Improv & comedy / Novi
The Second City Detroit (Novi)
Closed – archive entry · 1993–2009
The Detroit outpost of the famed improv theatre opened near the Fox in 1993, then moved to a 200-seat cabaret in Novi in 2004. The Novi stage closed in 2009, and several of its cast members went on to TV and film.
Quick facts
- Opened
- 1993
- Closed
- 2009
- Seats
- 200 (Novi cabaret theatre)
02 / The story of this place
Make time for these
The Second City Detroit opened in September 1993 near the Fox Theatre downtown, the improv institution's third North American mainstage, in partnership with Mike Ilitch's Olympia Entertainment. It made its name with local revues like Power to the People Mover (1993) and Kevorkian Unplugged (1994). After its final downtown show in March 2004, it reopened later that year in a former brewpub at 42705 Grand River Avenue in Novi. The new home had a 200-seat cabaret theatre and training rooms, financed by Andiamo Restaurant Group. The Novi stage closed in 2009 and was never revived; several ensemble members went on to careers in television and film.
- 1993: Second City's third North American mainstage
- 200-seat cabaret in Novi, 2004 to 2009
- Several alumni went on to TV and film
Plan your visit
The Novi stage closed in 2009 and never reopened. For improv or a night at the theatre, check the stages in our guide that are still open.
Theaters nearby
Back to theaters ↗
Community theaters / Rochester Hills
Avon Players Theatre
A volunteer-run community theatre in Rochester Hills, in a historic A-frame playhouse on Washington Road. Its production history starts with the 1947–48 season, and 2026–27 brings Twelve Angry Men, August: Osage County and Dear Evan Hansen.
Professional companies / St. Clair
Boardwalk Theatre (Thumbcoast Live Theaters)
Thumbcoast Live Theaters' biggest venue: 370 seats in riverfront downtown St. Clair, built for big musicals. Fall 2026 brings Chicago and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Community theaters / Clarkston
Clarkston Village Players
Community theatre in an old train depot: Clarkston Village Players bought the town's former Grand Trunk station for $150 in 1962 and has played there since 1964. 2026–27 is its 65th season.