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..


[VIDEO] "Community honors MLK legacy with tribute" - Amanda Morales, The Observer
http://www.yourobserver.com/video/community-honors-mlk-legacy-tribute

[FEATURE] "Voices of the Highwaymen: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe honors the art of Florida's segregation-era painters" - Nick Friedman, The Observer
http://www.yourobserver.com/article/voices-highwaymen

[REVIEW] "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" - William S. Oser, Talkin' Broadway
Highlight quote: "WBTT's production is brilliant in every way."
http://www.talkinbroadway.com/page/regional/wfla/wfla186.html

[REVIEW] "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" - Marie Kilker, TotalTheater.com
Highlight quote: "Anyone who’s looking for a musical may be disappointed, but staying for Act II should squelch that feeling. The play at WBTT is well worth seeing from the beginning until Robert Douglas brings it forcefully to its volatile end."
http://www.totaltheater.com/?q=node/6819

[EVENT PHOTOS] "Legacy of MLK resonates at Temple Emanu-El" - Amanda Morales, The Observer
http://www.yourobserver.com/photo-gallery/legacy-mlk-resonates-temple-emanu-el#photo-1

"The Mezz" - Brian Hersh, WSRQ Talk Radio
"Ma Rainey" stars Tarra Conner jones and Robert Douglas appear on the radio show on January 21
http://sarasotatalkradio.com/2016/01/the-mezz-january-23rd-2016-terra-connor-jones-robert-douglas-blake-walton-becka-mccoy/

[REVIEW] "August Wilson's early magic evident in Westcoast Troupe's 'Ma Rainey'" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
[HIGHLIGHT QUOTE] "Ma Rainey may get top billing in the play’s title, but she’s actually something of a supporting character, though that’s hard to believe from the fiery, take-no-prisoners performance of Tarra Conner jones."
http://ticket.heraldtribune.com/2016/01/17/theater-review-august-wilsons-early-magic-evident-in-westcoast-troupes-ma-rainey/

[TV] "Suncoast View" - Nate co-hosts and Tarra Conner jones performs
http://www.mysuncoast.com/videos/share/?video=603472fb966cdf0897f03e152a4ced2cbe9d0708

"'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' opens in Sarasota" - Marty Clear, Bradenton Herald
http://www.bradenton.com/entertainment/ent-columns-blogs/marty-clear/article54547665.html

"Weekend Insider" - Sarasota Magazine
"Ma Rainey" scores the #1 slot!
http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=90b255b20087b1d87f7762948&id=b7aa9b0d9e

"Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents two ‘Voices’ community forums" - Tampa Bay Newswire
http://www.tampabaynewswire.com/2016/01/12/westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-presents-two-voices-community-forums-42324

"Good News Friday" - BizCEO
Lowe's donates Christmas tree and half of cost of washer/dryer to WBTT
https://biz941.com/2016/01/good-news-friday-good-deeds-jan-15-2016/

"Area theaters lighting up with new shows" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
http://ticket.heraldtribune.com/2016/01/13/area-theaters-lighting-up-with-new-shows/

[REVIEW] "A Motown Christmas" - Marie Kilker, Aisle Say Florida
http://www.aislesay.com/FL-MO-XMAS.html