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..


October 31, 2023 "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe 2023-2024" - Michael Penn, Our Town Sarasota
https://www.ourtownsarasota.com/westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-2023-2024/

October 30, 2023 "Review: ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at Westcoast Black Theater Troupe" - Shanti Kennedy, Broadway World Sarasota
https://www.broadwayworld.com/sarasota/article/Review-ONCE-ON-THIS-ISLAND-at-Westcoast-Black-Theater-Troupe-20231030

October 27, 2023 "WBTT celebrates the life and career of Harry Belafonte," Suncoast View, WWSB ABC7
https://www.mysuncoast.com/video/2023/10/27/wbtt-celebrates-life-career-harry-belafonte-suncoast-view-oct-27-2023/

October 25, 2023 "WBTT Presents Harry Belafonte: King of Calypso" - Scene Magazine
https://scenesarasota.com/magazine/wbtt-presents-harry-belafonte-king-of-calypso/

October 18, 2023 "Vibrant and inspiring ‘Once On This Island’ opens new Westcoast Black Theatre season" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/theater/2023/10/18/westcoast-black-theatre-opens-with-vibrant-once-on-this-island/71197261007/

October 18, 2023 "Criticopia: 'Once On This Island' review" - Marie Kilker, TotalTheater.com
https://www.totaltheater.com/?q=node/9484

October 16, 2023 "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s ‘Once on This Island’ Uplifts and Enchants" - Kay Kipling, Sarasota Magazine
https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/arts-and-entertainment/2023/10/wbtt-once-on-this-island-review

October 13, 2023 "Tickets on sale for WBTT's fall fundraising gala 'Groovin' on the Soul Train 2'" - Sarasota Herald-Tribune
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/10/13/wbtt-to-host-fall-gala-at-circus-arts-conservatorys-sailor-circus-arena/71072262007/

October 11, 2023 "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe receives funding to support production staff training" - Tampa Bay Newswire
https://www.tampabaynewswire.com/2023/10/11/westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-receives-funding-to-support-production-staff-training-122253

October 7, 2023 "After New York success, actress comes home to Westcoast Black Theatre" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/theater/2023/10/07/musical-once-on-this-island-tests-power-of-love-at-westcoast-troupe/70983510007/

October 6, 2023 "WBTT to Present Award-Nominated Play, ‘Motherless’" - SCENE Magazine
https://scenesarasota.com/magazine/wbtt-to-present-award-nominated-play-motherless/

October 4, 2023 "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe takes us behind-the-scenes for the 'Once On This Island' costumes" - Holly Harper/Suncoast View, ABC7
https://www.mysuncoast.com/video/2023/10/17/west-coast-black-theatre-troupe-takes-us-behind-the-scenes-once-this-island-costumes/

October 3, 2023 "WBTT, The Bay to present free concert, ‘Soul & Sass’" - Tampa Bay Newswire
https://www.tampabaynewswire.com/2023/10/03/wbtt-the-bay-to-present-free-concert-soul-sass-122016

October 2, 2023 "The Birth of Black Theatre in Sarasota" - Andrea Martone, Sarasota Events Calendar
https://sarasotaeventscalendar.com/the-birth-of-black-theatre-in-sarasota/

October 1, 2023 "2023-2024 Arts & Culture Guide" - Arts & Cultural Alliance
https://sarasotaarts.org/2023-2024-arts-culture/