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..


"Westcoast Troupe diversifies for 17th season" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
http://ticket.heraldtribune.com/2016/03/08/westcoast-troupe-diversifies-for-17th-season/

[TV APPEARANCE] Nate Jacobs, Cecil Washington Jr. - ABC 7, Suncoast View
http://www.mysuncoast.com/videos/share/?video=d7a7b7c26f7d192e0359cbc40654041713fce532

[REVIEW] "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s The Sam Cooke Story" - Kay Kipling, Sarasota Magazine
https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/articles/2016/3/10/westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-s-the-sam-cooke-story

[REVIEW] "The Sam Cooke Story" - Undine Shorey, The Bradenton Times
http://thebradentontimes.com/theater-review-the-sam-cooke-story-p15198-133.htm

[REVIEW] "The Sam Cooke Story" - Marie Kilker, TotalTheatre.com
http://totaltheater.com/?q=node/6906

[PODCAST] Interview with Julie Leach, Nancy Roucher - The Mezz, Brian Hersh
Discussion on Jazzlinks program
http://sarasotatalkradio.com/2016/03/mezz-march-12th-2016-leymis-bolanos-wilmott-julie-leech-nancy-rucker/

[RADIO INTERVIEW] "Interview with Cecil Washington Jr." - The Lynne Show, Lynne Bernfield
Show airs on "The Radio Ear Network" on March 22 (today) at 2pm: http://www.radioearnetwork.com/
http://thelynneshow.com/

[EVENT PHOTOS] "Unity Awards 2016" - Lori Sax, Sarasota Magazine
Photos of WBTT supporters, professional team and performers in slide show
https://www.941ceo.com/slideshows/2016/2/18/unity-awards-2016

[REVIEW] "'Sam Cooke Story' is all about the music at Westcoast" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Highlight quote: "From the moment Cecil Washington Jr. opens his mouth to sing “A Change is Gonna Come,” you know you’re in good hands (and voice) for his leading performance in the world premiere of “The Sam Cooke Story” at the Westcoast Black Theatre."
http://ticket.heraldtribune.com/2016/03/06/theater-review-sam-cooke-story-is-all-about-the-music-at-westcoast/

[NEWS] "Harlem Renaissance comes alive" - Zach Murdock, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20160225/ARTICLE/160229753/2416/NEWS?Title=Harlem-Renaissance-comes-alive&tc=ar

[PREVIEW] "'Sam Cooke Story' celebrates a musical trailblazer" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
http://ticket.heraldtribune.com/2016/02/27/sam-cooke-story-celebrates-a-musical-trailblazer/

[PREVIEW] "Sarasota's Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe pays homage to Sam Cooke" - Marty Clear, Bradenton Herald
http://www.bradenton.com/entertainment/ent-columns-blogs/marty-clear/article63647702.html

[VIDEO] "Spotlight on the Arts" - Susan Rife, Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Susan and Jay discuss the coming week's arts highlights - WBTT mention begins at 1:05
http://player.tout.com/heraldtribune/2qa2iy