Eight students involved with WBTT programs have earned funds toward artistic education and training

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is proud to announce it has, for the fourth consecutive year, awarded WBTT Artist Development scholarships to deserving students. Last year, eight up-and-coming artists were presented with $2,000 scholarships for studies in a college or conservatory program in the performing arts or arts management for the 2021-2022 academic year. This year, WBTT has again provided eight young, aspiring artists with scholarships of $2,000 each.

WBTT presents ‘Unbreakable: An Evening with Jnana Wilson Cooper’ at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe on June 13

SARASOTA, FL – For Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe founding member Jnana Cooper, her life’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. But she has come out the other end stronger and, to celebrate, she will return to WBTT – where her professional artistic journey began – and perform in a special concert presentation on June 13 titled “Unbreakable: An Evening with Jnana Wilson Cooper.”

Delmark recording artist returns to Sarasota to bring the blues to WBTT on June 11

SARASOTA, FL – The Jose Ramirez Band will bring its steamy and passionate brand of the blues to Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe for one night only, returning to WBTT’s stage after its September 2021 concert here. A 2021 Blues Music Awards nominee for Best Emerging Artist Album, Ramirez earned second place in the 2020 International Blues Challenge in Memphis after advancing to the semi-finals against over 230 bands from around the world. He has played at legendary venues around the world, including Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago, where Buddy Guy himself joined him on stage.

Frequent WBTT performer presents ‘SH!NE,’ showcasing original music as well as songs and artists who have inspired his journey

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to present the ninth year of its annual Young Artist Program, through which Troupe members are able to showcase their talents with self-produced, one-person shows. WBTT’s first Young Artist showcase of the 2021-2022 season features singer/dancer/actor Derric Gobourne Jr. in a presentation titled “SH!NE.” The showcase will take place Monday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Two world-premiere one-act plays – paying tribute to Nell Carter and Muhammad Ali – to be presented together under the auspices of WBTT’s New Playwrights Series

SARASOTA, FL –Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is thrilled to close its 2021-2022 season with two world-premiere one-act plays, under the auspices of its New Playwrights Series. These plays, “From Birmingham To Broadway” and “Float Like A Butterfly,” will be presented together May 4-29.

Theatre season to feature ‘Guys and Dolls,’ ‘Flyin’ West,’ ‘Dreamgirls,’ ‘Big Sexy: The Fats Waller Revue,’ and holiday show, ‘Black Nativity’

SARASOTA, FL – In its 23rd season, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will explore the struggles and triumphs of people who sought to realize their own version of the American Dream. Whether their dreams came true or were deferred, their stories make for compelling, can’t-miss shows on the WBTT stage.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s annual spring fundraiser to feature tribute to Black country artists, delicious down-home dinner

SARASOTA, FL – For more than a decade, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe offered the lively and music-filled fundraiser, the April Fools Fête, in the ballroom at Michael’s On East. In 2020, due to the pandemic, the event was presented virtually and, in 2021, WBTT presented the event to a smaller crowd outdoors on its campus. This year, the popular arts organization is thrilled to be back at Michael’s On East for a country-themed celebration on April 4.