The Cookout: YOU BETTER CALL TYRONE + Malik & Rasheed + HTH + Kinfolk

Say goodbye to the heat, the grind, and the headlines. Say hello to a night of laughter with WIT.

Now in its sixth year, The Cookout is WIT’s hugely popular celebration of Black improv in the DMV. It is the brainchild of WIT improvisers Krystal Ali and Jamal Newman, and features outstanding all-Black indie troupes from the DC area and Baltimore, as well as WIT’s all-Black company ensemble, Lena Dunham Improv.

The Cookout consistently sells out and, trust us, you don’t want to miss it!

YOU BETTER CALL TYRONE

The first-all Black team to win WIT’s Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament (in 2026), You Better Call Tyrone was also the first musical improv team to win the coveted FIST trophy.

Cast: Lee Bennett III, Eva Lewis, Stephanie Rae, and Arie Rich 

Malik & Rasheed

Cast: Ti Malik Coleman, Rasheed Green

HTH

“HTH” is a riotous improv show starring three sharp-witted Black men, blending their distinct personalities into uproarious comedy that feels both familiar and fresh.

Cast: Thomas Dotstry, Harold Young IV, Jason Herbert

Kinfolk

Are you excited to see your sister-cousin at this year’s family reunion? Who made this mac and cheese? Does your friend group make you question your/their sanity, but you kinda love it? Why can’t your teammates stay out of drama? Nobody knows your people like you do, except maybe Kinfolk.

Cast: Krystal Ali, Samiyyah Ali, Kendall Hollimon, Jamal Newman

ABOUT WIT

WIT shows are perfect for a date night, out-of-towners visiting, or just something new and spontaneous to do. All for just $20.

For 28 years, Washington Improv Theater’s experienced teams of improv comedians have taken a simple suggestion or story from an audience member and turned it into a never-before-seen comedy show. And because every performance is based on an audience suggestion, that night’s show will never happen again! Our homegrown talent has gone on to SNL, The Daily Show, HBO’s Insecure and The White Lotus, and more!

Accessible pricing: For those who experience cost as a barrier, a limited number of affordable pricing tickets are available using the code AFFORDABLE at check-out. 

Go to our Plan Your Visit page to learn about WIT shows and view our health and accessibility policies.

WIT may have still or video photography at its events. Entry to the event serves as consent to be filmed for WIT’s promotional purposes only.