WBTT announces auditions for free ‘Stage of Discovery’ musical theatre camp

In the summer of 2016, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) offered its first-ever Stage of Discovery summer musical theatre camp, a five-week pilot program offered at no charge to the 25 teen participants. Since then, scores of teens have had the opportunity to experience the joy of performing. Numerous Stage of Discovery alumni have gone on to courses of study in college focused on the performing arts as well as achieved professional acting status not only on WBTT’s own MainStage but also regional and Broadway stages.

This year, from June 8-July 12, actors, dancers and singers ages 10-18 are invited to audition and take the stage with WBTT for the 11th anniversary of the Stage of Discovery program. The participating students will be under the direction of WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs and Assistant Artistic Director/Education Director Jim Weaver.

In addition, WBTT staff and guest instructors, including choreographers, actors and vocal coaches, will lead sessions, with students taking lessons in dance, acting, singing and other disciplines as well as master classes focused on select behind-the-scenes functions. The program culminates with at least two public performances of an original musical showcasing the students' talents on July 11-12.

Students are required to audition for the program. In-person auditions will be held on Sunday, April 12 from 2-5 p.m. Participants must be prepared with a 1-minute monologue and a short song. A dance combination is optional but welcomed. Students who are not able to audition in person are invited to submit a video audition, comprising a brief monologue, short song, and an optional dance combination; deadline for video submissions is April 14. Registration is required for all audition methods.

Registration, complete instructions, audition tips, and submission details can be found at westcoastblacktheatre.org/education-outreach/stage-of-discovery-summer-program.

"Stage of Discovery provides a safe place where young artists can explore, stretch and learn about the craft of live theatre. Seeing a light come on in the eyes of the students as they find connection to something explored in the program is so gratifying,” said Weaver. “When you know you’re helping to lay a foundation for the next generation of creative theatre artists – especially those who may have never thought they could fit into that world – is a feeling almost beyond description.”

Stage of Discovery will take place at the Westcoast Black Theatre (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota) from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Camp lasts until 5 p.m. during weeks four and five.) The program is entirely free, including lunch, thanks to generous support from the community.

For questions about the audition process or to submit requested materials, contact Peterly Jean Baptiste at pbaptiste@westcoastblacktheatre.org. For more about WBTT, visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.

About Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe:
The mission of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is to produce professional theater 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.