TYT 5

written by Byron Coolie & Sidney Edwards
based on the comedy and life experiences of Byron Coolie
directed by Sidney Edwards

BEST OF BROADWATER EXTENSION!
Wed, 8/7 @ 8pm

JUNE 2024 in the Hollywood Fringe
Tue, 6/11 @ 8pm (Preview)
Sat, 6/15 @ 10:30pm (Masks required)
Wed, 6/19 @ 8pm
Sun, 6/23 @ 5pm
Fri, 6/28 @ 6:30pm
Sat, 6/29 @ 8:30pm
Sun, 6/30 @ 6:30pm

Tickets: $15 | Buy Tickets (This link takes you to the Hollywood Fringe site.)

Masking policy below.

WORLD PREMIERE! He's only got five minutes to make you laugh! The pressure is on, but this young comic still has a lot to learn. As he travels from city to city, Byron Coolie questions his self-worth, navigates the entertainment industry, and confronts racial injustice. YOU ARE ENOUGH!!!

TYT 5 (tight five) is a play with three monologues that follow our main character, "Byron Coolie," at three different points in his life (about ten years apart). "Byron Coolie" is a well-traveled aspiring comedian with a wealth of experiences to pull from. Each monologue is sandwiched between 5-minute stand-up sets that progress through time and place as he finds his footing as a comedian.

The term "tight five" refers to a comedian's short performance set used to communicate his life's perspectives in the form of jokes. Because of the 5 minute time limit, a comedian may feel pressured to rush during a performance. When we rush through things, we do not take the time to be present and grasp our self worth. As a result, I chose to spell the word tight like "TYT" because it means Take Your Time. When a comedian takes his time onstage, he's present, articulate, and much more relaxed in the face of adversity. The word "tight" also implies stiffness or strain. In contrast, "TYT" implies a sense of openness and relief. I analogize this to life. Instead of rushing to be somebody, we should take our time to enjoy the person we are. We should take a TYT 5 and not a tight five.

Performing in the Broadwater Studio (Entrance at 1078 Lillian Way)

"A hilarious and moving mic drop from beginning to end... it is energy and spirit like [Byron Coolie's] that makes this world a better place." -@lahiddengems

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DIGITAL PROGRAM

TYT5 is one of three shows Sacred Fools is proud to present in the 2024 Hollywood Fringe. Please also check out THE PLANET EARTH FAREWELL CONCERT and THIS SHOW IS SURROUNDED BY TRUE EVENTS.

Awards

Hollywood Fringe Fest 2024

Best of Broadwater
Fringe Award for Solo Performance (Nominated)
Ella Turenne Award, presented by the Hollywood Fringe Access Advisory Board (Nominated)

MASKING POLICY

THE USE OF MASKS IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. THE BOX OFFICE WILL BE ABLE TO OFFER SOME MASKS FOR FREE BUT PLEASE COME PREPARED.

FULLY-MASKED SHOW - SATURDAY, 6/15 @ 10:30pm: For those that feel more comfortable attending with an entirely masked audience, masks will be required at the Saturday, 6/15 performance of TYT 5. Anyone attending that performance will be required to wear a mask over their mouth and nose at all times while in the theater.

STAY HOME IF YOU ARE ILL: If you or someone in your group doesn't feel well, has exhibited symptoms of COVID-19 or has been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the previous 10 days, we ask that you make alternate arrangements to attend at a later date. Contact us via the Fringe site to change your reservation.

Cast & crew are tested before all rehearsals and performances. The Broadwater's performance spaces have been upgraded to MERV filtration to comply with clean air standards.

Video Playlist

Fools Fringe 2024 Promo

Photos

Photos by Scott Leggett

Crew

Produced for Sacred Fools by Scott Leggett
Associate Producer - Bruno Oliver
Stage Manager - Anna Kupershmidt
Sound Designer - Derek A. Graham
Promotional Video Director - Jaime Robledo
Publicity - Scott Golden
Key Art - Michelle Hanzelova

Audience Raves

"Beautiful... raw and honest storytelling."

"This is a powerful show about an incredible set of personal experiences."

"His vulnerability and outrage hit you where it hurts."

"Make the time to support this amazing show. You will not regret it."

"Bryon's story was crafted with brilliant humor, precision and heart!"

"Absolutely masterful performance and writing... The comedic parts are hilarious, the dramatic parts utterly gut-wrenching."

"...outstanding and unapologetically black and bold. Byron is a very talented actor who is a sparkplug of energy."

"This is the sort of one-man show you hope all one-man shows could be."

"DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW."

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Review

@lahiddengems

Byron Coolie's "TYT 5" is a Hilarious and Moving Mic Drop from Beginning to End

"Subjugation," Byron Coolie states in one of his throwback monologues, is a word that he learned in fifth period English, but minutes into his brilliantly funny solo/stand up show TYT 5, it's clear that Coolie has learned the word from his own life experiences as a black man, a stand up comedian and an actor. From Atlanta, to New Orleans, to Charlotte, New York and Los Angeles, Coolie takes us with him on his journey, and with powerful and often tender threads of humanity, he never lets go. I, along with the rest of his sold-out house at The Broadwater Studio, was with Coolie at the edge of my seat. Your opinions on chicken restaurants may vary (I myself am with Team Coolie on this one) but over all, TYT 5 is very relatable, and when it isn't, you'll know why. Yes, I'm sparing you some spoilers because if you haven't seen this remarkable show, you need to get a ticket now.

Through a series of vignette monologues, Coolie takes us through the ups and downs of his life in stand up comedy, a world ruled by the T-5, aka the "tight five," in which you have five minutes to make your audience laugh; five minutes to bring your all and to make a lasting impression on them. Luckily, Mr. Coolie takes us on a Tight 55, starting with his school struggles as a young black teen, dodging bullies like his nemesis, "no-neck Josh." Coolie doesn't back down from any challenge as he takes on Josh in a hilarious dance battle at Atlanta's Airline Skate Center, an epicenter for young, black culture in his youth. In Coolie's world, he might not always win, but he seems to bask in the glow of progression, whether it's as an actor, comedian or a human being. Using a minimum of prop/costumes, Coolie relies on his gifts as a master of character and transformation to take us into the racially erroneous world behind the curtain of professional theatre, or to the hellish nightmare scenarios of America's streets. There's much darkness in Coolie's blistering story, but with every turn, there's Coolie standing resolute, smiling back at us, his light shining for all to see. This show is incredibly moving and yes, if you have a soul yourself, parts will make you angry as hell, but if art isn't here to change us, we're all missing the point. In the end of this very tight 55, Coolie brings his audience in for a soft landing with a message that will fill your heart with joy, so thank you Byron for bringing this fine work to The Hollywood Fringe, you've made your lasting impression.

TYT 5 is a mic drop from beginning to end, with one exception; there exists not a trace of arrogance in Byron Coolie's performance, and even while evoking a softer touch, it hits you in the gut with its brutal honesty over and over again. Luckily, your gut will hurt all right, but mostly from the laughter. I can't wait until the world learns the name Byron Coolie, as it is energy and spirit like his, that makes this world a better place.

TYT 5 is directed by the superb Sidney Edwards and produced by Sacred Fools Theatre's Scott Leggett. It continues tonight at The Broadwater Studio at 6:30pm, with other dates as well, but don't wait on this one, don't miss your chance to experience this show.