Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. (WBTT) was founded in December 1999, by local actor, singer, director and playwright Nate Jacobs. It is the only professional black theater company on Florida’s west coast and one of only two in the state.  Its mission is and always has been to produce shows that promote and celebrate the African American experience, attract diverse audiences, support and develop African American artists, and build the self-esteem of African-American youth.

As a professional (AEA member) producing theater, WBTT has produced more than 60 mainstage productions including several that have gained national attention. WBTT was founded to provide African-American artists opportunity to perform, celebrate the African American experience and engage theatergoers in works written by and about African Americans in an arts-loving community.

In 2015-2016, WBTT first partnered with The Jazz Club of Sarasota to create Jazzlinks, our EdExplore offering. With the support of a State of Florida Dept. of Cultural Affairs grant, we were able to bring it to 7 Sarasota County high schools that year, and each year thereafter. In 2020-21 we will be using a virtual format for the program.