WBTT announces second Young Artist Program showcase of the season

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to announce the second artist to be featured during the thirteenth year of its Young Artist Program. On Sunday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m., Marta Myada will present her showcase, “Taking Stage: Songs of My Journey.”

"Taking Stage” is an intimate showcase that traces Marta Myada’s life through the songs and stories that shaped her. From humble beginnings and heartfelt tributes, to her first major role as Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors,” Myada invites audiences to walk beside her through the joys, heartbreaks, doubts and triumphs that define her artistic path.

Blending soulful vocals, violin performance, humor, and honest reflection, this showcase celebrates resilience, faith, and the beauty of finding one’s voice. Each song – from jazz and gospel to contemporary ballads and soul – reveals another facet of Myada’s journey as a young woman, teacher and performer learning to embrace her worth and purpose.

Ultimately, “Taking Stage” is more than a showcase; it’s a testimony of growth, grace and gratitude. Through music and personal stories, Myada reminds us that every stage of life – no matter how uncertain – can become a stage worth taking.

WBTT’s Resident Music Director – Myada’s brother – Matthew McKinnon will serve as Music Director. Adrienne Pitts will provide direction, Derric Gobourne Jr. will choreograph, and numerous other special guests will be featured.

Myada is a Sarasota native. An actor, vocalist and violinist. she has performed in versatile roles on stage, in productions across Florida and around the world. Some of her credits include the role of Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors,” Adelaide in “Guys and Dolls,” Heather Chandler in “Heathers: The Musical,” and Shanita in “Skeleton Crew.” She has performed on stage in numerous productions with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe as well as at Florida Studio Theatre, Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Venice Theatre, Starlite Players, Disney's Epcot and Magic Kingdom, and The Straz Performing Arts Center.

Her classical foundation in music began with 15 years of violin training and ensemble work in the C.H.A.M.P.S Orchestra and Sarasota Orchestra Youth Philharmonic program. Her performance training has included musical theatre, piano, chorus, and jazz and modern dance.

WBTT’s Young Artist Program, part of its education programming, was created to support, develop and showcase the talents of young, aspiring artists of color. The Young Artist Program offers company members the opportunity to showcase their talents with self-produced shows. All proceeds from the show are given to the presenting artist to be used to further their artistic and professional development.

“It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with Marta over the years,” said WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs, who assists the performers in developing and directing their presentations. “My main purpose, my calling, in founding WBTT was to mentor and help develop the creative talents of aspiring performers like Marta, who has devoted herself to multiple facets of the arts in pursuit of excellence. What really distinguishes Marta is her huge heart and joyful spirit, which will be shining bright during her showcase.”

Young Artist Program showcases take place in The Donelly Theatre at WBTT (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29/general admission; sponsor tickets, which include reserved preferred seating and playbill recognition, are $100 (prices include ticket fees). Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org or call the Box Office (941-366-1505) for tickets.

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.