This page includes a collection of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe news, reviews and events. We appreciate the journalists who are helping to spread awareness of our work and foster an appreciation for the arts in our community. We update this page frequently, so be sure to check back often.

If you are a member of the media seeking materials from our press kit, or if you have a photo and/or an interview request, please contact our PR department at (941) 366-1505, ext. 805 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


July 28, 2022 "Gulf Coast Community Foundation Awards $40,000 Arts Appreciation Grant To Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe" - Broadway World Sarasota
https://www.broadwayworld.com/sarasota/article/Gulf-Coast-Community-Foundation-Awards-40000-Arts-Appreciation-Grant-To-Westcoast-Black-Theatre-Troupe-20220728

July 26, 2022 "Sarasota's WBTT rides a soul wave back to National Black Theatre Festival" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Front-page coverage!
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/theater/2022/07/26/sarasota-westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-brings-soul-national-festival-florida/10106136002/

July 18, 2022 "Local students showcase talent during WBTT Stage of Discovery" - Eric Wilson, WWSB ABC7
https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/07/18/local-students-showcase-talent-during-wbtt-stage-discovery/

July 15, 2022 "WBTT summer camp kids to showcase skills in weekend show" - Annette Gutierrez, SNN News
https://www.snntv.com/story/46882559/wbtt-summer-camp-kids-to-showcase-skills-in-show-this-weekend

July 14, 2022 "Sarasota teens set to perform in 'We Dream' musical on July 16" - Adaure Achumba, 10 Tampa Bay
https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/sarasota-we-dream-musical/67-3d40893e-3401-449a-9cdd-ddaffa4936ad

July 13, 2022 "Suncoast Culture Club podcast" - Robyn Bell, Suncoast Culture Club
Jim Weaver and Stage of Discovery alumna / camp staffer Astrid Victoria are interviewed
https://www.suncoastcultureclub.com/stageofdiscovery/

July 8, 2022 "Developing Dreams" - Dylan Campbell, SRQ Magazine
https://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-daily/2022-07-08/19730_Developing-Dreams

July 7, 2022 "Tickets now on sale for WBTT’s ‘Stage of Discovery’ student show" - Tempo News
Front-page takeover!
https://temponews.suncoastpress.com/scp/tnw-070622/flipbook/0/

July 6, 2022 "WBTT’s Stage of Discovery Students Present New Original Musical" - SCENE Magazine
http://www.scenesarasota.com/magazine/wbtts-stage-of-discovery-students-present-new-original-musical/

June 29, 2022 "Hermitage Retreat providing creative opportunities for Sarasota area artists" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/2022/06/29/hermitage-retreat-provides-new-residencies-sarasota-florida-area-artists/7735996001/

June 17, 2022 "The Exchange Continues Support for WBTT" - SCENE Magazine
http://www.scenesarasota.com/magazine/the-exchange-continues-support-for-wbtt/

June 9, 2022 "Founding Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe singer returns for concert" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/2022/06/09/westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-hosts-concert-founding-member-jnana-wilson-cooper/7487118001/

June 8, 2022 "WBTT alum returns to the stage her talent helped build" - Spencer Fordin, Observer Group
https://www.yourobserver.com/article/wbtt-alum-returns-to-the-stage-her-talent-helped-build

June 2, 2022 "Jnana Wilson Cooper, Founding Member of WBTT, to be Featured in Solo Concert" - Tempo News
https://temponews.suncoastpress.com/scp/tnw-060122/flipbook/1/ 

May 31, 2022 "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe explores struggles and triumphs of realizing the American dream" - Go!, Venice Gondolier Sun
https://www.yoursun.com/coastal/entertainment/westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-explores-struggles-and-triumphs-of-realizing-the-american-dream/article_88e1144a-aac1-11ec-a406-3b52649c1ffe.html