What did our critic think of JOYFUL!JOYFUL! at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe? With their Christmas Card to the Sarasota Community, the WBTT encapsulates traditional and contemporary treasures of holiday music. This show is part Spiritual, part R&B show and part Rock Concert! This show was created by Nate Jacobs, Founder and Artistic Director of WBTT. The intention of this show was to create a feeling of gratitude and to “remind us to celebrate the gift of life”. In this performance I would say that this ensemble has surpassed this assignment!
The Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative, a nonprofit organization that promotes using the unifying power of the arts to nurture inclusion and diversity, presented the Arts and Racial Justice Discovery Series II on November 13 at Florida Studio Theater in Sarasota.
For Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 24th anniversary fall gala, “Groovin’ on the Soul Train 2,” the arts organization celebrated the music from the #1 television platform for R&B and soul music.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents 'Joyful! Joyful!' - a holiday musical revue featuring new takes on traditional holiday tunes, gospel-infused classics, and pop songs. Don't miss this joyful celebration from November 29-December 30, 2023.
The Underground Performing Arts Collective presents the inaugural performance of A Motown Christmas, a jukebox musical revue celebrating legendary musical icons.
Later this month, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present “Harry Belafonte: King of Calypso,” an original musical revue featuring popular WBTT artist Michael Mendez.
As part of its New Playwrights Series, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present 'Motherless,' which was nominated for 'Best Production' at the New York Theatre Festival this past summer. Learn more about the production here!
In celebration of The Bay's first year as a beloved and sustainable gathering place for the community, there will be five days of free activities, programs and events from October 18-22. Learn more about the upcoming programming here!
The Hermitage Artist Retreat announces a newly developed partnership with Nathan Benderson Park as a part of the Hermitage's 2023-2024 season. Expanding on the success of the Hermitage programming at Selby Gardens and other venues throughout the region, the new “Hermitage Sunsets @ Benderson Park” series launches this year following a popular Hermitage program at the park last season.
The Jose Ramirez Band will return to Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe with its passionate and soul-infused brand of the blues on September 30. The group has previously played at WBTT – to enthusiastic crowds – in 2021 and 2022.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has announced that it has, for the fifth consecutive year, awarded WBTT Artist Development scholarships to deserving students. Learn more about the recipients here!
August 2023 will mark the sixth time The Young, Black & Giving Back Institute has sponsored Give 8/28 – a day of giving to Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits – and the fourth year Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has participated.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Greatness Beyond Measure are collaborating on Center Stage Live! featuring two concerts by brothers Jordan and Joel Bolds, who will present a sizzling blend of electrifying soul, gospel, and smooth jazz. Special guest artists Charlie “CJ” Melton – a young regular on WBTT's stage – and Marc Dortch will contribute vocals.
For the eighth summer, aspiring actors, dancers and singers ages 13-18 are taking the stage with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. WBTT is proud to present 'Stage of Discovery,' an intensive, five-week summer musical theatre program that is offered at no cost to participants; the program will culminate with two public performances of “FAME The Musical” in mid-July.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present its first-ever Juneteenth Arts Festival on June 18. Hundreds of community members were in attendance over the course of the day as WBTT hosted numerous businesses, organizations, and food trucks, screened films from local filmmakers and students from Ringling College of Art & Design, and presented spoken word, dance, and live music on an outdoor stage.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will host its first-ever Juneteenth Arts Festival. On Sunday, June 18, from 1-9 p.m., WBTT will host numerous businesses, organizations and food trucks (available all day), screen films and film shorts from local filmmakers as well as students from Ringling College of Art & Design, and present spoken word and live music on an outdoor stage.
The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has received a $25,000 Grants for Arts Projects award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to help underwrite its 2024 production of “Ruby” as well as to defray the costs of community outreach activities related to the play.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Key Chorale will honor Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” on the 50th anniversary of her groundbreaking Grammy Award-winning album, 'Amazing Grace.' WBTT artists Matelyn Alicia and Naärai will join Key Chorale, along with its featured soloist, Amy Connours, for 'Grace: The Spirit of Aretha.'
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present the tenth year of its annual Young Artist Program, through which Troupe members can showcase their talents with self-produced, one-person shows.
