July 29, 2011

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to announce its new officers for the 2011-2012 season. They are Julie Leach, president, Alan Kurland, vice president, Mike Rosario, secretary and Cheryl Anderson, treasurer. Additionally, Len Gumley has been added as a member of the Board of Directors. Gumley has been actively involved with the Troupe for many years. He has also served on the Asolo Rep board and been associated with many other cultural organizations in Sarasota/Manatee.

"We are very fortunate to have the leadership of this strong group for our organization," remarked Christine Jennings, Executive Director. "Their expertise and enthusiasm will surely be a driving force for us as we move into our next stages of growth and development."

Three staff members have also been added to the WBTT team. Ann Fowler is the Financial Manager, Toska Strong and troupe member Tsadok Porter are each working as office administrators.

"We have a full house now," Jennings said. "And we are ready to meet the next challenges as we move into our 12th season. Summer shows open July 12 and we look forward to growing our audiences and support in 2011-12."

For more information visit the website at www.wbttroupe.org or call

941-366-1505.

July 7, 2011

WHO: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT)

WHAT: Open Auditions for men and women aged 18 and older

WHY: To expand the talent pool of the Troupe and offer opportunities to more actors and performers

WHEN: Saturday, July 23rd, 2:00 to 4:00 pm

WHERE: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Theater, 1646 10th Way, Sarasota, FL (behind the Binz building at 10th St and Orange Avenue)

Shows being considered for will be Love Sung in the Key of Aretha, A Raisin in the Sun and Blackbird, The Josephine Baker Story. Be prepared to perform a short monologue and sing a musical selection. Reservations can be scheduled by calling the WBTT office Monday through Friday, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at 941-366-1505.

June 21, 2011

The Soul Crooners, a musical adaptation by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's (WBTT) Artistic Director Nate Jacobs, will open the Troupe's summer season on Tuesday, July 12, at the WBTT theater at 1646 10th Way in Sarasota. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased either online at wbttroupe.org or by calling 941-366-1505. The limited run includes twelve performances, ending on Sunday, July 24. Shows are Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm.

"When we first performed this revue, it was a big success," recalled Nate Jacobs. "Word of mouth spread quickly and performances began to sell out. We are very excited to revive this show in our own home, a real theater performance space.  The audience is in for a real good time!"

The Soul Crooners is a celebration of the music that ushered in a new era of soul during the 70s. The music was known for combining lush orchestrations with great vocalists who could sing unforgettable melodies and heavenly harmonies. Summer audiences will enjoy over 40 hits sung by an all-male ensemble. The cast includes seven familiar members of the Troupe who have been entertaining audiences for many seasons. They are Founder Nate Jacobs, Porter Anderson III, Emmanuel Avraham, Charles Manning, Mikeyy Mendez, Leon S. Pitts II and Sheldon Rhoden. Among the featured songs are hits from artists that embodied this feel-good music, including The Stylistics, The Commodores, The O'Jays, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and many more!!

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. (WBTT) was founded in December 1999, by local actor, singer, director and playwright Nate Jacobs. It is the only professional black theater company on Florida's West Coast.

The mission of WBTT is to produce plays that promote and celebrate the African-American experience, and attracts diverse audiences while using its productions as a vehicle for supporting African-American artists and building the self-esteem of African-American youth.

Throughout the past decade, WBTT has produced many productions locally and around the state of Florida. The company has gained a reputation for high quality, thought-provoking and entertaining performances.

Since its inception, WBTT has mentored and inspired many African-American youth through participation in the company's productions. It has provided a platform for talented individuals who might not otherwise have had an opportunity to cultivate their interests and talents. Many of the aspiring professional artists trained in the WBTT performing arts program have gone on to work with national and regional companies such as The Black Theatre Troupe, Phoenix Arizona; The Cumberland County Playhouse, Crossville, Tennessee; Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota, Florida; The Asolo Rep, Sarasota, Florida; Stage Door Theatre, Coral Springs, Florida; and Mad River Theatre, West Liberty, Ohio. The company has provided a springboard for many national careers including Apphia Campbell and Teresa Stanley, a featured cast member of The Color Purple and Dreamgirls on Broadway and the national tour of Rock of Ages. In 2010 13-year-old Troupe member Chris Eisenberg made it to the top 48, out of thousands of contestants, on the television show America's Got Talent.

For more information on WBTT, visit the website at www.wbttroupe.org, follow on Facebook or call 941-366-1505.

May 24, 2011

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) recently received a $10,000 grant to upgrade its technology from The Community Foundation of Sarasota County. The grant will be used to purchase new computers, network office computers, train staff, and provide Internet access at the theater to allow for credit card processing. The new technology will greatly improve the business operations of WBTT.

"We are extremely grateful to The Community Foundation of Sarasota County for granting WBTT funds to acquire modern technology necessary in today's digital world," states Christine Jennings, Executive Director. "It is difficult to run an efficient and effective business operation with antiquated computer hardware.  Now, the office staff will be able to communicate seamlessly with each other and with the staff at the theater during productions."

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BACKGROUND

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. (WBTT) was founded in December 1999, by local actor, singer, director and playwright Nate Jacobs. It is the first and only professional black theater company on Florida's West Coast.

The mission of WBTT is to "produce plays that promote and celebrate the African-American experience, which attracts diverse audiences while using its productions as a vehicle for supporting African-American artists and building the self-esteem of African-American youth."

Throughout the past decade, WBTT has produced more than 30 productions locally and around the state of Florida. The company has gained a reputation for high quality, thought-provoking and entertaining performances.

Since its inception, WBTT has mentored and inspired many African-American youth through participation in the company's productions. It has provided a platform for talented individuals who might not otherwise have had an opportunity to cultivate their interests and talents. Many of the aspiring professional artists trained in the WBTT performing arts program have gone on to work with national and regional companies such as The Black Theatre Troupe, Phoenix Arizona; The Cumberland County Playhouse, Crossville, Tennessee; Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota, Florida; The Asolo Rep, Sarasota, Florida; Stage Door Theatre, Coral Springs, Florida; and Mad River Theatre, West Liberty, Ohio. The company has provided a springboard for many national careers including Apphia Campbell and Teresa Stanley, a featured cast member of The Color Purple and Dreamgirls on Broadway and the national tour of Rock of Ages. In 2010 13-year-old Troupe member Chris Eisenberg made it to the top 48, out of thousands of contestants, on the television show America's Got Talent.

For more information on WBTT, visit the website at www.wbttroupe.org, follow on Facebook or call 941-366-1505.

April 29, 2011

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is pleased to announce that it will present two musical revues during its summer season, which will run in July and August. The Soul Crooners will be presented for two weeks, July 12-24 and Dynamic Duets of the 70s will run from August 16-28. Tickets are priced at $25 each and are on sale now. They may be purchased on the website www.wbttroupe.org or by calling 941-366-1505.

"We are very excited that we can now offer two seasons of wonderful entertainment," remarked Artistic Director Nate Jacobs. "We opened our new home with the shorter summer season last year, in order to try out our new theater space and see what needed to be done. Now we have a full four-play season under our belt, many improvements to our facility and a growing audience that loves what we do. Summer will sizzle at WBTT!"

The Soul Crooners is a celebration of the music that ushered in a new era of soul, one with lush orchestrations, unforgettable melodies, heavenly harmonies and great vocalists. Audiences will enjoy over 40 sweet soul hits sung by a talented all-male ensemble! The show features songs from artists that embodied this feel-good music, including The Stylistics, The Commodores, The O'Jays, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and more!!

The Dynamic Duets of the 70s will feature the sexy, sophisticated soul and rhythm & blues hits of that era. This unique musical revue will put you in the mood for love as it takes you down memory lane. The talented cast of eight singers promises to have you groovin' to the musical hookups of Ashford & Simpson, Rick James and Teena Marie, Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. and more...  As the saying goes, "sometimes it takes two to make it outta sight!"

"The magic of music and the memories it brings back to all of us will be center stage this summer at WBTT," continued Jacobs. "Tickets are starting to sell, so don't wait if you want to enjoy these fun-filled evenings during the summer months."

BACKGROUND:

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. (WBTT) was founded in December 1999, by local actor, singer, director and playwright Nate Jacobs. It is the first and only professional black theater company on Florida's West Coast.

The mission of WBTT is to "produce plays that promote and celebrate the African-American experience, which attracts diverse audiences while using its productions as a vehicle for supporting African-American artists and building the self-esteem of African-American youth." Since its inception, WBTT has produced nearly 40 productions locally and around the state of Florida. The company has gained a reputation for high quality, thought-provoking and entertaining performances.

WBTT has mentored and inspired many African-American youth through participation in the company's productions. It has provided a platform for talented individuals who might not otherwise have had an opportunity to cultivate their interests and talents. The company has provided a springboard for many national careers including Apphia Campbell and Teresa Stanley, a featured cast member of The Color Purple and DreamGirls on Broadway and the national tour of Rock of Ages. Chris Eisenberg, the youngest member of the Troupe, was in the top 48 finalists of NBC's "America's Got Talent" in 2010.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe reached a new benchmark in the summer of 2010, when it established its first official home at 1646 10th Way in Sarasota, FL. After 10 years of moving to different theaters and spaces to perform, the theater troupe finally has its own space. For more information visit the website www.wbttroupe.org or call 941-366-1505.

April 22, 2011

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe opened its final 2010-11 season production, Hi De, Hi De Ho! Cab Calloway, on Friday, April 22. The show runs through Sunday, May 15. This original world premiere was written by award-winning playwright, Larry Parr, writer of Hi Hat Hattie: The Story of Hattie McDaniel and other musical plays that chronicle the lives of famous performers. Jim Weaver, an accomplished New York director/choreographer, actor/singer, has returned to WBTT to direct this production. Previously, Weaver worked with the Troupe as director of Charles Fuller's A Soldier's Story and August Wilson's Fences.

The story meanders through the life of Cab Calloway, taking us from his childhood to throughout his career. Audiences enjoy a three-person cast that includes 13-year-old Troupe member Chris Eisenberg in the part of young Cab. Chris was loved for his performance as a young Michael Jackson in The 60s Motown Revue and is also remembered for his successful run on last summer's America's Got Talent. The adult Cab Calloway is portrayed by founding WBTT artistic director Nate Jacobs. Jaszy McAllister rounds out the cast by playing a variety of female roles.

"We are so excited to be presenting this first run of Hi De, Hi De Ho! Cab Calloway," remarked Nate Jacobs. "Larry Parr is well known throughout our area, as well as nationally, for his scripts depicting the lives of famous African American performers; some of which has even gone on to NYC. Jim Weaver has directed all around the country and Florida, including our own Asolo Theatre. We are honored to be working with them both as we bring their visions to life in this world premiere production."

Even before opening, tickets were selling out for many performances. They may be purchased on the website www.wbttroupe.org or by calling 941-366-1505.

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. (WBTT) was founded in December 1999, by local actor, singer, director and playwright Nate Jacobs. It is the first and only professional black theater company on Florida's West Coast.

The mission of WBTT is to "produce plays that promote and celebrate the African-American experience, which attracts diverse audiences while using its productions as a vehicle for supporting African-American artists and building the self-esteem of African-American youth." Since its inception, WBTT has produced over 40 productions locally and around the state of Florida. The company has gained a reputation for high quality, thought-provoking and entertaining performances.

WBTT has mentored and inspired many African-American youth through participation in the company's productions. It has provided a platform for talented individuals who might not otherwise have had an opportunity to cultivate their interests and talents. The company has provided a springboard for many national careers including Apphia Campbell and Teresa Stanley, a featured cast member of The Color Purple and Dream Girls on Broadway and the national tour of Rock of Ages.

April 14, 2011

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) and New College Foundation invite the public to join in a celebration of Ann Hobson Pilot's groundbreaking career as Principal Harpist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and her teaching and philanthropic work around the world. The event will take place at the Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Road, on April 20, 2011, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, and will feature the local premiere of a recently released 30-minute film by the Boston Symphony, A Harpist's Legacy: Ann Hobson Pilot and the Sound of Change. Proceeds will benefit WBTT. Tickets are $15.00 and are available by calling 941.366.1505.

Co-chairs of the event are Audrey Coleman and Dr. Susan M. Brainerd.

Ann Hobson Pilot is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music. She joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1969 and became principal harpist in 1980. Prior to that she played with the Pittsburgh Symphony and the Washington National Symphony. Mrs. Pilot has had an extensive solo career, performing with many orchestras in the U.S. and around the world.

Mrs. Pilot is the recipient of a Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Bridgewater State College. In 1998 and 1999 she was featured in a video documentary sponsored by the Museum of Afro-American History and WGBH, aired nationwide on PBS, about her personal musical journey as well as her journey in Africa to find the roots of the harp. Mrs. Pilot is on the faculties of the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston University, the Tanglewood Music Center, and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. She is a member of the contemporary music ensemble Collage and has also performed with the Boston Symphony Chamber Players, the Marlboro Music Festival, the Newport Music Festival, and the Sarasota Music Festival, among others. She is a member of the Ritz Chamber Players and has performed extensively with them in concerts around the country.