The Cookout: i blame tyler perry + Earth, Wind, and Tired + 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

Earth, Wind, and Tired: 

Cast:

Lee Bennett III
Aaron Harris
Renee Namakau Ombaba
Lori Pitts
Tandra Turner
Slli’m Williams

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.