Press Releases

: September 18, 2015

Former WBTT CEO honored for past, ongoing contributions to arts organization

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has named its former CEO, Christine Jennings, as its first “Ambassador.” The honorary title recognizes her transformational contributions to the organization’s current fiscal health and artistic excellence. In this role, she will occasionally speak in the community about the Troupe, and will continue her efforts to engage new patrons and supporters for the Troupe.

: September 4, 2015

Former board chair tapped for professional leadership role of growing theatre

SARASOTA, FL – Julie Leach has been named executive director of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Leach, who has served as the WBTT board chair since 2010, will help guide the theatre company through continued growth, physical plant and artistic enhancements, and a planned capital campaign.

: July 15, 2015

On opening night for Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's current production, "Cotton Club Cabaret," the show's music director/arranger/pianist LaTerry Butler was presented with the "Agent of Success" award. He was recognized to show thanks for and appreciation of his contributions to WBTT and to the development of numerous local up-and-coming African American artists.

: July 13, 2015

Guests will enjoy lite bites, open bar and exclusive performance before company leaves for National Black Theatre Festival

SARASOTA, FL – In advance of its August appearance at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, N.C., the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present an exclusive sneak peek of the show the company will perform at the Festival, Soul Crooners 2. The event – which is being held to help raise money to defray the expenses that will be incurred for the week-long Festival – takes place on Sunday, July 26, 5-7pm at the WBTT Theatre (1646 10th Way, Sarasota). Morton’s Gourmet Market is the sponsor.

: June 8, 2015

WBTT founder and artistic director to receive National Black Theatre Festival’s ‘Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award’ during August event, at which the Troupe will also perform

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) founder and artistic director, Nate Jacobs, will receive the “Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award” during the 2015 National Black Theatre Festival in August, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He will receive the honor, accorded due to his contributions to Black theatre specifically and American theatre in general, during the Opening Night Gala Awards Banquet.

: June 1, 2015

Company returns to its roots with its debut production from 2000

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s sizzling 15th anniversary season concludes with Cotton Club Cabaret, a reprise of its first-ever official production in 2000. The joint will be jumpin’ with this high-spirited, high-stepping musical revue featuring favorite songs from the greatest entertainers of the Harlem Renaissance era, including Fats Waller, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and Cab Calloway. Theatre patrons will be transported back in time to the legendary premier nightclub of old Harlem, right here in Sarasota.

: May 19, 2015

SARASOTA, FL – On Sunday, June 14 and Monday, June 15, from 1:00-9:00pm, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will hold auditions for its 2015-2016 season. Auditions will take place at the WBTT Theatre (1646 10th Way, Sarasota).