Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

About the Theatre

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) was founded in December 1999 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is to produce professional theatre that promotes and celebrates African American history and experience, engages a broad base of patrons and audiences, supports the development of a dynamic group of aspiring artists and builds self-esteem in youth of color. Tax-deductible gifts from generous individuals, businesses, and foundations underwrite WBTT's annual operating budget. Your support helps to keep tickets affordable as well as provides funds to mentor new local talent and to develop high-quality productions. In addition, your gifts allow us to offer theater experiences to an underserved population. If you believe in the purpose of our mission, then we hope you will support us financially to ensure our mission is achieved.

Sophisticated Ladies

Oct 14 – Nov 22, 2026

“Sophisticated Ladies” is a Tony Award-winning theatrical journey through Duke Ellington’s music. The musical will immerse audiences in elegance and timeless style. Featuring hits including “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore,"...

A Motown Christmas

Dec 2 – Jan 3, 2027

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's holiday show will be “A Motown Christmas,” a seasonal gift that folds the warmth of the season into the irresistible groove of a legendary sound. Infused with joy, nostalgia and high-energy, this production is a feel-good celebration that WBTT...

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Jan 13 – Feb 21, 2027

Playful, seductive and richly imaginative, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a beloved Shakespeare comedy, drawing audiences into a world where desire, illusion and mischief collide. Moving between order and enchantment, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” sparkles with wit and invites...

BEEHIVE – The 60s Musical

Mar 3 – Apr 11, 2027

“BEEHIVE – The 60s Musical” is a high-energy, ensemble-driven celebration framed through the shared experience of women navigating a rapidly changing world. The show celebrates some of the most iconic female voices of the 1960s through timeless hits like “My Boyfriend’s Back,”...

Stevie: A Stevie Wonder Revue

Apr 21 – May 30, 2027

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's 2026-2027 MainStage season will close with “Stevie: A Stevie Wonder Revue,” a new musical revue celebrating the best hits of the iconic singer, songwriter, musician and activist, Stevie Wonder. The legendary artist rose to fame in the 1960s and...

Articles

Review: LEGACY: MOTOWN & MORE! at Florida Studio Theatre

by Shanti M Kennedy · August 12, 2026

Get ready to bust a move with LEGACY: MOTOWN AND MORE! Justin Reynolds, Nigel Richards, and Bryce Valle are bringing the heat on stage, serving up some serious dance moves and belting out classic hits. …

Review: THE LAST ROMANCE at Florida Studio Theatre

by Shanti M Kennedy · July 27, 2026

THE LAST ROMANCE, explores the issues of aging and love, but doesn't shy away from the tough stuff like wrinkles and heartache. With a sprinkle of humor and a dash of wisdom, it delves into the joys and sorrows that come with getting older. And let's not forget the universal truth it reveals - that …

Review: SONGBIRDS OF THE SEVENTIES at Florida Studio Theatre

by Shanti M Kennedy · July 14, 2026

In a dazzling display, three enchanting singers step onto the stage, radiating sequined sparkles and infectious smiles, as they grace the audience with their presence in the latest Cabaret production at Florida Studio Theatre, 'SONGBIRDS OF THE SEVENTIES.'…

Review: DOG MOM at Florida Studio Theatre

by Shanti M Kennedy · July 6, 2026

'DOG MOM' is a delightfully clever and whimsical tale penned by Tate Elizabeth Hanyak. This charming production is currently having its Rolling World Premiere at Florida Studio Theatre under the skilled direction of Nancy Rominger, known for her successful hits like 'Eisenhower' and 'Grandma Gatewoo…

Review: LADY DISDAIN at Asolo Repertory Theatre

by Shanti M Kennedy · June 15, 2026

'LADY DISDAIN', the Rolling World Premiere, by Lauren Gunderson is a romantic comedy play that cleverly infuses a modern and feminist twist into Shakespeare's classic 'Much Ado About Nothing.' The setting is a vibrant audio book recording studio, where the delightful drama unfolds between the feudin…

Review: HONKY TONK ANGEL'S at Florida Studio Theatre

by Shanti M Kennedy · May 31, 2026

'HONKY TONK ANGELS' is simply a delightful and heartwarming production that cleverly weaves together a mix of old and new songs. Even if you're not typically a fan of country music, you'll find yourself thoroughly entertained by this show. It's guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and have you l…

Review: WHO IS EARTHA MAE? at Urbanite Theatre

by Shanti M Kennedy · May 30, 2026

What did our critic think of WHO IS EARTHA MAE? at Urbanite Theatre?…

Review: LEAVING ON A JET PLANE at Florida Studio Theatre

by Shanti M Kennedy · May 20, 2026

This delightful cabaret is a musical time machine, whisking audiences away to the golden era of the 1960s with its favorite tunes that evoke a sense of innocent nostalgia. It's a surefire hit that is guaranteed to bring smiles to faces and melodies to hearts. Immerse yourself in the folk songs of ye…

Review: MARIE AND ROSETTA at Asolo Repertory Theatre

by Shanti M Kennedy · May 12, 2026

Asolo's new presentation of 'MARIE AND ROSETTA' is a delightful celebration of the powerhouse women who shaped musical history. The story takes us back to a funeral home in Mississippi in 1946, where Sister Rosetta Tharpe, known as 'The Godmother of Rock & Roll', and Marie Knight come together for a…

Review: LIES, SPELLS & OLD WIVES TALES at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

by Shanti · April 24, 2026

In a jubilant tribute to the influential women in our lives - our Mothers, Grandmothers, and Aunties - WBTT proudly introduces a fresh production by its very own founder and creative visionary, Nate Jacobs. Alongside his brother Michael, Nate has crafted an engaging and lively play comprising vignet…

WBTT’s Young Artist Program: Derric Gobourne Jr.

May 16

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. WBTTs first Young Artist showcase of the 2021-2022 season features...

Flyin' West

Jun 3 – Jul 12, 2020

In the 1890s, the lives of a small group of African-American women change after they leave the oppressive South and settle in the all-black town of Nicodemus, Kansas. Their hope and determination to survive in a harsh region are tested as they build new lives for themselves and...

Ruby

Apr 15 – May 24, 2020

On August 3, 1952, the unthinkable happened. A black woman murdered a white doctor in Live Oak, Florida - guaranteeing a conviction for the woman bold enough to commit such a shocking crime and bringing celebrated writer Zora Neale Hurston to town to cover the story for a...

Your Arms Too Short to Box with God

Feb 26 – Apr 5, 2020

Are you ready for a miracle? Based on the Book of Matthew, this soaring celebration in song and dance tells the story of Jesus, his apostles, and the women who inspired, followed and consoled him. From parables to miracles, from crucifixion to resurrection, it's a tale of love...

Caroline, or Change

Jan 8 – Feb 16, 2020

Louisiana, 1963: A nation reeling from the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement and the Kennedy assassination. Caroline, a black maid, and Noah, the son of the Jewish family she works for, struggle to find an identity for their friendship. Through their intimate story, this...