This page includes a collection of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe news, reviews and events. We appreciate the journalists who are helping to spread awareness of our work and foster an appreciation for the arts in our community. We update this page frequently, so be sure to check back often.

If you are a member of the media seeking materials from our press kit, or if you have a photo and/or an interview request, please contact our PR department at (941) 366-1505, ext. 805 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


[EVENTS] "Now Playing: Arts listings for Sept. 27-Oct. 3" - Sarasota Herald-Tribune
http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20180925/now-playing-arts-listings-for-sept-27-oct-3

[NEWS] "The WORK of ART: Striving for balance in an uncertain field" - Thomas Becnel, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Leon Pitts was on the front page!
http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20180917/work-of-art-striving-for-balance-in-uncertain-field

[NEWS] "The WORK of ART: Finding stability, with grit, determination and luck" - Thomas Becnel, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20180918/work-of-art-finding-stability-with-grit-determination-and-luck

[NEWS]"Historic season for the almost annual Handy Awards" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota H-T
Michael Mendez wins a Handy for his role as "Usnavi" in "In the Heights"; several WBTT nominations in various categories
http://www.heraldtribune.com/entertainmentlife/20180923/historic-season-for-almost-annual-handy-awards

[NEWS] "Rapper Ryanito partners with The Pops Orchestra for inaugural concert" - Niki Kottman, The Observer
Michael Mendez was a featured performer for this concert
https://www.yourobserver.com/article/rapper-ryanito-partners-with-the-pops-orchestra-for-inaugural-concert

[EVENTS] "Now Playing: Arts listings for Sept. 20-26" - Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Raisin is listed
http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20180918/now-playing-arts-listings-for-sept-20-26

[NEWS] "Nate Jacobs and WBTT Subject of WEDU Documentary" - Phil Lederer, SRQ Magazine
An interview with Nate Jacobs
https://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-daily/2018-08-31/9042_Nate-Jacobs-and-WBTT-Subject-of-WEDU-Documentary

[NEWS] "Filming begins on Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe PBS documentary" - Niki Kottmann, The Observer
Also includes a sidebar about 'Tribute to Aretha Franklin'
https://www.yourobserver.com/article/filming-westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-documentary-pbs

[REVIEW] "WBTT Pays Tribute to Aretha Franklin with a Show This Week Only" - Kay Kipling, Sarasota Magazine
https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/articles/2018/9/12/wbtt-pays-tribute-to-aretha-franklin-with-a-show-this-week-only

[NEWS] "WBTT Pays Tribute to the Queen of Soul" - Phil Lederer, SRQ Magazine
An interview with Naarai Jacobs
https://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-daily/2018-09-12/9131_WBTT-Pays-Tribute-to-the-Queen-of-Soul

[EVENTS] "Live music picks in Sarasota-Bradenton, Sept. 7-13" - Jimmy Guerts, Ticket Magazine
Salute to the Queen is included
http://www.heraldtribune.com/entertainmentlife/20180906/live-music-picks-in-sarasota-bradenton-sept-7-13

[EVENTS] "Your top 5 things to do 9.6.2018" - Ilene Denton, Sarasota Magazine
Salute to the Queen is included
https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/articles/2018/9/6/your-top-5-things-to-do-sept-6-12

[NEWS] "WEDU, WBTT partner to tell story of local theatre company" - Don Britt, don411.com
http://don411.com/wedu-wbtt-partner-to-tell-story-of-local-theatre-company/#.W5ZhoflKjRY

[NEWS] "Notes on the Arts 9.6.2018" - Charlotte Florida Weekly
News brief about WEDU PBS partnership
https://charlottecounty.floridaweekly.com/articles/notes-on-the-arts-91/

[EVENTS] "ARTbeat 9.6.2018" - Andrea Knies, Arts & Cultural Alliance
"Salute to the Queen" gets top billing
https://mailchi.mp/sarasotaarts/artbeat-this-week-in-sarasota-arts-and-culture-370505?e=6ed0cdc029