The Cookout

The Cookout is a celebration of Black Improv in the DMV!

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

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 Lineup: 5 PM

Not One of Your Little Friends: Ernest Afflu, Daarel Burnette II, Stewart Gray III, Richard Johnson, Olu okusaga, David Spears, Jacquel Tomlin, Monica Hamilton

Earth Wind & Tired: Lee Bennett III, Aaron Harris, Renee Namakau, Ombaba, Lori Pitts, Tandra Turner, Slli’m Williams

HOLD UP! A Black Book Club: Krystal Ali, Derek Hayes, Samiyyah Ali, Simone Webster, Clyde Thompson, Jamal Newman, Tandra Turner

The Lineup: 7 PM

i blame tyler perry: Lexcia Carr, Imani Franklin, Chizo Nwagwu, Arielle Rich, Jelicia Ross, Francesca Washington

Who All Gon’ Be There: Aaron Harris,Olu Okusaga, Francesca Washington, Simonica Mendes, Amira Moore, Haywood Turnipseed, Joanne Harris, Chizo Nwagwu, Tracie Turnipseed, Micha’le Simmons

HTH (Baltimore): Thomas Dotstry, Harold Young IV, Jason Herbert

Kinfolk: Krystal Ali, Samiyyah Ali, Kendall Hollimon. Jamal Newman

The Lineup: 9 PM

Malik & Rasheed: Ti Malik Coleman, Rasheed Green

Baggage Claim: Samiyyah Ali, Kendall Hollimon, Precious Jenkins, Renee Namakau Ombaba, Clyde Thompson, Eddison Wilkinson  

Lena Dunham: Krystal Ali, Bam Alston, Darnell Eaton, Derek Hayes, Erica Johnson, Eva Lewis, Jamal Newman, Nic Small, Simone Webster

Details

Price:
General admission: $20 in advance (plus $2 service fee). For those who experience cost as a barrier, a limited number of affordable pricing tickets are available using the code AFFORDABLE. Discounted tickets are available for $15 per person (plus $2 service fee) for groups of 10 people or more.
Dates:
July 12