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] "The radical ideas of Sarasota" - Robert Fulford, National Post
Highlight quote: "In some ways the most remarkable performance organization, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, stages plays and revues grounded in African-American culture."
http://news.nationalpost.com/2015/02/17/robert-fulford-the-radical-ideas-of-sarasota/

[PREVIEW] "'Color Purple' and 'Ma Rainey' on Westcoast Troupe's 2015-16 schedule" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
http://arts.heraldtribune.com/2015-02-17/featured/color-purple-and-ma-rainey-on-westcoast-troupes-2015-16-schedule/

[PREVIEW] "Sarasota revue salutes women of jazz" - Bradenton Herald
http://www.bradenton.com/2015/02/19/5644490_sarasota-revue-salutes-women-of.html?rh=1

[CALENDAR] "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents 'Jazz Hot Mamas' - Bobbilynn Hollifield, Sarasota Magazine
https://sarasotamagazine.com/events/westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-presents-jazz-hot-mamas-2/

[FEATURE] "Michael Mendez - radio interview" - Lynne Bernfield, The Lynne Show
Lynne talks to Michael about his journey from a boy who just loved to sing to a "23 year old aspiring artist who is making a living with his art."
Pod cast available at http://thelynneshow.com/

NEWS "Wall Street Journal highlights Westcoast Troupe production" - Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Jay Handelman
A report on our recent glowing review in the Wall Street Journal.
http://arts.heraldtribune.com/2015-01-30/featured/wall-street-journal-highlights-westcoast-troupe-production/

FEATURE "Behind the Scenes: Sarasota offers a nourishing theater scene" - Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Jay Handelman
Jay reports on the quantity, quality and diversity of offerings in the local theater scene.
http://arts.heraldtribune.com/2015-02-08/featured/behind-the-scenes-sarasota-offers-a-nourishing-theater-scene/

TV Leon Pitts appears on WWSB ABC 7's "Suncoast View"
Leon is introduced at 41:54 into the show
http://www.mysuncoast.com/videos/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=11083554

REVIEW "THEATER REVIEW: 'Knock Me A Kiss'" - The Observer Group, Marty Fugate
Highlight quote: "Kudos to the talented actors and director. Kudos also to Cristy Owen (for period costumes worthy of "Boardwalk Empire") and Steve Patmagrian (for an evocative set conveying an intellectual warrior's devotion to his people)."
http://www.yourobserver.com/news/diversions/A-and-E/0126201538357/THEATER-REVIEW-Knock-Me-A-Kiss

CALENDAR BLURB "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe announces Young Artist program" - Power Broker Magazine
http://www.powerbrokermagazine.com/events/display/21875

CALENDAR BLURB "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Young Artists Program" - Sarasota Magazine
http://sarasotamagazine.com/events/westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-young-artists-program/

FEATURE "Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.'s message" - Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Dale White
Article is about Temple Emanu-El "Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr." event at which WBTT played a huge role
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20150118/ARTICLE/150119711/2416/NEWS?p=1&tc=pg