Press Releases

Major supporters pledge $25,000 to boost Giving Challenge 2020 efforts

SARASOTA, FL – With losses in the hundreds of thousands related to show cancellations due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Sarasota’s “miracle theater” – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe – has been looking for a miracle. With the community-wide Giving Challenge approaching later this month, a miracle has appeared in the form of a $25,000 challenge match to bolster donations during the 24-hour online philanthropic event.

WBTT launches streaming video platform, 'WBTT Live!' with the musical, ‘Your Arms Too Short to Box with God’

SARASOTA, FL – For Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, the decision to go dark for the remainder of its 20th anniversary (2020-2021) season due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was particularly painful as it had just opened its newly-renovated theater building to patrons in January. In an effort to lift spirits as well as generate critically-needed revenue, WBTT is proud to launch its new live streaming platform, "WBTT Live!" with the musical, Vinnette Carroll’s "Your Arms Too Short to Box with God," the production that WBTT was forced to cancel in March, after just three weeks of its run.

Organization cancels ‘Ruby’ and ‘Flyin’ West’; makes adjustments to 2020-2021 season

SARASOTA, FL – In the face of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe officials have canceled the remainder of WBTT's 2019-2020 performance season. In addition to the final three weeks of the run of “Your Arms Too Short to Box with God,” WBTT has canceled the highly-anticipated world-premiere musical “Ruby” and the season’s closing production, “Flyin’ West.”

Season to feature ‘Broadway in Black,’ ‘Ruby,’ ‘Pipeline,’ and ‘Smokey Joe’s Café,’ plus holiday offering, ‘Black Nativity’

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) has announced its 21st anniversary 2020-2021 season. In addition to four regular-season shows, the schedule includes a special holiday show, available outside of the subscription. Running from October 7, 2020 through June 6, 2021, the regular season shows are “Broadway in Black,” “Ruby,” “Pipeline” and “Smokey Joe’s Café.” The holiday show is “Black Nativity.”

'Your Arms Too Short to Box with God' is now closed; WBTT will monitor coronavirus situation to inform decisions on remainder of season schedule

SARASOTA, FL – Due to new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations advising the cancellation or postponement of gatherings of more than 50 people in the face of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe officials have closed the current production of "Your Arms Too Short to Box with God." The show was slated to run through April 5; the organization – which has committed to paying the "Your Arms Too Short" artists, band and crew through the scheduled end of the run – faces a potential financial loss of $50,000 for each week that the theatre remains closed.

Popular young Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe artist Derric Gobourne Jr. to present ‘The Greatest Entertainer’ on March 15 & 16

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to present the seventh 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 showcases of the 2019-2020 season, featuring popular WBTT artist Derric Gobourne Jr., take place Sunday, March 15 (this show is sold out) and Monday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Broadway musical – a retelling of the Book of Matthew – is a soaring celebration in song and dance

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe continues its subscription season with Vinnette Carroll’s “Your Arms Too Short to Box with God.” This Broadway musical – originally staged in 1976 – bears the subtitle “A Soaring Celebration in Song and Dance.” The energetic retelling of the Biblical Book of Matthew, featuring music and lyrics by Alex Bradford and Micki Grant, tells the story of Jesus, his apostles, and the women who inspired, followed and consoled him. From parables to miracles, from crucifixion to resurrection, it’s a tale of love, betrayal and redemption, told through rousing gospel music.

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