Original production, created by WBTT founder/artistic director Nate Jacobs and his brother, Michael Jacobs, tells the story of a 1952 murder in Live Oak, Florida

SARASOTA, FL – The world premiere show “Ruby” (which was originally scheduled for the 2019-2020 season but delayed due to COVID-19) is a musical retelling by WBTT founder/artistic director Nate Jacobs and his brother, Michael Jacobs, of the shocking killing of a White doctor in Live Oak, Florida, by a Black woman – Ruby McCollum – who was tried in the case and eventually committed to Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee, Florida.  

Investment of $100,000 from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to support expansion of arts organization’s education programs for youth and adults

SARASOTA, FL – In addition to presenting high-quality professional productions and plentiful artistic opportunities for artists of color, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is committed to arts education that utilizes the organization’s authentic voice to celebrate Black achievements, history and culture. While its education outreach efforts have grown organically over the past six years, an investment by an area foundation will seed significant growth of its education programming.

Free community event, ‘Playing Through: The Story of Ann Gregory,’ recognizes America’s first Black woman golf champion

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to present its first WBTT Voices program of the season with “Playing Through: The Story of Ann Gregory,” on November 10. The free program will explore the struggles and triumphs of Ann Gregory, a woman of color who was a pioneer in the elite and competitive world of golf. The program will include a panel discussion and the showing of preview clips from the movie.

Partnership to support the growth of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s education programs as well as a sustainable digital arts industry in Sarasota

SARASOTA, FL (UPDATED Oct. 28, 2021) – Westcoast Black Theater Troupe has entered into a collaboration with Semkhor and FOUNDERS+ to support the high-level education of local artists and the production of digital arts projects. The effort will bring nationally-recognized artists and filmmakers to the area to provide master classes at the theater; these classes will be offered free to WBTT artists and the community and provide a wealth of knowledge on acting and content creation.

Patrons can save money, reserve their seats for just $120 for three remaining regular season shows

SARASOTA, FL – As Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe opens its first show of the 2021-2022 season, “Eubie!” it is also offering the opportunity to purchase subscriptions for the remaining three regular season shows for $120/adults, $60/students/active military. The three shows included in the subscription are the world-premiere original musical "Ruby" (January 12-February 27, 2022), musical revue "Broadway in Black" (March 10-April 24, 2022), and two world-premiere one-act plays presented together under the auspices of WBTT's New Playwrights Series, "From Birmingham to Broadway" and "Float Like a Butterfly" (May 4-29, 2022).

‘A Night at the Savoy’ to evoke the era of the 1930s, recognize longtime supporter Marian Moss

SARASOTA, FL – For Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 22nd anniversary gala, “A Night at the Savoy,” the arts organization will recreate the look and sound of Harlem’s famous ballroom – the first integrated ballroom in New York. The event will take place on Saturday, December 4 at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Arena (2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota).

Due to continuing impacts of pandemic, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will open ticket sales for just the first show of its 2021-2022 season at this time

SARASOTA, FL – As Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is poised to present its 22nd anniversary 2021-2022 season, the popular arts organization is continuing to be cautious in its approach to operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. With subscription and individual tickets for the entire season still on hold, WBTT has released tickets only to its 2021-2022 season opener, "Eubie!" The show runs October 6 – November 21, 2021.

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