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..


PREVIEW "A little-known true-life love story at WBTT" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Preview for "Knock Me A Kiss"
http://arts.heraldtribune.com/2015-01-02/section/theater/little-known-true-life-love-story-wbtt/

PREVIEW "Knock Me a Kiss opens in Sarasota" - Marty Clear, Bradenton Herald
Preview for "Knock Me A Kiss"
http://www.bradenton.com/2015/01/04/5560576_knock-me-a-kiss-opens-in-sarasota.html?rh=1

Ticket Magazine's "2014 Year in Review"
15th Anniversary Celebration listed as highlight in October
http://www.ticketsarasota.com/2014/12/30/2014-year-review-entertainment/

FEATURE Observer Group "Unsung heroes"
A well-deserved shout-out to WBTT stage manager Juanita Munford
http://www.yourobserver.com/news/diversions/A-and-E/1223201437853/Unsung-heroes

PROMOTION Biz(941) Good News Friday, "Biz(941) Supports"
Promo for "Knock Me A Kiss"
http://biz941.com/2014/12/good-news-friday-biz941-supports-jan-2-2015/

[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 "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/

REVIEW "'Knock Me A Kiss' scores in Sarasota" - Bradenton Herald, Marty Clear
Highlight quote: "The script is both exciting and intellectually stimulating, and everything about the production enhances it."
http://www.bradenton.com/2015/02/05/5619915_knock-me-a-kiss-scores-in-sarasota.html?rh=1

FEATURE "Jennings made it happen for local African American talent" - Sarasota Phoenix, David Gaulman
Feature on Christine Jennings and her contributions to WBTT and the community. Last four paragraphs are outdated - I've reached out to the writer about it.
http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/sarasota-phoenix/sarasota-phoenix-february-2015/2015012401/5.html#4