Production by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe to tell the story of Ruby McCollum, a Black woman accused of murdering a White doctor in 1950s Florida

SARASOTA, FL – After two painful delays due to COVID-19, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is thrilled to finally bring to the stage the world-premiere musical, “Ruby.” The show is a musical retelling of the true story of a shocking killing of a White doctor in Live Oak, Fla., and the Black woman, Ruby McCollum, who was accused of his murder.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s resident director – and U.S. Marine Corps veteran – Chuck Smith returns to Sarasota to direct

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe continues its 2023-2024 season with the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, “A Soldier’s Play,” which was written by Charles Fuller. WBTT and Goodman Theatre (Chicago, Ill.) resident director Chuck Smith returns to Sarasota to direct. The production runs January 18-February 18, 2024.

Annual celebration of Civil Rights icon on January 14 to feature re-enactments of Dr. King’s speeches, song and dance

SARASOTA, FL –  Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is pleased to – once again – invite the community to celebrate the rich legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during an inspirational performance. The production, titled “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Celebrating His Legacy in Spoken Word and Song,” will feature re-enactments of Dr. King’s speeches, song and dance.

Classes taking place at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe include Adult Acting, African Dance, and Improv Adventures

SARASOTA, FL – After its first round of adult training classes in late summer/early fall of 2023, WBTT is thrilled to offer three adult education opportunities in early 2024: Adult Acting, African Dance, and Improv Adventures.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s ‘Christmas card to the community’ features traditional holiday tunes, gospel-infused classics and pop songs

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is gearing up for the holidays, ready to celebrate the season with its holiday production and Christmas card to the community, “Joyful! Joyful!” Theater fans of all ages and religious backgrounds are invited to celebrate the season with high-spirited, uplifting songs as only WBTT’s singers, dancers and musicians can perform them. The show runs from November 29-December 30, 2023.

Tony Award-winning musical is a coming-of-age story set in the tropics, featuring Afro-Caribbean rhythms and instruments

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is thrilled to open its 24th season with “Once On This Island.” Set on a verdant Caribbean island, this Tony Award-winning musical tells the coming-of-age story of a peasant girl searching for love and her place in the world, while dealing with complicated social issues of race, class and affairs of the heart.

Community members are invited to participate in new class offerings designed for learning and fun this fall

SARASOTA, FL – While Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has long been known for its artist development programs and training, the arts organization will – this fall – expand its programming to members of the community. Beginning later this month and running through dates in November are African Dance and Improv classes.