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..
February 7, 2022 "WBTT teases musical 'Ruby' after extended delay" - Spencer Fordin, Observer Group
https://www.yourobserver.com/article/wbtt-teases-musical-ruby-after-extended-delay
February 3, 2022 "WBTT Will Present Free Performance Of JAZZLINKS At The Bay Park This Month" - Broadway World Sarasota
https://www.broadwayworld.com/sarasota/article/WBTT-Will-Present-Free-Performance-Of-JAZZLINKS-At-The-Bay-Park-This-Month-20220203
February 2, 2022 "WBTT to receive $50,000 from NEA" - Venice Gondolier Sun
https://www.yoursun.com/venice/news/wbtt-to-receive-50-000-from-nea/article_1e6cecb8-8048-11ec-9320-2f89057fd90f.html
January 31, 2022 "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe approved by NEA for American Rescue Plan grant" - Sarasota Herald-Tribune
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2022/01/31/wbtt-approved-nea-american-rescue-plan-grant/9227854002/
January 31, 2022 "WBTT approved for $50k from Biden's American Rescue Plan" - SNN TV [VIDEO]
https://www.snntv.com/story/45777970/wbtt-approved-for-dollar50k-from-bidens-american-rescue-plan
January 28, 2022 "Entertainment execs chat in front of Newsies panel" - Spencer Fordin, Observer Group
https://www.yourobserver.com/article/entertainment-execs-chat-in-front-of-newsies-panel
January 28, 2022 "WBTT, Modern Marimba partner for 'A Place For You'" - Venice Gondolier
https://www.yoursun.com/venice/news/wbtt-modern-marimba-partner-for-a-place-for-you/article_78d284a4-7d61-11ec-82c9-e7cc8a018b93.html
January 25, 2022 "How Theatres Are Facing the Omicron Wave" - Amelia Merrill, American Theatre magazine
https://www.americantheatre.org/2022/01/25/how-theatres-are-facing-the-omicron-wave/
January 24, 2022 "'Jazzlinks' teaches African American history through music" - Suncoast View [VIDEO]
Jim Weaver is interviewed, the artists perform a song from Jazzlinks
https://www.mysuncoast.com/video/2022/01/24/jazzlinks-teaches-african-american-history-through-music-suncoast-view/
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