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..


January 21, 2022 "Westcoast Black Theatre cancels world premiere musical due to positive COVID-19 tests" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/theater/2022/01/20/westcoast-black-theatre-cancels-world-premiere-musical-due-covid/6595443001/

January 20, 2022 "WBTT’s Premiere of Ruby Latest Victim of Covid Cases" - Kay Kipling, Sarasota Magazine
https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/arts-and-entertainment/2022/01/wbtt-s-premiere-of-em-ruby-em-latest-victim-of-covid-cases

January 16, 2022 "Black History Celebrated Year-Round in Sarasota’s Newtown Neighborhood" - Black Press USA
https://blackpressusa.com/press-room-black-history-celebrated-year-round-in-sarasotas-newtown-neighborhood/

January 5, 2022 "Top 10 arts events for Sarasota-Manatee: Jan. 6-12" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
"Ruby" is the lead event
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/2022/01/06/top-10-arts-events-sarasota-manatee-jan-6-12/9010555002/

January 4, 2022 "Looking ahead at 2022 in arts and entertainment in Sarasota" - Spencer Fordin, Observer Group
"Ruby" is included
https://www.yourobserver.com/article/2022-looking-ahead

January 4, 2022 "Shows Postponed, Canceled Due to Covid-19" - Kay Kipling, Sarasota Magazine
https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/arts-and-entertainment/2022/01/shows-postponed-canceled-due-to-covid-19

January 4, 2022 "Positive COVID-19 tests disrupt Sarasota arts schedules" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/2022/01/04/covid-causes-sarasota-arts-groups-alter-cancel-performances/9083034002/

January 3, 2022 "WBTT education program to expand with $100,000 from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation" - Sarasota Herald-Tribune
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2022/01/03/wbtt-education-program-expand-100-000-barancik-foundation/9043129002/

December 31, 2021 "As 'Joyful! Joyful!' Surges, So Does Omicron" - Andy Fabian, SRQ Magazine
https://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-daily/2021-12-31/18605_As-Joyful-Joyful-Surges--So-Does-Omicron

December 29, 2021 "WBTT Cancels Remainder of 'Joyful! Joyful!' Show" - SRQ Magazine
https://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-daily/2021-12-29/18599_WBTT-Cancels-Remainder-of-Joyful-Joyful-Show

December 28, 2021 "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe cancels last 3 ‘Joyful! Joyful!’ performances" - Sam Sachs, WFLA Channel 8
https://www.wfla.com/news/local-news/westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-cancels-last-3-joyful-joyful-performances/

December 26, 2021 "Top 10 arts stories for Sarasota-Manatee in 2021" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
https://news.yahoo.com/top-10-arts-stories-sarasota-113004047.html

December 21, 2021 "Photos: First Look at the Cast of WBTT's World Premiere Musical RUBY" - Chloe Rabinowitz, Broadway World Sarasota
https://www.broadwayworld.com/sarasota/article/Photos-First-Look-at-the-Cast-of-WBTTs-World-Premiere-Musical-RUBY-20211221

December 19, 2021 "For This Theater Leader, a Mission That Goes Beyond the Stage" - Bob Morris, The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/15/theater/westcoast-theater-sarasota-nate-jacobs.htm

December 14, 2021 "Triumphant 'Joyful! Joyful!' heralds the joy of holiday season" - Spencer Fordin, Observer Group
https://www.yourobserver.com/article/triumphant-joyful%21-joyful%21-heralds-the-joy-of-holiday-season