I think it’s safe to say that everyone loves a good laugh. Whether you prefer heading to the theater for the latest blockbuster slapstick flick or frequenting a comedy club for some live humor, everyone enjoys a good joke. It takes fewer facial muscles to smile than it does to frown, ya know!
The 4th Annual Detroit Improv Festival, held Sunday, August 3 through Sunday, August 10, will provide plenty of laughs. Produced by the Detroit Improv Collective, Inc. (DICo), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the festival has something for everyone.
“Every show is completely made up on the spot and the audience gets to see this happen right in front of them. This is not standup comedy. Each troupe works together to present a show based on an audience’s suggestion,” Chris Moody, president of the Detroit Improv Festival, said.
Putting together the weeklong event each year is a huge process. In order to attract the best talent from all across North America, each headliner is hand picked and submissions are accepted from various improv troupes.
“This year, we have over 250 performers coming to Detroit,” Moody said. “We also work very hard to attract partnerships, sponsorships and donations in order to provide a low cost festival for our locals.”
The Detroit Improv Festival (formerly known as the Spontaneous Combustion Motor City Improv Festival) always begins with recruiting Detroiters to come back home. The 313, a troupe consisting of Keegan-Michael Key (“Key & Peele”), Marc Evan Jackson (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Maribeth Monroe (“Workaholics”), Jaime Moyer (“Jennifer Falls”), Nyima Funk (“Whose Line Is It Anyway?”), Josh Funk (“Second City Hollywood”), Marc Warzecha (“Second City Hollywood”) and Andy Cobb (“The Partisans”) all attempt to come back each year if their busy schedules allow, according to Moody.
“We also invited Detroiters Tim Robinson (“SNL”) and Mike O’Brien (“SNL”) who, in turn, invited Rachel Dratch (“SNL”) and Kevin Dorff (“Parks & Rec”) to perform with them,” Moody said. “Most importantly, we want to celebrate the art of improvisation and make this week a homecoming for our talented actors.”
The Detroit Improv Festival will kick off on Sunday, August 3 with a screening of the improvised film, “Best In Show,” at the Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit. Comedian and star of the film Fred Willard will make an appearance, including a meet and greet with film attendees, a Q&A session and an onstage performance with his comedy troupe, The MoHos. Doors to the meet and greet open at 6 p.m., and the film will begin shortly after 7 p.m.
Additional festival highlights include an evening of improv featuring current and past Detroit improv players at Hamtramck’s Planet Ant Theater on Monday, August 4 and a showcase by students enrolled in the Detroit Public Schools’ Detroit Creative Project on Wednesday, August 6. There is a Family Friendly Show on Saturday, August 9 at 1:30 p.m., so you can bring the kids along worry-free.
Partners of the Detroit Improv Festival include Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit, Go Comedy! Improv Theater, The Ringwald Theatre, The Rust Belt Market Theater and more. Proceeds from tickets to the festival will be donated to Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit and the Detroit Creativity Project, a group that teaches improv to students enrolled in Detroit Public Schools.
“We teach improv workshops twice a month at Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit, produce benefit shows and donate $1 from each ticket sold from the festival to Gilda’s,” Moody said. “DICo also sponsors three to four students per year to participate (in the Detroit Creativity Project student program).”
While DICo brings a smile to many faces, it’s a pretty serious organization—one dedicated to advancing the art of improv comedy in the Metro Detroit area.
“DICo’s artistic mission is to promote the benefits of improv to local organizations to encourage team building, goal setting and self-esteem lifting among their members,” Moody said. “We offer complimentary improv workshops, performances and training to community non-profit organizations.”
There are several festival passes, including a nightly pass (Friday or Saturday, which allows you to attend three shows in one night for $50), weekend pass (Friday and Saturday, allows you to attend seven shows for $90 and includes a festival t-shirt) and festival pass (Sunday through Saturday, allows you to attend 15 shows for $125 and includes a festival t-shirt, as well as passes to all special events). You can, of course, buy tickets for individual shows.
Moody highly recommends purchasing a festival pass, which allows patrons to see as many shows as possible, including MUZ’s All Star show on Friday, August 8 at 8 p.m., the Magnet Theater Show on Friday, August 8 at 10 p.m. and Messing With a Friend on Saturday, August 9 at 10 p.m.
“I liken going to an improv festival to going to the horse track, in a way. For the inexperienced, you can look at a racing form and not know anything about the horse other than their vital statistics. You decide to put money on the horse because you like the name or the color of the silks,” Moody said. “At our improv festival, most of the troupe names will be unrecognizable. Pick a troupe that sounds interesting or comes from a place you’ve visited. Most importantly, when you come out of an improv show at the Detroit Improv Festival, your ticket will always be a winner.”
For more information on the Detroit Improv Festival and The Detroit Improv Collective, Inc., visit www.detroitimprovfestival.org.
The system wirelessly charges one mobile device. Some devices require an adaptor or back cover. To check for phone or other device compatibility, visit my.chevrolet.com/learn for details.
Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. / Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
Standard on all trims: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Intellibeam Headlamps. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Available on all trims and standard on RS and Premier including 3.6L V6 engine.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Service varies with conditions and location. Requires active service plan and paid AT&T Data plan. See onstar.com for details and limitations.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
With second- and third-row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
Not compatible with all devices.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Chevrolet Infotainment System functionality varies by model. Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some devices.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
2. Whichever comes first, in addition to any remaining original factory Bumper-to-Bumper warranty. See participating dealer for limited warranty details.
3. Whichever comes first, from original in-service date. See participating dealer for limited warranty details.
4. During your powertrain limited warranty period, 6 years or 100,000 miles from new vehicle delivery, whichever comes first. Roadside assistance provided by Allstate. See dealer for details.
Available on LS, LT, ACTIV and RS trims.
OnStar plan, working electrical system, cell reception and GPS signal required. OnStar links to emergency services. Stolen Vehicle Assistance requires armed GM factory-installed theft-deterrent system, contact method on file and enrollment to receive alerts. Additional messaging and data rates may apply. Services are intended to assist with vehicle recovery and do not prevent theft or protect against damage or loss. See onstar.com for details and limitations.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $1,529 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/31/21.
Lease is for 2021 Silverado Custom Crew Cab with 2.7L Turbo engine and 20” wheels. 24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $2,839 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply. See dealer for details. Offer expires 3/31/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a GM lease in the household. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $1,799 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 1/4/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $849 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/31/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $1,869 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/31/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $4,469 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/31/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $909 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/31/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $689 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/31/21.
Eligible Tire Brands: BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Michelin, Pirelli, Uniroyal
Ad, written estimate, or internet quote for identical tire(s) from a competing tire retailer/installer located within 100 miles of the dealer required during 30 day guarantee period for price match. At participating dealers only. Offer ends 12/31/21.
Additional Offers:
$70 Rebate on a set of four tires from Firestone and Michelin.
$50 Rebate on a set of four tires from BFGoodrich, Dunlop, and General.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 5/31/21. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 4/30/21.
Mail-in rebate available to retail customers with a U.S. mailing address only. Must purchase and install at a participating Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac dealer located in the United States or U.S. territories during the offer period. Transmissions exclude Saab, Chevrolet Medium-/Heavy-Duty Trucks, and GMC Medium-/Heavy-Duty Trucks. Rebate offer not valid with other offers. Limit one rebate submission per repair order. Allow 6 to 8 weeks from promotion end date for delivery of Visa Prepaid Card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for complete details, eligible parts, and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 4/30/2021. Offer ends 3/31/2021.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 3/31/21. Limit three $5 wiper rebates per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 2/28/21.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 3/31/21. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Limit one $10 ACDelco Cabin Air Filter Rebate per VIN. Limit one $10 ACDelco Engine Air Filter Rebate per VIN. Offer ends 2/28/21.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 3/31/21. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Limit one $10 ACDelco Cabin Air Filter Rebate per VIN. Limit one $10 ACDelco Engine Air Filter Rebate per VIN. Offer ends 2/28/21.
Additional Offers:
$20 Rebate on front and rear ACDelco Brake Pads.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 5/31/21. Limit two brake pad rebates per VIN (one per axle). Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 4/30/21.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 3/31/21. Limit one rebate per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 2/28/21.
Must purchase at a participating U.S. GM dealership. Retail customers with a U.S. mailing address only. See participating U.S. dealer or mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 2/29/20. Limit one rebate per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 1/31/20.
Additional Offers:
$20 Rebate on two GM Genuine Parts or ACDelco Brake Rotors.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 5/31/21. Limit four $10 brake rotor rebates per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 4/30/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $689 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/31/21.
OR $100 Mail-in Rebate with any other form of payment.
Purchase must be made at participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 12/31/20. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 11/30/2020.
$200 Rebate: Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply. Talk to your participating Service Advisor to apply.
OR $70 Mail-in Rebate with any other form of payment.
Purchase must be made at participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 12/31/20. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 11/30/2020.
$140 Rebate: Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply. Talk to your participating Service Advisor to apply.
OR $50 Mail-in Rebate with any other form of payment.
Purchase must be made at participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 12/31/20. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 11/30/2020.
$100 Rebate: Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply. Talk to your participating Service Advisor to apply.
1 Based on retail registrations in the Detroit designated market area, through June 2019.
2 EPA-estimated 26 MPG city/31 highway with 1.5L engine (FWD).
1 With second-row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
1 Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
2 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
3 Service varies with conditions and location. Requires active service plan and paid AT&T Data plan. See onstar.com for details and limitations.
1 Excludes GM vehicles.
2 Class is Half-Ton Full-Size Pickup segment.
1 Premier model shown seats up to eight. Nine-passenger seating available on LS models only, with available front-row split-bench seat.
2 With second- and third-row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
3 With 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine. Requires 2WD and available Max Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
1 Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone, and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
2 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
3 Based on GM Large SUV segment. With 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine. EPA-estimated MPG city/highway: Tahoe 2WD 15/22, 4WD 15/21.
1 98.2 cu. ft. with second- and third- row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
1 With rear seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
2 EPA-estimated 26 MPG city/31 highway (FWD models).
3 Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android(TM) 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
1 EPA-estimated MPG city/highway: 26/34.
2 The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic received the fewest reported problems in its segment in J.D. Power’s 2019 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study following three years of ownership. See jdpower.com/awards for more details.
3 EPA estimate for Sonic Sedan with available 6-speed manual transmission.
1 Always use seat belts and child restraints. Children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat in the appropriate child restraint. See the Owner’s Manual for more information.
1 EPA-estimated MPG city/highway: 26/34.
2 The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic received the fewest reported problems in its segment in J.D. Power’s 2019 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study following three years of ownership. See jdpower.com/awards for more details.
3 EPA estimate for Sonic Sedan with available 6-speed manual transmission.
1 Chevrolet Infotainment System functionality varies by model. Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some devices.
2 Service varies with conditions and location. Requires active service plan and paid AT&T Data plan. See onstar.com for details and limitations.
1 EPA-estimated 259-mile EV range. Your actual range may vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, and how you use and maintain your vehicle.
2 Charging rate varies based on output of the charge unit, vehicle settings and outside temperature.
1Chevrolet Infotainment System functionality varies by model. Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some devices.
1 Based on initial vehicle movement. Coupe models with available 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission.
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1Standard on all trims: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator and IntelliBeam. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
1. App functionality and features vary with vehicle equipment and trim level. Data connection may be required. Some features require active service plan and working electrical system. User terms and limitations apply.
1 2WD diesel models. 4×4 diesel models except ZR2 have 7,600 lbs. of towing capability. ZR2 diesel models have 5,000 lbs. of towing capability. Requires available Z82 Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
2 EPA-estimated 30 MPG highway for Colorado 2WD with available Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel engine.
1 Colorado 2WD with available 3.6L V6 engine. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
1 EPA-estimated 26 MPG city/31 highway with 1.5L engine (FWD).
1 High Country, LTZ, LT Trail Boss, RST, LT, Custom Trail Boss, Custom, Work Truck
1 With second-row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
1 98.2 cu. ft. with second- and third- row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
1 EPA-estimated 26 MPG city/31 highway (FWD models).