Build the Scene.
Join the Colony.
Planet Ant has always been small but mighty. While our paid staff is tiny, our community is massive.
As you probably already know… we don't do this to get rich; we do this crazy theatre thing to create a space where Metro Detroit can create art and experiences that can change lives.
To keep the magic going, we need heavy lifters. We are looking to collaborate with Builders, Skilled Tradespeople, Cleaners, Techies, and Organizers to help us polish our venues and build the ideal arts space for the future.
The Exchange: We believe in reciprocity. While we cannot currently offer financial compensation, we happily offer the "Ant Exchange." In return for your labor and expertise, you will receive credits valid for:
Planet Ant Training Center Classes
Tickets to Shows
Exclusive Merch
The Trade: Work-to-Study
Planet Ant Volunteer Exchange Program Your labor is valuable.
As a registered volunteer, you have the option to be compensated in "Colony Cash," which tracks every hour you contribute.
Earning Rates
General Labor (Cleaning, Organizing, Painting): $25/hr in Colony Cash
Technical Theatre (Qlab, Sound Board Op - Training provided): $40/hr in Colony Cash
Skilled Trades (Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing - Vetting required): $100/hr in Colony Cash
Colony Cash
Colony Cash functions as a credit on your volunteer account. Because the smallest denomination of Colony Cash is $25, the following rules apply:
Full Purchase Only: You must have enough Colony Cash to cover the entire cost of the item or class. Partial payments (splitting costs between Colony Cash and real cash) are not accepted.
The "Round Up" Rule: Prices for items are rounded up to the nearest $25 increment.
Example: A $20 t-shirt costs $25 in Colony Cash.
Example: A $200 class costs $200 in Colony Cash.
Balances Stay on File: We do not give cash change. If your credit exceeds the purchase price, the remaining balance stays on your account for future use.
Example: If you have $225 in credit and enroll in a $200 class, you keep the remaining $25 in your Colony Cash balance.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for anyone willing to help. Fill out our intake form and tell us what you can do!
Our Volunteer Coordinators are themselves volunteers that help maintain the system. We’re always looking for more dedicated folks that are interested in helping out.
Mike McGettigan | mike@planetant.com | 313.212.9936
Derek Trestain | email | phone
Jason Desousa | email | phone
Want to become a coordinator? Scroll down and join us.
How It Works
1. Register | Register as a volunteer on our Intake Form to create your profile and list your skills.
2. Chat | Join our Volunteer Discord for live chat, Q&A, and community updates. Prefer email? No problem—we send major updates there, too.
3. Email, Claim or Pitch | Check the Project Queue to see active tasks that need doing. Don't see a project that fits your skills? Pitch us a new one via our form! Or show up for a group volunteer day notification via email.
4. Get the Green Light | Once you claim a project or pitch an idea, keep an eye on your Email or Text. We will send you the official confirmation, safety details, and schedule.
5. Donate or Get Colony Cash | Work your shift, log your hours with a Lead Ant, and collect Colony Cash (credits) to use for classes, shows, and merch or donate your time to the Ant.
Register!
You’ll need to register to be compensated for your time.
View the list!
Take a look at our current volunteer project submissions.
Chat!
Jump into Planet Ant’s Discord and chat with other volunteers and coordinators.
Pitch!
Have a project around the Ant that you wish we would get done? Pitch that here.