The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida
The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. (WBTT) was founded in December 1999 as a not-for profit 501(c)(3) organization in Sarasota, Fla., by local actor, singer, director, and playwright Nate Jacobs. It is the only professional black theatre company on Florida’s west coast and one of just three in the state.
The mission of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is to produce professional theatre that promotes and celebrates African American history and experience. WBTT 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.
WBTT has presented a variety of productions locally, around the State of Florida even as far away as Switzerland and Germany. The company has gained a reputation for high-quality, thought-provoking and electrifying performances and is the recipient of numerous awards. WBTT has enjoyed tremendous growth from a grassroots organization to a successful not-for-profit, professional theatre with a five-show season at its own cutting-edge theatre arts center.
Since its inception, WBTT has mentored and inspired many African American youth through their participation in the company’s productions. It has provided a platform for artistic individuals who might not otherwise have had an opportunity to cultivate their interests and talents.
WBTT has brought a powerful presence of diversity and inclusiveness to the region’s cultural landscape. It has been dubbed the “miracle theatre” because of its unique ability to attract broad-based community support. The organization recently raised over $8.7 million to renovate its theater building, Education & Outreach Building, and campus.
Other offerings that distinguish the organization include: WBTT Voices — community forums in which the public can dig more deeply into the people and issues that have shaped the African American experience in our country; the Young Artists Program — here, Troupe members are able to showcase their talents with one-person shows; Jazzlinks — brings history lessons to life for area students; the New Playwrights Series — for emerging minority playwrights; and Stage of Discovery — a free summer musical-theatre camp serving minority students.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s (WBTT) 2021-2022 Season’s Theme “And Still We Rise: Celebrating the Indomitable Spirit of African Americans” is inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem “And Still I Rise”.
Eubie!
October 6 – November 21, 2021
Opening the season is this toe-tapping revue of songs by Eubie Blake, legendary composer, ragtime pianist and “father of Black Broadway.” The show stormed Broadway in the 1970s and was nominated for three Tony Awards. Blake’s infectious style is evoked in over 20 memorable songs, including the classic “I’m Just Wild About Harry.” With its sizzling score and energetic dance numbers, “Eubie!” is a crowd-pleasing salute to a Broadway pioneer. It was also the very first show staged by WBTT in its first full season in 2002-2003. Jim Weaver will direct.
Joyful! Joyful!
December 1-30, 2021
During the holiday season, WBTT presents its Christmas card to the community — a world-premiere musical revue. Enjoy high-spirited, uplifting songs of the season as only WBTT’s singers, dancers and musicians can perform them. A blend of new takes on traditional holiday tunes, gospel-infused classics and pop songs, including a twist on the Christmas carol “Joy to the World,” a version of “Carol of the Bells” that’s an homage to the O’Jays, and a lively gospel rendition of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” to name a few. Some talented Stage of Discovery students will be featured; WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs will direct.
Ruby
January 12 – February 27, 2022
Originally scheduled for the 2019-2020 season and highly anticipated, the Ruby is a world-premiere musical. The play tells the story of the 1952 murder in Florida of a white doctor by a black woman, 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 northern newspaper. This powerful and haunting musical explores the secrets just beneath the surface of the idyllic, genteel exterior of a quaint Florida town. The book and lyrics are written by Michael Jacobs, WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs’ brother; Nate will direct.
Broadway in Black
March 9 – April 24, 2022
Broadway in Black honors the significant contributions of African Americans on the “Great White Way”. Broadway musicals have charmed the world for decades; WBTT salutes that genre with an original revue by Nate Jacobs that was first presented in the summer of 2017. Sing along with your favorite songs from award-winning shows and breakthrough roles that helped launch the careers of African-American artists Melba Moore in Purlie, Ben Vereen in Pippin, Jennifer Holliday in Dreamgirls, and Nell Carter in Ain’t Misbehavin’. It’s Broadway, WBTT style! Nate Jacobs will direct; resident choreographer Donald Frison will take the production to the next level with thrilling new choreography.
From Birmingham to Broadway (One Act Play)
Float Like a Butterfly (One Act Play)
May 4-29, 2022
This season, WBTT is also thrilled to present two world premiere one-act plays under the auspices of its New Playwrights Series. Tarra Conner Jones has written and stars in From Birmingham to Broadway — an ode to Nell Carter. Float Like a Butterfly is about Muhammad Ali, was written by brothers Michael and Nate Jacobs; Earley Dean stars.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 366-1505
westcoastblacktheatre.org
Facebook: facebook.com/wbttsrq • Twitter: twitter.com/WBTTsrq • instagram.com/westcoastblacktheatretroupe • YouTube: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
For media contacts: Sharon Kunkel, sharon@wordslingermarketing.com