2018

: July 24, 2018

Goal extended to $8 million to ensure ample funds for theater renovation and endowment

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has announced it is extending its Heart & Soul capital campaign, which is funding renovations to its campus and buildings. The organization has exceeded its original $6 million minimum goal and is now preparing to enter the final phase of the campaign: leadership has announced an $8 million final goal to guarantee ample funding for the theater renovation and ensure long-term viability by growing its endowment.

: July 2, 2018

Family-friendly summer production to feature book and lyrics by Nate Jacobs

SARASOTA, FL – This summer, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is pleased to present Rockin’ Down Fairytale Lane, a rousing, family-friendly musical comedy that gives fairytales a new twist. Audiences will follow storylines featuring fairytale characters such as Jack (of giant beanstalk fame), Snow White, Prince Charming, Goldilocks, the three little pigs, and more. The show runs July 25 through August 12, with evening performances at 8 p.m. and weekend matinees at 2 p.m. at the Westcoast Black Theatre (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota).

: July 1, 2018

SARASOTA, FL -- For the third summer, actors, dancers and singers ages 13-18 are taking the stage with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. From June 11 through July 16, WBTT is presenting "Stage of Discovery," an intensive summer musical theater program that is offered at no cost to participants.

The 30 teens are under the direction of WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs and Stage of Discovery coordinator Joey James. WBTT staff and guest instructors, including choreographers, actors and vocal coaches, offer lessons in dance, acting, singing and improvisation, and provide behind-the-scenes experience with set and costume design. The program will culminate with two public performances of "Broadway in Black, Jr." at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 15, and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Monday, July 16. Tickets, which are available on WBTT's website, are $15/adults, $5/students and active military. Free tickets to the Monday matinee are being provided to groups of students from local summer camps.

: May 25, 2018

Free panel discussion – ‘Is Hollywood Changing? Diversity and Inclusion in the Entertainment Industry’ – takes place on June 7

SARASOTA, FL – The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to offer a summertime installment of its popular WBTT Voices program, with “Is Hollywood Changing? Diversity and Inclusion in the Entertainment Industry.” The panel discussion, which features artists from the theatre, television, film, and music industry, takes place on Thursday, June 7, 5:30-6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public but reservations are required.

: May 15, 2018

Ferguson to bring decades of communications experience to growing arts organization

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) has recently named Scott Ferguson as its marketing and communications director. In this role, Ferguson will oversee all facets of the organization's marketing and public relations efforts in order to support ticket sales, assist in donor cultivation and satisfaction, and maintain positive relations with the media.

: April 19, 2018

Original ‘hip-hopera’ written and directed by, and starring, WBTT artist Joel P. E. King

SARASOTA, FL – This summer, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is pleased to present the touring production of Real Life, which is written and directed by – and, for the first time, will star in the lead role – occasional WBTT artist Joel P.E. King. The majority of the cast and the live band for the production are traveling to Sarasota from East St. Louis, Ill.; several WBTT artists will perform in the show.

: April 10, 2018

Nate Jacobs-adapted musical revue features some of WBTT’s most popular artists

SARASOTA, FL – In the 1960s, America was an uneasy place: the battle for civil rights was ongoing, international tensions were at an all-time high, and the country lost President John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to assassins’ bullets. The popular music of the time incorporated emotions and concepts tied to the decade’s social upheaval while offering a hopeful look at better, more peaceful days to come.