The Cookout: i blame tyler perry + Who All Gon’ Be There + HTH + Kinfolk

Roll the dice and see a different hilarious show every night!

Dive into the fantastical world of Fun & Games, Washington Improv Theater’s new, laugh-filled performance series. Check out of your everyday life and enjoy smart, imaginative improv from WIT’s talented ensembles and special guest acts.

The Cookout celebrates Black improv in the DMV. Started in 2020, it currently features all-Black improv ensembles and troupes from DC and Baltimore. The Cookout was created and is curated by WIT improvisers Jamal Newman (who founded WIT’s first-ever all-Black ensemble Lena Dunham) and Krystal Ali, who performs with Lena Dunham, as well as company ensembles Hellcat and LIZARD GIRL. Both Jamal and Krystal also perform with Kinfolk — the first-ever all-Black team to win the Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament in 2024. The Cookout is consistently one of WIT’s most frequently sold-out shows, so be sure to get your tickets before they’re gone!

The Performers

i blame tyler perry:

Cast:

Lexcia Carr
Imani Franklin
Chizo Nwagwu
Arielle Rich
Jelicia Ross
Francesca Washington

Who All Gon’ Be There:

A pretty flower based on availability of your dearest friends

Cast:

Aaron Harris
Olu Okusaga
Francesca Washington
Simonica Mendes
Amira Moore
Haywood Turnipseed
Joanne Harris
Chizo Nwagwu
Tracie Turnipseed

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:

Cast:

Krystal Ali
Samiyyah Ali
Kendall Hollimon
Jamal Newman

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