Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to announce that The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has approved a grant request for approximately $92,000 that will install new canopies on the north and west sides of the WBTT theater building, where presently there are open concrete walkways. This will improve the appearance of the building as well as act as protection from the weather elements for anyone approaching the building or waiting outside before opening, during intermissions and when leaving the building.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is announcing its summer season with two exciting musical plays being presented by accomplished and talented Troupe members. June 10th- 22nd, WBTT proudly presents Black Is the Color of My Voice, a one-woman show starring founding Troupe member Apphia Campbell, followed by WBTT’s hit show from 2011, Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul (new name) with Sheldon Roden returning in the title role.

Christine Jennings, CEO of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT), has announced that she will be retiring from WBTT by the end of the 2013-14 fiscal year, which ends on September 30th. Her plans include enjoying more leisure time in which to travel and visit with family and friends.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to announce that Debra Flynt-Garrett has joined the Troupe administrative team as Executive Assistant/Donor Administrator. Flynt-Garrett previously worked with the organization from 2009 to 2012 solely as executive assistant to Executive Director Christine Jennings. In this new capacity, Flynt-Garrett expands her role to include responsibility for a variety of donor-sponsorship and grant-related activities.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to announce that -- in less than one year -- it has paid off its mortgage loan from BB&T Bank in Sarasota. The money was received on March 26, 2013 and completely paid off on March 12, 2014. The Troupe's property is located at 1646 10th Way at Orange Avenue in Sarasota and includes two buildings on almost two acres.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) plans to end the season on a “hot note” when it opens its final show of the 2013-14 season on Friday, April 11th with Bubbling Brown Sugar, a musical revue featuring the music of numerous African-American artists who were popular during the Harlem Renaissance. The show will run through May 11th. Evening performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00 pm. Matinees are scheduled every Sunday at 2:00 pm; two Saturday matinees have also been scheduled for May 3rd and 10th. Individual tickets may be purchased for $29.50. To check availability and purchase tickets go online to www.wbttsrq.org or call the box office at 941-366-1505.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) will open its third show of the season with sold-out ticket sales even before opening. In order to meet an anticipated demand, the Troupe added two additional performances, which also quickly sold out.

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