Press Releases

October 13, 2025 6:00 pm

: July 1, 2014

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) will open its second summer production, Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul, on Wednesday July 16^th, running through Sunday, August 10^th. The musical play is a revised version of Marvin Gaye: The Man and His Music, which played to sold-out audiences in WBTT’s 2011 main season. The play features many of the same cast members including the lead role of Marvin Gaye being performed by Sheldon Roden. Founding Artistic Director Nate Jacobs is the creator and director of the piece. The show will be performed Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00 pm with Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. Price is $29.50 for adults and $16.50 for students. Tickets may be purchased online at www.wbttsrq.org or by calling the box office at 941-366-1505.

: July 1, 2014

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to announce that Steven J. Krause will co-chair its Advisory Board, along with current co-chair Margie Nellum Lee. Krause is a Senior Vice President and Trust Advisor at Northern Trust Bank. He moved to Sarasota approximately two years ago from Chicago. After being introduced to Christine Jennings and enjoying WBTT performances, he became very interested in the organization, it’s talented young performers and what the organization does to further enlighten the community.

: June 24, 2014

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to announce that The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has approved a grant request for approximately $92,000 that will install new canopies on the north and west sides of the WBTT theater building, where presently there are open concrete walkways. This will improve the appearance of the building as well as act as protection from the weather elements for anyone approaching the building or waiting outside before opening, during intermissions and when leaving the building.

: June 1, 2014

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is announcing its summer season with two exciting musical plays being presented by accomplished and talented Troupe members. June 10^th- 22^nd, WBTT proudly presents Black Is the Color of My Voice, a one-woman show starring founding Troupe member Apphia Campbell, followed by WBTT’s hit show from 2011, Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul (new name) with Sheldon Roden returning in the title role.

: April 25, 2014

Christine Jennings, CEO of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT), has announced that she will be retiring from WBTT by the end of the 2013-14 fiscal year, which ends on September 30^th. Her plans include enjoying more leisure time in which to travel and visit with family and friends.

: April 24, 2014

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to announce that Debra Flynt-Garrett has joined the Troupe administrative team as Executive Assistant/Donor Administrator. Flynt-Garrett previously worked with the organization from 2009 to 2012 solely as executive assistant to Executive Director Christine Jennings. In this new capacity, Flynt-Garrett expands her role to include responsibility for a variety of donor-sponsorship and grant-related activities.

: March 28, 2014

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to announce that -- in less than one year -- it has paid off its mortgage loan from BB&T Bank in Sarasota. The money was received on March 26, 2013 and completely paid off on March 12, 2014. The Troupe's property is located at 1646 10th Way at Orange Avenue in Sarasota and includes two buildings on almost two acres.