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..


February 10, 2021 "WBTT lights up the night later this month" - Venice Gondolier Sun
https://www.yoursun.com/venice/wbtt-lights-up-the-night-later-this-month/article_3fbb73aa-67ce-11eb-a463-8ff543398814.html

February 9, 2021 "BUSINESS BUZZ: Michael Saunders marks 45th anniversary, record 2020 sales" - Sarasota Herald-Tribune
WBTT provided musical interludes during virtual event
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/business/2021/02/09/business-buzz-michael-saunders-celebrates-3-49-billion-sales-2020/4441951001/

February 7, 2021 "WBTT returns to live performances with ‘Light Up the Night!’" - Tampa Bay Newswire
https://www.tampabaynewswire.com/2021/02/07/wbtt-returns-to-live-performances-with-light-up-the-night-95324

February 6, 2021 "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe resumes outdoor concerts in Sarasota" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/2021/02/06/westcoast-black-theatre-resumes-outdoor-concert-after-covid-outbreak/4406617001/

February 1, 2021 "Longboat Key Education Center celebrates 35th anniversary" - Sarasota Herald-Tribune
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2021/02/01/longboat-key-education-center-celebrates-35th-anniversary/4311936001/

January 24, 2021 "Sarasota Jewish Theater revived in new venture" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/2021/01/24/sarasota-jewish-theater-revived-professional-operation/4180631001/

January 18, 2021 "How Have Covid-19 and Social Protests About Inequality and Injustice Affected the Arts?" - Kay Kipling, Sarasota Magazine
https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/arts-and-entertainment/2021/01/local-arts-leaders-weigh-in-on-the-effects-of-covid-19-social-protests-about-inequality-and-injustice

January 18, 2021 "Timeline: A Century of Sarasota Arts" - Kay Kipling, Sarasota Magazine
https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/news-and-profiles/2021/01/timeline-a-century-of-sarasota-arts

January 14, 2021 "Winners Announced For The 2020 BroadwayWorld Sarasota Awards!" - Broadway World Sarasota
WBTT earns significant wins, including Theatre Company of the Decade
https://www.broadwayworld.com/sarasota/article/Winners-Announced-For-The-2020-BroadwayWorld-Sarasota-Awards-Asolo-Repertory-Theatre-West-Coast-Black-Theatre-Troup-More-Take-Home-Wins-20210114

January 14, 2021 "Arts events for Sarasota-Manatee: Jan. 14-20" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/2021/01/14/arts-events-sarasota-manatee-jan-14-20/6610041002/

January 7, 2021 "Arts events for Sarasota-Manatee: Jan. 7-13" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Derric Gobourne Jr.'s interview on WBTT Live! On Demand is included
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/2021/01/07/arts-events-sarasota-manatee-jan-7-13/4060389001/

January 6, 2021 "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy" - SRQ Magazine
https://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-daily/2021-01-06/15897_Westcoast-Black-Theatre-Troupe-to-Honor-Dr-Martin-Luther-King-Jrs-legacy

January 5, 2021 "WBTT to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy" - Scene Magazine
http://www.scenesarasota.com/magazine/wbtt-to-honor-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-s-legacy/

December 31, 2020 "Foundation strategic partnership to support Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe programs" - Tempo News
https://temponews.suncoastpress.com/scp/tnw-123120/flipbook/4/