WBTT, Semkhor And FOUNDERS+ Launch 'Conversations' Program With Danielle Moné Truitt

Westcoast Black Theater Troupe, Semkhor Productions and FOUNDERS+ held their first in a planned series of artist master classes, titled "Conversations with Nate Jacobs." Featured artist for the first program was Danielle Moné Truitt, who is currently starring in the NBC series "Law & Order: Organized Crime."

Truitt is equally comfortable on stage and screen: she starred in the U.S. West Coast premiere of "The Mountaintop" and a television presentation of the musical "Dreamgirls" as well as held TV roles in BET series "Rebel" and Fox series "Deputy." She has received nominations for Ovation and NAACP Theatre Awards.

Prior to the master class, Truitt toured WBTT and watched some of a rehearsal of WBTT's upcoming production, "Broadway in Black." During the 1.5-hour class, Truitt talked about her career, tips for building a successful career, the importance of Black theatres as incubators for industry talent, and suggestions for staying grounded and determined through the extreme ups and downs of artistic careers. Truitt emphasized the importance of having faith in one's purpose and approaching one's work with love.

Upon a request from the audience, Truitt - whose early years included leading praise worship - wrapped up the session with an a cappella gospel hymn. She then spent 45 minutes taking questions from the WBTT actors and attending high school and college students.

There were approximately 80 in attendance, including 40 actors and students, WBTT leaders, board members, supporters and staff, and Semkhor and FOUNDERS+ leaders and invited guests. At the conclusion of the class, attendees enjoyed a reception, with catering provided by WBTT sponsor Rosemary and Thyme.

“My time at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe was an experience I will never forget,” Truitt said. “This theatre’s spirit is truly alive! It is a picture of what the theatre can and should be: a place for artistic freedom, community, authenticity, discovery and healing. I can’t wait to come back to Sarasota and partner with WBTT in the near future.”

The goal of the collaboration of WBTT, Semkhor and FOUNDERS+ is to bring renowned experts in acting, content development and other creative disciplines to the area for the benefit of local artists and patrons. The next offering will feature Golden Globe winner and Emmy Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards nominee Ving Rhames ("Pulp Fiction," "Con Air," "Dawn of the Dead," HBO's "Don King: Only in America" and a recurring role in the "Mission: Impossible" film series) on March 29.

"We are thrilled at the execution and success of this first event of our collaboration," said WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs. "We were all honestly blown away by Danielle's generous sharing of her time and insights, and her interest in WBTT. We are grateful to Semkhor and FOUNDERS+ for their partnership and can't wait to welcome Ving Rhames to Sarasota next month!"

For more information about WBTT, visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.