Press Releases

: August 9, 2021

Up-and-coming Delmark recording artist to bring his brand of soul and R&B-influenced blues to WBTT on September 3

SARASOTA, FL – While patrons of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe may be more accustomed to hearing R&B and soul at WBTT, the blues holds an esteemed place in Black music history and culture and the local arts organization is thrilled to feature it. On September 3, local fans of the blues will have the opportunity – for one night only – to hear an emerging Latin American artist and his group, the José Ramirez Band, as it brings its passionate brand of the blues to Sarasota.

: July 26, 2021

Young artist to present ‘Love Language: An Evening with Astrid Victoria’ on August 13 and 14

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to present the eighth year of its annual Young Artist Program, through which Troupe members are able to showcase their talents with self-produced, one-person shows. The first Young Artist Program showcase of the 2021-2022 season, featuring 18-year-old student Astrid Victoria (known to WBTT audiences as Astrid McIntyre) is titled, “Love Language: An Evening with Astrid Victoria.” Two performances will take place Friday and Saturday, August 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m.

: July 7, 2021

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's Stage of Discovery musical theatre summer camp students will present two performances of "The Technicolor Musical" to culminate its 2021 camp program. The young artists will sing numerous uplifting songs and send a message of love, understanding, peace and harmony to a world that needs it now, more than ever. Songs will include “Imagine,” “Everybody is a Star,” “Man in the Mirror” and many more, performed with youthful energy and enthusiasm. This show will give you hope for the future as the students welcome patrons back to WBTT's indoor theatre! Book by Nate Jacobs and Adrienne Pitts; created, adapted and directed by Jacobs.

Stage of Discovery is intense, focused and fun - and free - designed for youth ages 13-18 who are serious about developing their artistic talents. An audition for the camp, which runs June 14 - July 18, was required to participate.

: June 8, 2021

Michele Hooper joins arts organization’s board to help guide WBTT post-pandemic

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is proud to announce its 2021-2022 board of trustees, charged with guiding the well-loved arts organization into its post-pandemic future. New to the board this year is Michele J. Hooper.

: June 1, 2021

The National Association of Black Theatre Building Owners will share knowledge and resources, work to strengthen infrastructure for Black theatre landscape

[SARASOTA, FL - June 1, 2021] – In an effort to share knowledge and resources, and strengthen the infrastructure of the Black theatre landscape in the United States, seven of the country’s freestanding, independent Black theatres – including Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) – have forged a new alliance. The National Association of Black Theatre Building Owners (NABTBO) will work together to ensure there are stages where Black voices take center stage and are heard by diverse audience

: May 24, 2021

Director, educator, choreographer and performer Jim Weaver named education director/artistic associate for WBTT

SARASOTA, FL – In an effort to strengthen its education outreach program, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has hired Jim Weaver as its new education director/artistic associate. WBTT patrons may recognize Weaver’s name – he has directed productions including “Caroline or Change,” “Raisin,” “In the Heights,” “Fences” and “Purlie,” to name a few. In his new role, Weaver will oversee and grow adult and youth programs such as the WBTT Voices Community Forum, the Jazzlinks and Rhythm & Tales school outreach programs, Stage of Discovery summer musical theater intensive program, and new workshop opportunities as well as direct shows and staged readings.

: May 17, 2021

‘Put Your Hands Together’ to feature R&B classics and pop hits; proceeds from three performances to benefit mission of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

SARASOTA, FL – In mid-June, The Soul Sensations & Friends return to Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe to perform on the popular outdoor concert stage, in support of WBTT and the important role it plays in the local community. Like 2019’s “Black or White: Makes My Music Right” and previous concerts produced by Dr. Randall Morgan to benefit WBTT, “Put Your Hands Together” is a revue of rhythm & blues songs and timeless pop hits.