Improvements funded through 'Heart & Soul' campaign to begin with Binz building
SARASOTA, FL – The morning of Monday, July 10, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking – called “Raise the Roof” – marking the beginning of the first phase of construction to the Binz building on the front of its campus. The Binz – which is currently unoccupied - will become the headquarters for WBTT's administrative offices and education and outreach programs. These improvements have been made possible because of funds raised through WBTT’s Heart & Soul capital campaign.
Staged readings to take place internationally as part of Project1VOICE effort on June 19
SARASOTA, FL – On June 19, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) will take part in Project1VOICE/1PLAY/1DAY, an international effort presented in association with 45 theater companies and other diverse institutions to celebrate African American theatre. This year, Project1VOICE has selected Dael Orlandersmith’s Yellowman, a 2002 Pulitzer Prize finalist for drama, for staged readings.
World-premiere musical revue to feature decades of Broadway’s greatest hits
SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents its 2017 summer show, Broadway in Black, from June 21 – July 23, 2017. During this world-premiere musical revue created and adapted by WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs, the Troupe will salute Broadway musicals with songs that span decades and a wide variety of musical styles but should appeal to audiences of all ages.
Grant of $250,000 will help to turn 'Binz Building' into headquarters for education and outreach efforts
SARASOTA, FL – The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has recently approved a grant of $250,000 to the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) in support of its "Heart & Soul" capital campaign. The fundraising effort, which has a goal of $6 million, will transform the organization's 2.5-acre, two-building campus at 10th Street and Orange Avenue into a cohesive, state-of-the-art performing arts center, enable the organization to more fully develop its education program, and create an endowment fund for the future of the troupe.
Renowned character actor and playwright of ‘Dearly Departed’ to offer ‘Impressive Auditions’ seminar at WBTT
SARASOTA, FL – David Dean Bottrell, working actor and playwright of "Dearly Departed" - which is currently being performed by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe - will be holding a free two-hour seminar, "Impressive Auditions," at the Westcoast Black Theatre. This seminar is for working actors who want to fully realize every audition opportunity.
SARASOTA, FL – Sketch comedy group Millennial Fresh returns for two performances in Sarasota on April 23 and May 1. Featuring some Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe artists and directed by the company manager, the group was formed in December of 2015 by Joey James and Natasha Samreny. They wanted to create a comedic voice in the area with people their own age. They started writing, auditioning and, soon, Millennial Fresh was born.
Uproarious comedy paints a vivid picture of a dysfunctional family coming together for the funeral of their patriarch
SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe closes its 2016-2017 season with Dearly Departed, which runs April 19 – May 27, 2017. In this delightful and heartwarming comedy written by David Dean Bottrell and Jessie Jones, the dysfunctional Turpins gather in their rural Southern home for the patriarch’s funeral.