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
NEWS "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Announces 2015-2016 Season" - don411.com
http://don411.com/westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-announces-2015-2016-season-celebrating-16-years-of-electrifying-theatre-in-sarasota/#.VOSNm_nF-Gc
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/
RELEASE "Westcoast Black Theatre Troup presents 'Jazz Hot Mamas'" - don411.com
http://don411.com/westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-presents-jazz-hot-mamas-world-premier-musical-revue-written-by-nate-jacobs-honors-female-jazz-greats/#.VN-ORfnF-Gc
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
EVENTS "THEATER: Showtime with Leon Pitts" - SRQ Daily
http://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-daily/2015-01-30
EVENTS "SEMINAR: WBTT Voices" - SRQ Daily
http://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-daily/2015-01-30
REVIEW Wall Street Journal Knock Me a Kiss Review
http://westcoastblacktheatre.org/images/reviews/WallStreetJournalKnockMeaKissReview.pdf
Nate Jacobs co-hosts "Suncoast View" - WWSB ABC 7
Nate spent the entire hour on the show as co-host and was also able to promote WBTT during various segments.
http://www.mysuncoast.com/videos/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=11060454
Full list of Biz(941) Unity Award winners - WWSB ABC 7
Nate Jacobs won in the nonprofit category!
http://www.mysuncoast.com/news/local/full-list-of-unity-award-winners/article_d65c9b48-a666-11e4-a493-eb0c27a7b3f1.html
"Westcoast Troupe holds 'Vision of Equality' forum" - Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Jay Handelman
Info about the "WBTT Voices" program.
http://arts.heraldtribune.com/2015-01-23/section/theater/westcoast-troupe-holds-vision-equality-forum/