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..


[FEATURE] "A Celebration Onstage: Nate Jacobs is making time to celebrate Sam Cooke in Sarasota" - Phil Lederer, SRQ Magazine
http://www.srqmagazine.com/articles/254/A-Celebration-Onstage

[CALENDAR] 'The Sam Cooke Story' is #3 of weekend "to do" list - WeekendInsider, Sarasota Magazine
http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=90b255b20087b1d87f7762948&id=0d4a2539ec&e=53be61017b

[NEWS] "Jazz Club of Sarasota, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe partner on Jazzlinks program" - Tampa Bay Newswire
http://www.tampabaynewswire.com/2016/02/28/jazz-club-of-sarasota-westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-partner-on-jazzlinks-program-43550

[REVIEW] "‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ Review: Really the Blues" - Terry Teachout, The Wall Street Journal
Highlight quote: "This small-scale staging, directed by Chuck Smith and performed in the company's black-box theater, is one of the best-acted Wilson revivals I've seen in recent seasons, and the acting gains in impact from being viewed in so compact a space."
http://www.wsj.com/articles/ma-raineys-black-bottom-review-really-the-blues-1454627599

[FEATURE] "Voices of Black History Month" - Phil Lederer, SRQ Magazine's Daily
http://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-daily/2016-02-05

[PHOTOS] "Gamma Xi Boule hosts Valentine's Day gala" - Gayle Guynup, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
http://galleries.heraldtribune.com/gallery/370573#/0

[EVENT NEWS] "Bradenton area celebrates Black History Month" - Marty Clear, Bradenton Herald
http://www.bradenton.com/entertainment/local-events/this-weekend/article58762978.html

[EVENT NEWS] "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents 'April Fools' Fete' - Tampa Bay Newswire
http://www.tampabaynewswire.com/2016/02/13/westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-presents-april-fools-fete-43190

[NEWS] "Good Deeds" - Terry Galvin, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Regarding Lowe's Home Improvement contributions to WBTT in December
http://sarasotaheraldtribune.fl.newsmemory.com/publink.php?shareid=01d76017d

[REVIEW] "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" Review: Really the Blues - Wall Street Journal
Highlight quote: "In this production, Mr. Smith and his cast have hit the high C of absolute authenticity: Every line sounds as real as a heartbeat. I was especially impressed by the four members of the band ..."
Read Review!

[REVIEW] "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" - Marty Fugate, The Observer
Highlight quote: "Director Chuck Smith honors the playwright’s naturalistic tone, and makes you feel like you’re eavesdropping on a slice of lost time. The actors are equally real."
http://www.yourobserver.com/article/theater-review-ma-raineys-black-bottom

[REVIEW] "WBTT's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" - Kay Kipling, Sarasota Magazine
Highlight quote: "Watkins, Dozier, Robinson and jones are convincing as old blues musicians who sense their time is coming to an end with the advent of a jazzier sound, and Wilson’s play reminds us of their struggles and their place in history."
https://sarasotamagazine.com/2016/01/18/wbtts-ma-raineys-black-bottom/