Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) announces that their open equity and non-equity auditions have been scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2014 at the WBTT Theater, 1646 10th Way in Sarasota. The auditions will be held from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. All interested actors must prepare two one-minute contrasting monologues, one comedic and one dramatic. Singers must prepare two 16-bar (one minute) songs, one ballad and one up-tempo.

Callbacks will be at 5:00 pm on the same day and actors should be prepared to read sides from the upcoming season. The scheduled lineup of shows for 2014-15 include Little Shop of Horrors (Director Harry Bryce), Black Nativity (Director Nate Jacobs) Knock Me a Kiss (Director Chuck Smith), Jazz Hot Mamas (a new, original, musical revue created and directed by Nate Jacobs), and Spunk (Directed by Jim Weaver). To obtain an audition slot, contact Travis Ray at 941-366-1505 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Walk-ins will not be accommodated.

“We have many opportunities available in the upcoming 2014-15 season,” explained Jacobs. “Male and female actors and singers will find a variety of roles for which they might be selected. We look forward to seeing long-time friends, as well as discovering new talent, when we begin the audition process on August 23rd.”

In addition to the song and monologue presentations, actors should also bring four copies of their professional headshots (photocopies are okay), and a resume, stapled or printed on the back of the photograph. Those planning to sing should bring sheet music in the appropriate key for the accompanist.

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. (WBTT) is the only professional black theater company on Florida’s West Coast. The mission is to “produce plays that promote and celebrate the African-American experience, attract diverse audiences, while using its productions as a vehicle for supporting African-American artists and building the self-esteem of African-American youth.” Throughout its history, WBTT has produced many productions and has gained a reputation for high quality, thought-provoking and entertaining performances.

Since its inception, WBTT has mentored and inspired many African-American youth. Many of the aspiring professional artists trained in the WBTT performing arts program have gone on to work with national and regional companies. Apphia Campbell was most recently seen performing her one-woman show, Black is the Color of My Voice, at WBTT in Sarasota, as well as in Shanghai and New York, and Teresa Stanley who was a featured cast member on Broadway in The Color Purple andpresently stars in Rock of Ages. For more information on WBTT, visit the website at www.wbttsrq.org, follow on Facebook, tweet on Twitter or call 941-366-1505.