Dave Davies
STATUS=
Dave Davies has been an improviser for as long as he can remember. His entire life has been a series of unscripted situations that he simply "ad-libs" his way through. "Life can be so spontaneous," cleverly observes Dave. Even though Dave has done commercials for television and radio in addition to always being busy with corporate business shows from Las Vegas to Puerto Rico, every Monday night still finds him hamming it up with his fellow performers at the Planet Ant Theatre, or sitting at home typing run-on sentences. "I have been planning for years to write a bio on just how 'In the moment' I can be," additionally mentions Dave. "I guess this is it!"

Nate DuFort
STATUS=
Nate is honored to have been a part of the Planet Ant home team. He is a founding member of the improv troupe YFF, performed with the Second City Detroit Touring Company, is the Assistant Artistic Director for Planet Ant Theatre and serves as the Director of the Planet Ant Film and Video Festival. Nate's directing credits include the shows "Original Drama #1: But, However, If Only, Although" at Planet Ant, "Playing Strangers" at both Planet Ant and Donny's Skybox Theatre in Chicago and "The Price of Justice" at Improv Inferno. Nate also co-directed the film shorts "Shoebox" and "Stephens & Thomas D.D.S." with longtime collaborator Tara Nida. Nate most recently took over as the Producing Artistic Director of The Second City Detroit.

Elana Elyce
STATUS=
When the Improv Colony first began, it was a secret. I was working on 555-1212 at the time. Everyone else seemed to know about it, just not me, you see. So one night, while pretending to be an old barrel, I rolled myself down Caniff Avenue and planted myself by the door. I was listening intently to the goings on about me, stifling the coughing and sneezing impulses inspired by the cigarette butts being tossed at me, apparently I was mistaken for an outdoor ashtray. At any rate, as the voices grew distant and then quiet, I manipulated my way into the theatre and planted myself just outside the infamous black curtain, where I overheard magic being created in the other room. I didn’t understand it. How could all this funny take place and I know nothing of it!? Appalled, I rolled myself right out of there and back up Caniff Street. Then I called my agent and said “Get me into the Improv Colony, you assmunch!!!” He had no idea what I was talking about. Neither did I really. And THEN! Through some odd twist of fate, some strange uncontrollable urge, I asked what was going on!!! Lo and behold I was told!! And I went!! And eventually I was asked to join. After that, everything was cool and I did a bunch of shows there and made some cool friends and stuff. The end.

Margaret Edwartowski
STATUS=
Margaret is very special to the Home Team, not only is she one of the founding members, but also the MC, and teaches classes and directs and performs for the Colony...and on the side....she's the boss of the Colony. This woman is a one-person encyclopedia on improv in Detroit. She's an alumna of The Second City Detroit, as well as the cast of Tony and Tina's Wedding. She knows everyone on every street and everyone knows her...and we get her for a couple fleeting moments. We are proud.

Joshua Funk
STATUS=
Joshua Funk is co-founder of Planetant Productions.  He received his B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan and shortly after became one of the founding members of The Second City Detroit touring company.  After three years on The Second City Detroit main stage, Joshua joined Park: A Rock Band and made three albums and took three national tours.   Planetant and “Park” joined forces and made Garage: A Rock Movie.   Joshua moved back to his hometown of Chicago and became a resident director of The Second City.  He won The Joseph Jefferson Awards for “best director” for Holy War Batman, and “best production” for Pants On Fire.  He also directed The Second City’s first tours to Asia and a USO tour to Sarajevo, Bosnia.  Joshua now resides in Los Angeles with his wife Nyima.  He is currently the improv director for MTV’s Wild n’ Out as well as an actor on the show.  Joshua performs weekly at IO West in Hollywood with the improv troupes Opening Night and The 313.  You can see him this summer on the new MTV sketch comedy show, Short Circuitz.

Brett Guennel
STATUS=
Brett was born in Cleveland, raised in Indiana, and currently a Mainstage Cast Member of the Second City Cetroit. He really could not be happier. Brett has been performing in the Detroit area for sometime now. He has been involved in many productions as a writer/performer here at the Planet Ant theatre as well as quite a few alternative productions at Second City. Most recently "Right on Maple, Left at the Alter" last fall. Brett is a member of the comedy duo Shtick Mahorn.

Shawn Handlon
STATUS=
In addition to being a member of the Planet Ant Improv Colony Home Team, Shawn is also a member of The Second City, Detroit’s Main Stage cast. He is also a teacher of improvisation at both Planet Ant Theatreand The Second City. Previously at Planet Ant Theatre, he co-wrote and performed in "Sardines," "555-1212," "Before & Laughter," "Jim," "Ant-thology," "The Madness of Kris Kringle," and "Tales from the Script." He has also directed at Planet Ant Theatre with the Halloween comedy, "Boo-Ha-Ha.", "25", "Deceptions To The Rule" and is co-author and director of the very critically acclaimed "Cancer: The Musical"

Nancy Hayden
STATUS=
Nancy Hayden is a very busy lady. As a founding Member of the Planet Ant Improv Colony, Nancy has been an integral part of the Colony since before Day One. Nancy has performed in many of the Colony's Original Reviews, as well as Directing for the Colony. She is an alumna of The Second City Detroit, where she was producer, performer, and pioneered the Alternative Shows at The Second City Detroit with Blah, Blah, SistaHood in 1998. She co-wrote Garage: A Rock Saga as both a play and a film with Josh Funk.

Tim Hayden
STATUS=
Tim is a proud member of the Planet Ant Improv Colony, and the home team.  He is also proud of the affiliations he has had with the Planet Ant on such occasions as the original production of “Living With The Sevinsens”, and many nights of improvisation and hilarity.  Tim could also not be prouder of recently finishing his degree in Communication and Theatre Arts at EMU, and finding a job as a high school theatre and history teacher in the Waterford School District…where he is constantly proud of his students.  Tim is just so proud of his sister Nancy, of both her amazing talent, and her love of the sea.  Last, but by no means least, Tim’s proudest accomplishment to date is meeting, wooing, and marrying the best friend he has ever had, his muse, his wife Sue…of whom, Tim is very proud.  Tim Hayden…actor, improviser, teacher…and proud, proud man.  [Look for Tim’s first full length play, PROUD, summer 2007]

Elaine (Hendriks) Smith (Production Stage Manager)
STATUS=
Elaine is currently the Director of Production for Matrix Theatre Company in Southwest Detroit.  She has been involved with "Sardines," "555-1212," "Before & Laughter," "JIM," "Tales from the Script," and "The Ball & Chain Gang." Elaine is an alumna of The Second City, Detroit, where she Stage Managed the Main Stage Productions for 2 years. Some of Elaine’s other credits include: Production Stage Manager for such productions as "AltarBoyz"(Nederlander Productions) "The Nerd," "The Foreigner," "Annie Get Your Gun," "Godspell" (Minnesota Festival Theatre); Lighting Designer for "The Birds" and "The Adding Machine" (Planet Ant Theatre) and "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh!" and "Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris" (Jewish Ensemble Theatre); Production Manager for such concerts as R.Kelly, Ll Cool J, Patti LaBelle, Lou Rawls, De La Soul, Fishbone, Goodie Mob, Jen Luc-Ponty. Life is grand, folks! Carpe Diem!

David Herbst
STATUS=
“Did anyone see you?”
David Herbst shook the rain off of his coat as he took shelter in the doorway.  The only light came from a street lamp a block away reflecting off the slick pavement.
“Well?”  The Stranger was impatient.
 “I hope so.”
“What-“
“Look,’ David Herbst interrupted him.  He had the serious look of a man trying hard not to say all that he knew.  “ I studied at the Second City in Detroit.  I was in the original cast of the Touring Company there.”
“Heard you later directed that Tour Co.,” The Stranger said, pulling a cigarette case from inside his coat.
 “So what if I did?  I was in the Planet Ant Original Comedy Garage – played Fort Sumpter.  I later reprised the role for the Planet Ant film version, “Garage: a Rock Saga.”
The Stranger’s eyes stayed fixed on David Herbst’s as he removed a cigarette from the case and clicked it shut.
 “Then there was Big Mama’s Wedding at the Masonic Temple, Detour of Duty at the Planet Ant, Columbina’s Cure with the Elipses Theater Company in Ann Arbor-” David Herbst caught himself and looked away.  The hiss of rain on concrete and asphalt took full possession of his ears.  He watched as a cat climbed out of the broken out window of a road-worn sedan across the street.  When he spoke again, the words sounded as if he was realizing their meaning for the first time.
 “I’m proud to be a member of the Home Team.”
The Stranger allowed a silent moment before he answered, “fair enough.”  He flipped open his Zippo and thumbed the wheel, sending a bright spike of yellow flame searing into the night.   “Will we see you again soon?”  He lit the smoke and snapped the lid shut, throwing the doorway into complete darkness. 
In the black seconds after the light left them, He caught a faint whisper over the downpour. “I hope so.”     
When his sight returned to him, the Stranger was alone.

Pete Jacokes
STATUS=
Pete has been a proud member of the home team since November of 2000. He’s been a part of many shows at Planet Ant, including Jim, Boo-Ha-Ha, Tragedy of Tragedies: A Comedy, Two Men in A Box, The Weekend, directed the critically acclaimed late night show Curtain Call, and regularly stage manages Monday Nights.  Besides working at Planet Ant, Pete performs all over town with several improv groups such as: The Tim and Pete Show, The Stuff, Tailgate, and Brüder. Pete also teaches improv and comedic writing for the Second City Training Center. He has a wonderful family and a wonderful, understanding, forgiving, and patient girlfriend. Pete is a Scorpio, loves movies, was once an umpire, and is really interested in what you have to say.

Pj Jacokes
STATUS=
Pj is proud to be a Colonist. Pj has appeared in Planet Ant Theatre's original productions "Sardines," "Jim," "Last Call" and "The Ball and Chain Gang." He also directed The Planet Ant's "Tragedy of Tragedies: A Comedy." Pj is mainstage member of The Improv Inferno and has appeared in and/or directed "The Damnation Game" "Uncoupled," "Biff! Bang! Pow!" and "Evil Twin." He is in the improv troupe Eye Candy, the director of The Detroit Neutrino Project, a co-star in tv pilots "Party Animals" and "inZero,' Head Teacher at The Second City Training Center, and a ranked Scrabble Player. Pj doesn't have free time. Pj's not seen at the Ant as much, due to parenthood, which is, in its own way, one long improvisation.

Mike McGettigan
STATUS=
Mike McGettigan can be seen around town performing improv, acting or doing the various things that let him continue his edgy lifestyle.  He was most recently seen in Cancer the Musical as Murphy and in Pink Thunderbird as Cleetus.  He is not only an actor/performer but has written and directed several shows including his Planet ant directorial debut Jerks at Warp Speed and the award winning Space F*ckers which appeared at the Abreact Theater.  He is a founding member of the entertainment group The Fevered Egos which has made several short films and performs improv.  (www.feveredegos.tv)  Mike loves the Ant and encourages you to go every single night that you possibly can.

Jaime Moyer
STATUS=
Jaime is a very happy member of the Home Team! She also enjoys improvising with The Fevered Egos, Galleria, Rag Time, Snow Angels, Damnation Game, and the now defunct Pink Slips. Jaime graduated from University of Detroit-Mercy and also has a manicuring license from Virgina Farrell Beauty School. True. Jaime is an instructor at The Second City Detroit, and will be appearing there soon, on stage or at the bar. Look out for that. She can also be seen in "Whack Job" at the Abreact Theatre. Short film credits include "The Planning Lady (1st place ELFF), 21 Carbs (voted Audience Favorite Planet Ant Film Festival), and "Greg Likes Me" (official selection of Austin Film Festival). Jaime would like to thank her friends, her parents, and Jackie.

Tara Nida
STATUS=
Tara is a founding member of the improv troupe YFF and a member of Planet Ant Theatre's Improv Colony. She has also co-written and performed in several alternative productions on the Second City Detroit stage including, "Chicalicious", "Osama-Lama Ding Dong", "Law and Disorder", "Green Eggs and Hamtramck" and "No Way Jose...Canseco!". Other production credits include "Small Packages" and "But, However, If Only, Although" at Planet Ant Theatre (Hamtramck, MI), "Evil Twin" and "Uncoupled" at the Improv Inferno (Ann Arbor, MI) and "Playing Strangers" at Donny's Skybox Theatre (Chicago, IL). In 2004 she co-wrote and directed the comedic short films "Shoebox" (An official selection of the 2004 Planet Ant Film Festival) and "Stephen & Thomas D.D.S" (An official selection of the 2004 Giggle Shorts International Comedy Short Film Festival). Tara can also be seen improvising with Galleria, T-N-T, Ragtime and Boy Meets Girl.

Jennifer Nischan
STATUS=
Jennifer Nischan is proud to be a member of the Home Team at Planet Ant Theatre.  Here she has performed/co-written several original comedies, such as: “Ball and Chain Gang,” “Living with the Sevinsens.” “Pedro Orsini’s Parade of Penniless Players,” “Small Packages,” “Spirit of ’86,” and “Righting the Show”.  Jennifer is also an understudy to the mainstage cast at The Second City Detroit.  She has performed in The Second City Alternative Shows “Right on Maple, Left at the Altar,” “Sex in The Second City,” and “The Batusi”.  Jennifer also enjoys directing. Recently she directed “Last Call,” Original Drama #2 at the Planet Ant Theatre and was the Assistant Director of the original comedy “Crime Stopper Watchers”.

Amy Phillips
STATUS=
Amy spent one year studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.  She is a proud graduate of the Second City Conservatory and performed in the Level 5 writing show "The Devito Code".  She was also seen in Second City Detroit's first children?s show, "After the Beanstalk".  In addition, she was a writer and performer in "Deceptions to the Rule" at The Planet Ant and The Century Theater.  She also performed in "Pink Thunderbird" at The Planet Ant.  Amy likes to do celebrity impersonations and dabbles in stand-up comedy.  Check out her website at www.meetamyphillips.com

Sam Richardson
STATUS=
Sam thinks the Home Team is cool. Thus, as a member of the Home Team he believes he is cool by association. He is wrong. A graduate of the Second City Detroit Conservatory, he has been performing in the Detroit area for a few years. He has co-written and performed in many shows at the Planet Ant Theatre including "Jerks at Warp Speed", "The Weekend", "Curtain Call" and "Pedro Orsini's Parade of Penniless Players." Sam curently is an understudy of the Second City Manistage and performed in the Second City kid's show "After the Beanstalk." He is also a member of the improv troupe"Boy Meets Girl"

Keith Reay
STATUS=
Keith began his professional acting career right out of High School with the world famous Second City (Detroit). At 17 he was the youngest person in history to be hired for their touring company. Within five years he opened his own improvisational theatre  (The Cabinet).  He has played major roles in Androcles and the Lion (The Old Globe) , Annie , Godspell , Tony and Tina's Wedding , Trumpet in the Land  and has been in an Eminem video.  In the fall of 2006 he took two months off of 'being with his girlfriend the pacific ocean' to do a national comedy tour with the hit show, 'We can make you laugh'.  He can currently be seen all over the world in Triple Espresso: A highly caffeinated comedy.

Tim Robinson
STATUS=
Tim Robinson is so happy to be a part of the Planet Ant home team. He is a co-founder of the improv troupe YFF and performed with the Second City Touring Company and understudied the Second City Detroit Mainstage . He has co-written and performed in several productions on the Second City Detroit stage including "Horrible Things," "Beyond Silverdome," "Osama-lama Ding Dong," "Show," "Law and Disorder," and "Late, Late, Early News." Other performances include, "Skeleton Parents" at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, "Business as Unusual," "Playing Strangers," "Detour of Duty" and "The Madness of Kris Kringle" at Planet Ant Theatre and performing improv at the Century Theatre with the Guild. Tim is also a current member of the Main Stage Cast of Second City Detroit.

Marke Sobolewski
STATUS=
Marke Sobolewski:  Marke couldn't be more honored to be a member of the Planet Ant Home Team.  Marke made his Planet Ant debut in its sixteenth original comedy "Deceptions to the Rule" (with fellow home teamers Dave Davies, Jaime Moyer, and Amy Phillips), which was remounted for a successful run at the Century Theatre.  In addition to work at the Planet Ant, Marke is also an understudy and training center instructor at Second City Detroit.  Marke can be seen performing with the improv troups PMT, False Bravado, and in the Damnation Game at Ann Arbor's Improv Inferno.

Denise Swindell
STATUS=
Denise comes from a race of people who lived in a secluded desert oasis. Denise grew up eating chocolate and pickles and chasing the mirages away. She vowed to herself that if she was to ever get free, she would live every moment to it's fullest...one day, a plane flew overhead, and Densie and her mother saw that it was landing a couple of miles to the north...they walked north and found themselves the airport in Phoenix, Arizona. Denise and her mom quickly hopped a plane to cooler weather and landed in Detroit. Denise's and her mom happily make candy and eat pickles to this day. And, once a week, Denise leaves her happy candy life and comes to the Planet Ant where she performs with the Home Team.