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MLK Day event to feature re-enactments of Dr. King’s speeches, song and dance

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe invites the community to celebrate the rich legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during a community-wide program. The event, titled “MLK: Celebrating His Legacy in Spoken Word and Song,” will feature re-enactments of Dr. King’s speeches, song and dance. The celebration takes place on Monday, January 21, 7-9 p.m., at the Booker High School VPA Theatre (3201 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota).

Popular arts organization to offer a 'triple play' of fun, funk and fireworks as part of the Orioles' 'Arts in the Ballpark' series

SARASOTA, FL – The hits will keep on coming as Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe partners with the Baltimore Orioles to present the '70s Soul Party at Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday, May 18, 2019, 8-10 p.m. The event, which will feature WBTT's “All-Star” artists and sizzling band performing the chart-topping soul hits of the 1970s, is part of the Orioles' "Arts in the Ballpark" series.

Uplifting holiday presentation melds gospel with the poetry of Langston Hughes

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe invites the community to celebrate the holiday season with Black Nativity, an inspirational gospel musical – originally penned by poet/playwright Langston Hughes – that retells the biblical Nativity story. The music is combined with dance, poetry and narrative to deliver a message of joy, hope, victory and liberation. 

Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul features popular WBTT artist Sheldon Rhoden, who takes a third turn in the production’s lead role

SARASOTA, FL – For its second offering of the 2018-2019 mainstage season, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is bringing back one of its most popular productions, Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul. Sheldon Rhoden – who starred in the show in 2011 and 2014 – returns in the title role; WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs is the creator and director. The show runs November 28, 2018 – January 13, 2019, with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and weekend matinees at 2 p.m. at the Westcoast Black Theatre (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota).

Musical based on ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ explores a family in conflict
 
SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe opens its 2018-2019 mainstage season with Raisin. The show is a musical theatre adaptation of the Lorraine Hansberry play, A Raisin in the Sun. The show runs October 3 – November 11, with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and weekend matinees at 2 p.m. at the Westcoast Black Theatre (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota).

WEDU PBS and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) are working together on an original documentary that will tell the story of WBTT and its charismatic Founder and Artistic Director, Nate Jacobs, and highlight its quest for and impact on inclusion and diversity in the arts in our region. 

In 1999, actor and playwright Nate Jacobs founded WBTT, establishing the unique dramatic company to present and explore the African-American experience. The documentary will examine Jacobs' past, including his time at the Westcoast Center for Human Development and his deeply influential relationship with school founder and mentor Dr. Henry Porter, the history, achievements and experiences of the Troupe and some of its standout artists, and explore Jacobs' vision for the future. 

Musical revue to feature greatest hits from the late Queen of Soul, sung by WBTT female powerhouses on WBTT’s mainstage Sept. 11-15

SARASOTA, FL – In response to the recent passing of the legendary Aretha Franklin, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present Salute to the Queen: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin. This special celebration of the life and legacy of the "Queen of Soul" will feature popular WBTT artists Naarai Jacobs and founding member Teresa Stanley. The evening will showcase many of Franklin’s best-loved songs and will recognize her remarkable achievements; WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs will narrate the tribute. Songs will include “Respect,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman,” “Think,” “Chain of Fools” and many more.

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