The Exchange continues its generous support of WBTT

Since 2012, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) has been honored to be among the arts organizations supported by generous funding from The Exchange. This year is no exception: The Exchange awarded WBTT $35,000 this year; $30,000 is designated toward WBTT’s 2026-2027 MainStage “Rhapsodies of Rhythm” theatre season and $5,000 toward its outreach education program, Jazzlinks.

The Exchange announced its 2026 grants and scholarships during an event in June. The organization awarded $500,000 to 25 regional arts and cultural organizations, in addition to 10 Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education grants and numerous high school and college scholarships.

The Jazzlinks funding was awarded through an Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education grant. According to The Exchange, the Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education Grants, established in 2023, fund collaborative projects between arts organizations and educators that bring visual and performing arts experiences to K–12 students. Jazzlinks is an in-school touring education program – presented each year during Black History Month – that brings the African American experience to life for local middle and high school students. Designed to align with Sarasota County Schools’ 11th grade U.S. History curriculum, Jazzlinks reinforces required learning standards through an engaging blend of music, history and live performance.

WBTT’s 27th theatre season, with the theme “Rhapsodies of Rhythm,” will celebrate the diverse sounds of jazz, pop, R&B and blues as the organization continues to serve as an essential artistic voice: uplifting African American stories, investing in creative excellence, and helping to shape a more inclusive, culturally informed community. The 2026-2027 MainStage season will feature "Sophisticated Ladies," "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," "Beehive – The 60s Musical," and new original musical revue, "Stevie: A Stevie Wonder Revue" plus popular holiday show, "A Motown Christmas." Subscriptions and individual tickets are now on sale.

“Our mission goes beyond education and entertainment – WBTT strives to serve as a catalyst for unity and understanding in Sarasota’s diverse community,” said WBTT executive director Julie Leach. “We have been thrilled and honored to regularly be among the arts organizations supported by generous grants from The Exchange. We are grateful to the board and all who support The Exchange in its valuable work to bolster our local arts community.”

For more about WBTT, visit westcoastblacktheatre.org or call 941-366-1505.

About Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
The mission of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) 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 confidence in youth of color. Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org for more information.