Press Releases

SARASOTA, Fla. - Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has temporarily halted the run of its "Light Up the Night!" open-air concerts due to illness: four professionals involved with the show have tested positive for COVID-19. Per CDC guidelines, those who tested positive or had contact with exposed persons will quarantine for the recommended periods and will need to be symptom-free and receive two negative test results before returning to work.

All performers, band members, crew members, and WBTT staff members are tested every other week for COVID-19 and will now be tested again immediately to determine if there has been any further spread. Additionally, in an abundance of caution, WBTT will stay in close consultation with area public health officials to determine when "Light Up the Night" might safely reopen.

‘American Roots: The Gospel Experience’ explores the rich tradition of black gospel music in America

SARASOTA, FL – Due to community response, the streaming video of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Key Chorale collaboration, “American Roots: The Gospel Experience,” is being held over. The presentation – which is available in open-captioned and non-captioned format – will now be available through November 30.

Evening cabaret-style performances will feature a live band and popular WBTT artists

SARASOTA, FL – While its freshly renovated theater remains empty due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is determined to keep its artists working and the community entertained safely. The arts organization will present an open-air concert series – starting Friday, October 9 – featuring a live band led by Resident Music Director (and bass player) James “Jay” Dodge II, accompanying a variety of popular WBTT artists, in WBTT's newly created safe, outdoor seating area.

‘American Roots: The Gospel Experience’ explored the rich tradition of black gospel music in America

SARASOTA, FL – In October 2019, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Key Chorale came together for an exuberant collaboration with “American Roots: The Gospel Experience.” The arts organizations explored the rich tradition of Black gospel music in America through three sold-out performances at churches in Sarasota and Venice.

Students involved with WBTT programs earn funds toward artistic education and training

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is proud to announce it has awarded scholarships to six deserving students. Last year – the first for WBTT’s scholarship program – six up-and-coming artists were presented with $1,000 scholarships for studies in a college or conservatory program in the performing arts or arts management for the 2019-2020 academic year; this year, WBTT provided six young artists with scholarships of $2,000 each.

Funding of $10,000 will support WBTT’s 2020-2021 performance season

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, the only professional Black theater company on Florida's West Coast and one of only three in Florida, was thrilled to recently receive its first-ever grant from the Shubert Foundation. The funding in the amount of $10,000 will support WBTT’s 2020-2021 performance season.

Arts Appreciation Grant of $30,000 will support Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s operations and 2020-2021 season of shows

SARASOTA, FL - Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe recently received an Arts Appreciation Grant of $30,000 from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The grant will support WBTT's operations as well as the costs associated with its 2020-2021 season, which includes “The Soul Crooners,” “Ruby,” “Pipeline,” “Smokey Joe’s Café” and holiday production “Black Nativity.”  

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