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..


[PREVIEW] "Sarasota’s Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe opens ‘The Wiz’" - Marty Clear, Bradenton Herald
http://www.bradenton.com/entertainment/article107794242.html

[AWARDS] "Readers pick favorite plays and musicals" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20161006/readers-pick-favorite-plays-and-musicals

[TV] "Suncoast View - October 13, 2016" - WWSB ABC 7
Nate co-hosted, The Wiz director Kenney Green was interviewed, artists from the show performed
The Wiz segment: http://www.mysuncoast.com/videos/share/?video=8999957c1ecb26321f6fcaae2a7e9e63ce8dda03
The whole show: http://www.mysuncoast.com/videos/share/?video=f5fc0b9a3697b762a2c11fc8238c1de5869b504d

[PODCAST] "The Lynne Show" - Lynne Bernfield, Radio Ear Network
Interview with Earley Dean
http://www.thelynneshow.com/Audio/Podcasts/2016/Show_442_10_18_16_Earley_Dean_Happy_Birthday_Jethro_Jenkins.mp3

[EVENTS] "ARTbeat - October 14, 2016" - Rachel Denton, Arts & Cultural Alliance
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1101163376220&ca=df6014fa-717f-42a2-a62f-2a7d9c2ba029

[NEWS] "Celebration of the Arts Coming Up Oct. 24" - Kay Kipling, Sarasota Magazine
https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/articles/2016/10/12/celebration-of-the-arts-coming-up-oct-24

[NEWS] "InspireSarasota! Promises Two Weeks of Performance" - Philip Lederer, SRQ Daily
http://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-daily/2016-10-12/4946_InspireSarasota-Promises-Two-Weeks-of-Performance

[VIDEO] "REALTALK" with Roger Pettingel
Conversation with Nate
https://youtu.be/3gGEfV_Akb4

[EVENTS] "This Week in Sarasota: Thursday, Oct. 6" - Nick Friedman, The Observer
http://www.yourobserver.com/article/week-sarasota-thursday-oct-6

[PREVIEW] "Sarasota's WBTT focuses on breast cancer with play, forums" - Marty Clear, Bradenton Herald
The paywall pop-up will obscure the article but you can read it if you scroll slowly ...
http://www.bradenton.com/entertainment/article104728306.html

[HONORS] "2016 Handy Awards" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune

  • Winner, Apphia Campbell - Best Actress, Musical (Celie, The Color Purple)
  • Nominee Carolyn Michel - Best Actress, Play (Miss Daisy, Driving Miss Daisy)
  • Nominee Neyce Campbell - Best Featured Actress, Musical (Shug, The Color Purple)
  • Nominee Chuck Smith - Best Director, Play (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom)
  • Nominee James Harkness - Best Director, Musical (The Color Purple)
  • Nominee John Bronston - Best Musical Direction (The Color Purple)
  • Nominee Jay Dodge - Best Musical Direction (The Sam Cooke Story)

*Congratulations to Chris Caswell on his win for the Handy for Best Actor, Musical, for his work in the Venice Theatre's production of Sweeney Todd!*
http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20160923/2016-handy-awards-celebrating-winning-season

[NEWS] "2015-2016 Remembering the Theatre Season That Was" - Bill Oser, Talkin' Broadway
Bill writes about his favorite moments onstage from last year's theatre season - there are many from WBTT!
http://www.talkinbroadway.com/page/regional/wfla/index.html

[EVENT LISTINGS] "ARTbeat - September 23, 2016 - Rachel Denton, Arts & Cultural Alliance
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1101163376220&ca=4c2c9e27-c0a8-4905-9a08-b93f0348456d

[EVENT LISTINGS] "Arts Briefs: New stage and gallery shows opening this week" - Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Features information about "WBTT Voices: Life in the Cancer Lane"
http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20160927/arts-briefs-new-stage-and-gallery-shows-opening-this-week

[NEWS] "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents 'WBTT Voices' community forums" - Tampa Bay Newswire
http://www.tampabaynewswire.com/2016/08/31/westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-presents-wbtt-voices-community-forums-48550