Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida Inc

Thank you for visiting Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's Give 8/28 page!

We want you to know about the The Young Artist Program, which is now in its 10th year. This education and outreach program was created to provide talented young performers an opportunity to showcase their talents by writing, directing, and performing on the theatre’s main stage in their own production. The program has featured WBTT favorites such as Ariel Blue, Michael Mendez, and Raleigh Mosely II. Throughout the process, artists are mentored by WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs and the WBTT production staff. All the money raised from Give 8/28 this year will go towards funding our Young Artist Program. You can check out some photos from our Young Artists Showcases down below!

Other education and outreach programs 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 black experience in our country; Jazzlinks, which brings history lessons to life for area students; and Stage of Discovery, a free five-week summer musical theatre intensive program serving minority students. 

The mission of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is to produce professional theatre that promotes and celebrates Black history and culture, 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. Since its inception, WBTT has mentored Black youth through 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.  

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, Florida by local actor, singer, director and playwright Nate Jacobs. As one of only three professional Black theatre companies in Florida and the only one on Florida’s west coast, WBTT has brought a powerful presence of diversity to the region’s cultural landscape. The company has gained a reputation for high-quality, thought-provoking and electrifying performances, and has received numerous awards and recognitions. It 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.  

In 2023-2024, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present its 24th season with the theme, “Simply the Best.” Running from October 11, 2023 through May 26, 2024. The audience will relish the sounds of the Caribbean in Once on This Island, and feel the Christmas spirit with Joyful! Joyful!, be entranced by the drama of A Soldier’s Play, experience the world premiere of Ruby, and be moved by the R&B tunes of Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul.  

To learn more, visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.  

(Additional search terms: West Coast, theater)