Collaboration of Sarasota County Bar Association Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Westcoast Black Theatre, and Booker High School to explore role of law in social change

SARASOTA, FL - The Sarasota County Bar Association Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, and Booker High School are bringing back the powerful "We Are Sarasota" program on Monday, April 30, 2018, at 7 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House (61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota). "We Are Sarasota" is the soul-stirring story of Sarasota’s journey from the segregated 1950s to the rich, multicultural community that it is today. 

Popular WBTT artist Leon Pitts to present songs by soul and R&B legends in ‘Show Man of Heart & Soul’

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to continue the fifth year of its annual Young Artist Program, through which Troupe members are able to showcase their talents with one-night, one-person shows. The second Young Artist Program showcase of the season, “Show Man of Heart & Soul,” features popular WBTT artist Leon S. Pitts II and takes place Sunday, March 11 at 8:00 p.m. Pitts will bring his passion to the stage, singing songs that have touched the hearts and souls of generations by such artists as Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Al Green and Luther Vandross. 

Show, starring Melba Moore, imagines one of the final performances of the legendary Billie Holiday

SARASOTA, FL – In Lanie Robertson’s Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will pay tribute to one of music’s greatest legends, Billie Holiday. The jazz and blues specialist had a voice that sounded like no other’s, summing up the very essence of lost love, heartache, and the atmosphere of a smoky cabaret where everyone in the audience is drinking to forget. 

‘The Command Season’ to feature Raisin (The Musical), Marvin Gaye: Prince of SoulThe Amen Corner, and Love Sung in the Key of Aretha, holiday offering Black Nativity and summer show Rockin’ Down Fairytale Lane

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) has announced its 2018-2019 season, with the theme “The Command Season.” In addition to four regular-season shows, which are included in the WBTT subscription, the schedule includes a summer offering and a special holiday show, both available outside of the subscription. Running from October 2018 through the end of April 2019, the regular season shows are Raisin (The Musical), Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul, The Amen Corner, and Love Sung in the Key of Aretha. The holiday show is Black Nativity, which will have a run of just four performances at the Sarasota Opera House. There will be a 2018 summer show, the family-friendly production Rockin’ Down Fairytale Lane, with original book and music by WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs.

‘An Intimate Evening with Melba Moore’ takes place February 5

SARASOTA, FL – The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to continue its 2017-2018 "WBTT Voices" program with its second program of the season. On Monday, February 5 at 8:00 p.m., WBTT presents “An Intimate Evening with Melba Moore.” During this program, the Tony Award-winner will discuss her legendary career and performance in WBTT’s upcoming production of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” in a conversation facilitated by WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs and Sarasota Herald-Tribune arts editor and theater critic Jay Handelman; she will also sing a couple of musical numbers.

Organization receives grant from Division of Cultural Affairs for its free ‘WBTT Voices’ program

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe was honored by the Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs with a Diversity and Inclusion Award for its ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in Sarasota and Manatee counties. WBTT will receive its award, along with other honorees, at a special ceremony on January 24th in Tallahassee.  

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