About Stage of Discovery
An important aspect of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s mission is to continually develop young people’s artistic skills and self-confidence.
In WBTT’s Stage of Discovery summer musical theatre intensive program, approximately 30 students ages 10-18 are coached in acting, singing and dancing by creative professionals. They also gain behind-the-scenes experience with set and costume design. The program culminates in a public performance of an exciting musical.
Stage of Discovery is intense, focused, fun — and FREE to participating students, thanks to generous donors! It’s designed for youth who are serious about developing their artistic talents. An audition is required.
Audition Information for 2026
Camp Dates: June 8th, 2026 – July 12, 2026
Camp Times: Weeks 1 – 3: 9:00am – 4:30 pm; Weeks 4 & 5: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Audition Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 2:00 – 5:00pm
Audition Location: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe 1012 N. Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Audition Materials
~ Prepare a 1-minute monologue and a short song. Dancers are welcome to prepare an optional dance combination.
~ There are no limitations for chosen materials; combined audition materials (monologue, song & dance) should not be longer than 5 minutes.
~ We will also accept video submissions via email – The deadline for video submission is Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Please email video submissions to: pbaptiste@westcoastblacktheatre.org
Registration is mandatory for in-person auditions & video auditions
Please email any questions to: pbaptiste@westcoastblacktheatre.org
Praise for Stage of Discovery
Since the summer of 2016, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has trained and coached students through our Stage of Discovery program. Parents and students alike have given the experience rave reviews. Read what they have to say!
Parents said:
“Words cannot express the appreciation I feel for the positive reinforcement, support, and love (yes, love) you all conveyed to my daughter.”
“WBTT has been an amazing influence on Mya’s artistic journey. We are forever indebted.”
“Mr. Jacobs has the gift of nurturing talent that kids don’t know they have.”
Students said:
“My favorite part was the inspiration and encouragement all students received from each and every teacher. It truly taught me how to be bold and how to work hard.”
“I loved getting to know everyone and getting to be surrounded by so much talent. I have never been around people who work so hard.”
“My favorite part was getting to develop myself and meet new people.”
“I loved dancing and also learning so much about acting and singing.”
Thanks to generous donors, our Stage of Discovery summer musical theatre intensive program is free to participating students. You can make this experience possible for underserved youth — as well as supporting our other education initiatives like our Young Artist Program, our Jazzlinks touring high school program and Rhythm & Tales, our in-theatre elementary school program.
Stage of Discovery highlights
2025 Stage of Discovery program Alice in Boogie Wonderland.
2025 Stage of Discovery program Alice in Boogie Wonderland.
2025 Stage of Discovery program Alice in Boogie Wonderland.
2025 Stage of Discovery program Alice in Boogie Wonderland.