged stadium style and they’re comfy. The stage is small, but the perfect size for improv. We came early and the Home Team was serving up hot dogs in the backyard. I don’t think they serve drinks here, so if you’d like to BYO, make sure to stop at the party store down the street before you arrive.
Seriously this is my new favorite thing to do on Mondays! Dont overlook the Planet Ant like I did for so many years! GO!
BIKES: bring yr bike into the bakyard and lock up!

Went here with a group of friends Friday night. WOW, what a great night out! For 5 bucks, you get hours of entertainment. The place is small, but it really works for this setting. So maybe not ideal for big groups though since the seating is limited.
There were 6 troops that all did a series of Improv skits. Then you’re given a ballot to vote on the troop of choice. The last act of the night was the recently voted best of and it left my cheeks aching in from all the laughs.
Leave the kids at home though, the comedy was 80% X –rated topics. Great fun! I’ll definitely be back.

Located on Caniff Ave in Hamtramck this theater is the perfect place to get in (or out) some serious giggles. Know for their improv this local theater is one of the best local theaters around. check out their improv Monday’s for only 5 bucks, where the audience suggestions are intelligently and hilariously weaved into entire scenes. This is an inexpensive and fun night out!
The actors and staff at Planet Ant are phenomenal at what they do, some even associated with Second City, the home to many many infamous actors/​comedians like Tina Fey or have the members of SNL.
The theater is comfy and welcoming. In addition, to shows Planet Ant also offers improv classes to the public, including long form improv classes as well as character improv. For more info check them out on Myspace or on their website.