Press Releases

: June 1, 2014

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is announcing its summer season with two exciting musical plays being presented by accomplished and talented Troupe members. June 10^th- 22^nd, 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.

: April 25, 2014

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 30^th. Her plans include enjoying more leisure time in which to travel and visit with family and friends.

: April 24, 2014

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.

: March 28, 2014

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.

: March 25, 2014

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 11^th 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 11^th. 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 3^rd and 10^th. 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.

: February 18, 2014

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.

: February 10, 2014

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is hosting a special panel discussion on Wednesday, February 26, WBTT, in honor of February’s significant designation as Black History Month. A distinguished panel of experts will participate in a discussion entitled WBTT Voices: A Communication Forum. The topic is the influence of black entertainers on civil rights. Panelists include Former mayor of Detroit and past President of the American Bar Association Justice Dennis Archer; Sarasota Herald Tribune’s Theater and Television Critic Jay Handelman; retired principal harpist of Boston Symphony Orchestra, professor and world-renowned soloist Ann Hobson-Pilot; WBTT Founding Artistic Director Nate Jacobs; and former Producing Artistic Director of the Asolo Repertory Theatre, director and WBTT Trustee Howard J. Millman. There is no charge to come and be part of this stimulating discussion, which will take place from 2:30 – 5:00 PM at the WBTT Theater, 1646 10^th Way, in Sarasota. Space is limited and seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.