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..


[NEWS] "'Soul Crooners' sing again" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
http://www.ticketsarasota.com/2015/06/15/soul-crooners-sing-again/

[NEWS] "'Soul Crooners' at Straz Center aims to stir the soul with classic songs - Ernest Hooper, Tampa Bay Times
http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/stage/soul-crooners-at-straz-center-aims-to-stir-the-soul-with-classic-songs/2233880

[NEWS] "'Soul Crooners' opens in Tampa" - Bradenton Herald
http://www.bradenton.com/2015/06/18/5855622_soul-crooners-opens-in-tampa.html?rh=1

[NEWS] "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's Nate Jacobs to receive national recognition" - Sarasota Patch
http://patch.com/florida/sarasota/westcoast-black-theatre-troupes-nate-jacobs-receive-national-recognition-0

[FEATURE]: "The state of black theater and black pain, a talk with director Nate Jacobs" - Maurice Morris, Rolling Out Magazine
http://rollingout.com/culture/state-black-theater-black-pain-talk-director-nate-jacobs/

[NEWS] "7 Cultural Reasons to Visit Sarasota This Summer" - Jodi Mailander Farrell
WBTT's "Cotton Club Cabaret" makes the top 7 of arts/culture events of the summer
http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/articles/15/insider-culture/Sarasota-Music-Festival-Asolo-Repertory-Theatre-Summer-Cabaret-Festival-Visit-Florida-Culture-Insider.html?CID=SM_Facebook_Insiders_CultureFlorida

[NEWS] "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents 'Barbecue & Blues' - Tampa Bay Newswire
http://www.tampabaynewswire.com/2015/05/19/westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-presents-barbecue-and-blues-34967

[NEWS] "Attorney David Goldman Gives Commencement Speech to Graduating Class of Westcoast School" - Send2Press Newswire
Nate is mentioned as the most notable graduate of the Westcoast School
https://www.send2press.com/newswire/attorney-david-goldman-gives-commencement-speech-to-graduating-class-of-westcoast-school-2015-0605-02.shtml

[TV] "Suncoast View" - 4.28.2015
Nate co-hosts throughout; WBTT segment begins with link below
http://www.mysuncoast.com/videos?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=11445174

[REVIEW] "Spunk: Three Tales by Zora Neale Hurston" - Bill Oser, Talkin' Broadway
Highlight quote: "Spunk is a fine way to end another season of growth at WBTT as it illuminates the black history in a most entertaining way."
http://www.talkinbroadway.com/regional/wfla/

[REVIEW] - "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's Spunk" - Kay Kipling, Sarasota Magazine
Highlight quote: "The entire cast performs with energy and verve, and Jim Weaver has added some nice directorial touches to amplify these simple stories."
https://sarasotamagazine.com/2015/04/30/westcoast-black-theatre-troupes-spunk/

[REVIEW] "Spunk" - Marie Kilker, TotalTheater.com
Highlight quote: "Director Jim Weaver has assured that every word is heard and every movement precisely choreographed and executed. He gets the right emotions from his actors, too."
http://www.totaltheater.com/?q=node/6374

[REVIEW] "WBTT's got Spunk" - Undine Shorey, Bradenton Times
Highlight quote: "Another musical standout was the outstanding singer, Deidra Grace. Originally from Miami and a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Grace’s silky voice is hypnotizing. When you’re not distracted by her beautiful voice, you’ll be in awe of her fabulous dresses."
http://www.thebradentontimes.com/news/2015/04/22/arts_and_entertainment/theater_wbtt_s_got_spunk/#.VTeqQiFVhBc