The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) opens its tenth anniversary season with a toe-tapping, dancing-in-your-seat musical revue of the 1960s, featuring songs from Motown, the music that brought young black singers into the mainstream and changed the face of contemporary American music. Nate Jacobs is the Troupe's founder and created The Motown 60s Revue.

"As west coast Florida's only professional black theater company we felt this was an important and exciting revue for us to present to the community," explained Jacobs. "Like many of the original Motown artists, WBTT's performers are young, energetic and talented. This is their springboard for a theatrical career if they choose."

The Motown 60s Revue opened Friday, January 22, 2010. The show runs through February 7th. All shows are held at the Art Center Sarasota, next to the Municipal Auditorium. Show times can be found on the website, www.wbttroupe.org. That is also where one can purchase season tickets at $45 for three shows. Individual tickets are $20 a piece and are available by calling the office at 941-366-1505.

"Season tickets have been selling very well," Jacobs continued. "Our tenth season is on the way to being a huge success."

Background

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. (WBTT) was founded in December 1999, by local actor, singer, director and playwright Nate Jacobs. It is the first and only professional black theater company on Florida's West Coast.

The mission of WBTT is to "produce plays that promote and celebrate the African-American experience, which attracts diverse audiences while using its productions as a vehicle for supporting African-American artists and building the self-esteem of African-American youth."

Throughout the past decade, WBTT has produced more than 30 productions locally and around the state of Florida. The company has gained a reputation for high quality, thought-provoking and entertaining performances.

Since its inception, WBTT has mentored and inspired many African-American youth through participation in the company's productions. It has provided a platform for talented individuals who might not otherwise have had an opportunity to cultivate their interests and talents. Many of the aspiring professional artists trained in the WBTT performing arts program have gone on to work with national companies such as The Black Theatre Troupe, Phoenix Arizona; The Cumberland County Playhouse, Crossville, Tennessee; Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota, Florida; The Asolo Rep, Sarasota, Florida; Stage Door Theatre, Coral Springs, Florida; and Mad River Theatre, West Liberty, Ohio. The company has provided a springboard for many national careers including Apphia Campbell and Teresa Stanley, a featured cast member of The Color Purple and Dreamgirls on Broadway.