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..


March 19, 2021 "Ready to go back to the theater? Sarasota venues prepare for a safe return to live shows" - Ryan Ballogg, Bradenton Herald
https://www.bradenton.com/entertainment/article249865108.html

March 17, 2021 "Arts organizations come together to ensure patron safety" - Valezka Nava, SNN News
https://www.snntv.com/story/43514365/arts-organizations-come-together-to-ensure-patron-safety

March 15, 2021 "Sarasota Arts Organizations Come Together For Unified Approach To Safety Measures" - SRQ Magazine
https://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-daily/2021-03-15/16501_Sarasota-Arts-Organizations-Come-Together-For-Unified-Approach-To-Safety-Measures

March 12, 2021 "Sarasota area arts organizations survive a year of pandemic" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2021/03/12/sarasota-arts-groups-survive-regroup-and-experiment-during-pandemic/6944074002/

March 11, 2021 "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents 'Jazzlinks' education program virtually" - Sarasota Herald-Tribune
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2021/03/09/westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-presents-jazzlinks-education-program-virtually/6924143002/

March 11, 2021 "Arts Groups Come Together with #SafeArtsSarasota Safety Measures" - Kay Kipling, Sarasota Magazine
https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/arts-and-entertainment/2021/03/arts-groups-come-together-with-safeartssarasota-safety-measures

March 4, 2021 "Suncoast Culture Club 3.4.2021" - Robyn L. Bell, Suncoast Culture Club
Podcast featuring an interview with Nate Jacobs, Michael Mendez and James "Jay" Dodge II
https://www.suncoastcultureclub.com/

March 4, 2021 "WBTT helps students connect with Black history" - Brynn Mechem, Observer Group
https://www.yourobserver.com/article/wbtt-helps-students-connect-with-black-history

March 4, 2021 "Arts events for Sarasota-Manatee: March 4-10" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Light Up the Night and Aunt Rudele including in arts listings for the week
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/2021/03/04/circus-classical-greats-exhibits-and-more-among-weeks-arts-events/6840622002/

February 24, 2021 "WBTT to Present Jazzlinks Education Program Virtually" - SCENE Magazine
http://www.scenesarasota.com/magazine/wbtt-to-present-jazzlinks-education-program-virtually/

February 24, 2021 "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Presents 'Jazzlinks' Education Program Virtually" - SRQ Daily
https://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-daily/2021-02-24/16337_Westcoast-Black-Theatre-Troupe-Presents-Jazzlinks-Education-Program-Virtually

February 24, 2021 "WBTT to present ‘Jazzlinks’ education program virtually" - Tampa Bay Newswire
https://www.tampabaynewswire.com/2021/02/23/wbtt-to-present-jazzlinks-education-program-virtually-95788

February 16, 2021 "WBTT returns to live performances with 'Light Up the Night!'" - Venice Gondolier Sun
https://www.yoursun.com/venice/wbtt-lights-up-the-night-later-this-month/article_3fbb73aa-67ce-11eb-a463-8ff543398814.html

February 15, 2021 "Florida’s Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe plays outdoors to ‘Light Up the Night!’" - Malcolm Lewis Barnes, DC Metro Theater Arts
https://dcmetrotheaterarts.com/2021/02/15/floridas-westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-plays-outdoors-to-light-up-the-night/

February 11, 2021 "Arts events for Sarasota-Manatee: Feb. 11-17" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/2021/02/11/opera-romance-murder-mysteries-and-more-weeks-arts-events/4419834001/