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