SUBMIT UPDATES
After two painful delays due to COVID-19, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is thrilled to finally bring to the stage the world-premiere musical, “Ruby.” The show is a musical retelling of the true story of a shocking killing of a White doctor in Live Oak, Fla., and the Black woman, Ruby McCollum, accused of his murder. “Ruby” is a homegrown affair: the book was written by WBTT Founder/Artistic Director (and show director) Nate Jacobs and his brother, Michael Jacobs. In 1952, when the killing happened, Ruby and her husband, Sam, were quite prosperous for the time and place, due in part to gambling and liquor sales. Ruby was, in fact, described as the wealthiest Black woman in town and the couple was well respected in the community. It was one of their four children that Ruby McCollum later said was the product of a forced relationship with the shooting victim, Dr. C. Leroy Adams. She claimed that the reason for the killing was because Adams refused to leave her alone. But there is more than true crime to this story, which became so notorious that famed writer Zora Neale Hurston was sent by the Pittsburgh Courier to cover the trial. In addition to its show sponsors, the production is supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts. The show runs from February 28 through April 7, 2024. Performances take place in WBTT’s Donelly Theatre (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota). Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $50/adults, $20/students and active military (prices include all applicable ticket fees). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit westcoastblacktheatre.org or call the Box Office at 941-366-1505.
Ruby is a masterpiece of musical theater that deserves all the praise it receives. The creative direction, sensational vocals, and chemistry between the cast members all contribute to making it a must-see production.
After two delays due to COVID-19, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will finally bring to the stage the world-premiere musical, “Ruby.”
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe recently received an Arts Appreciation Grant of $40,000 from the Violetta Marchisio Charitable Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast). Learn more about the grant here!
The Hermitage Artist Retreat announces a newly developed partnership with Nathan Benderson Park as a part of the Hermitage's 2023-2024 season. Expanding on the success of the Hermitage programming at Selby Gardens and other venues throughout the region, the new “Hermitage Sunsets @ Benderson Park” series launches this year following a popular Hermitage program at the park last season.
The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has received a $25,000 Grants for Arts Projects award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to help underwrite its 2024 production of “Ruby” as well as to defray the costs of community outreach activities related to the play.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's 24th season will be a celebration of all things that are “Simply the Best!” In its 2023-2024 theatre season, WBTT will offer fan favorites as well as new pieces leaders hope will become favorites.
Due to continuing breakthrough positive COVID-19 test results and a few cases among the “Ruby” cast and crew, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has made the difficult decision to cancel its impending and highly-anticipated world-premiere musical, “Ruby.”
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s world-premiere musical “Ruby,” which was originally scheduled for the 2019-2020 season but delayed due to COVID-19, has been pandemic-delayed once again.
As Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe opens its first show of the 2021-2022 season, “Eubie!” it is also offering the opportunity to purchase subscriptions for the remaining three regular season shows for $120/adults, $60/students/active military.
As Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is poised to present its 22nd anniversary 2021-2022 season, the popular arts organization is continuing to be cautious in its approach to operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. With subscription and individual tickets for the entire season still on hold, WBTT has released tickets only to its 2021-2022 season opener, 'Eubie!'
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) has announced its 22nd anniversary 2021-2022 season, with the Maya Angelou-inspired theme, “And Still We Rise.”
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, the only professional Black theater company on Florida's West Coast and one of only three in Florida, has received its first-ever grant from the Shubert Foundation. The funding in the amount of $10,000 will support WBTT's 2020-2021 performance season.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe recently received an Arts Appreciation Grant of $30,000 from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The grant will support WBTT's operations as well as the costs associated with its 2020-2021 season.
Soul Crooners Solid Gold Edition (10/9/24-11/17/24)
A Motown Christmas (11/27/24-1/5/25)
Fences (1/15/25-2/23/25)
Five Guys Named Moe (3/5/25-4/6/25)
Syncopated Avenue (4/16/25-5/25/25)
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is at 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL.
Ruby (2/28/24-4/7/24)
Big Sexy: The Fats Waller Revue (4/19/23-5/28/23)
Dreamgirls (2/22/23-4/9/23)
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: Celebrating His Legacy (1/16/23-1/16/23)
Flyin' West (1/4/23-2/12/23)
Black Nativity (11/30/22-12/23/22)
Guys and Dolls (10/5/22-11/20/22)
WBTT’s Young Artist Program: Derric Gobourne Jr. (5/16/22-5/16/22)
One-Act Plays (5/4/22-5/29/22)
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.
Videos
Clowns Like Me
The Jane B. Cook Theatre (5/23 - 5/26) | ||
Last Chance Trailer Park
The Sarasota Players (5/10 - 5/12) | ||
Kiss Me, Kate
Manatee Performing Arts Center (4/25 - 5/12) | ||
The Music of Laurel Canyon
Florida Studio Theatre (6/18 - 8/25) | ||
The Four C Notes
Florida Studio Theatre (8/6 - 10/13) | ||
Rhinestone Cowgirls
Florida Studio Theatre (5/21 - 7/28) | ||
Bring It On
Rise Above Performing Arts (5/9 - 5/19) | ||
VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW |
Recommended For You