Detroit Improv Festival 2019

When: Wed., Aug. 7, 8 p.m., Thu., Aug. 8, 8 p.m., Fri., Aug. 9, 8 p.m., Sat., Aug. 10, 8 p.m. and Sun., Aug. 11, 8 p.m. 2019

It may come as a surprise, but there are a lot of rules when it comes to the art of making shit up. Perhaps the most well-known rule of thumb when it comes to improv is the age-old “yes, and … ” meaning you never negate what another player has said or done. In other words, improv is all about rolling with the punches, kicks, slaps, and puns — and there’s no better celebration of the comedy craft than the annual Detroit Improv Festival. For its ninth iteration, DIF has enlisted close to 50 improv troupes from all over the country to perform throughout the three-day, multi-venue fest, including frequent festival headliner Paul F. Tompkins. DIF will take place at Go Comedy! Improv, The Ringwald, Loving Touch, and Planet Ant.