Nate Jacobs News

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has announced the first artist to be featured during the thirteenth year of its Young Artist Program. Learn more about the program here!

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has announced the recipients of its 2025 Artist Development Scholarships, awarding $2,000 each to eight students pursuing studies in the performing and visual arts.

Karamu House is bringing the holiday spirit to Playhouse Square with A Motown Christmas, running for 17 performances from November 28 through December 14, 2025, at the Hanna Theatre. Tickets are now on sale.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has announced its 2025–2026 season, themed “Soul Of A People.” The lineup includes Purlie, Paradise Blue, How I Got Over, and a new original musical Lies, Spells and Old Wives’ Tales, plus the return of Black Nativity for the holidays.

Now in its 10th anniversary year, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's Stage of Discovery summer musical theatre camp is gearing up for its most ambitious program-culminating show ever.

In addition to a two-week run of hit show “Big Sexy: The Fats Waller Revue', the nonprofit arts organization plans to heat things up with its “Sizzlin' Summer Cabaret Series”

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present its third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival in June. Learn more about the upcoming event and find out how to attend here!

Nate Jacobs, the Founder and Artistic Director of West Coast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT), loves to tell stories. In his director’s notes for the last few shows I have noticed that he always refers to the utmost importance of telling our stories.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to announce the second Young Artist Program showcase of the 2024-2025 season. Young WBTT artist Maicy Powell will present “Growing Pains of a Young Lady” at WBTT.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present the twelfth year of its annual Young Artist Program, through which Troupe members can showcase their talents with self-produced shows.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's 26th season will be a celebration of the “Soul Of A People.” In its 2025-2026 theatre season, WBTT will offer fan favorites, a drama by playwright/actress Dominique Morisseau, and a brand-new world premiere show. 

In the month of February – which is Black History Month – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present several offerings focused on Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright, August Wilson.

August Wilson penned his Pulitzer Prize-winning play in 1983. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, it delves into the African-American experience, generational prejudices, and other challenging themes. By concentrating on the journey of one family, the play portrays a spectrum of difficult times that individuals may look back on in their later years, while also acknowledging the fleeting moments of joy that can shine through even the toughest circumstances.

Back by popular demand, and now as an Independent Artist Program showcase, McKenzie will present an updated version of her Young Artist Program showcase at WBTT this month. Learn more here!

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will invite the community to celebrate the rich legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during an inspirational performance. The production will feature song, dance, and dramatic reenactments of Dr. King's most powerful speeches.

During its recent 25th Anniversary Celebration, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) launched the “Solid Gold Campaign,” a seven-year, $10M effort. Learn more her!

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is inviting the community to ring in the holidays with its exuberant original musical revue, “A Motown Christmas.” Learn how to purchase tickets.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe marks 25 years of showcasing African American history and culture with a celebration on November 14 at The Ora.

What did our critic think of SOUL CROONERS at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe?

 In November, music fans are in for a treat as Naärai – a Sarasota native and the daughter of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs – returns to grace the WBTT stage.