WBTT creates a ‘Boogie Wonderland’ during April Fête

On April 16, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe held its annual spring fundraiser, the April Fête, at The Ora. The event drew just under 325 community members – most dressed in fun and funky attire aligning with the evening’s “Boogie Wonderland” theme – and raised at least $255,750, including a $50,000 match, for its education programs.

This year’s Fête featured a delicious meal catered by Michael’s On East, live music performed by fan favorite WBTT artists as well as special presentations by select Stage of Discovery students and alumni – all accompanied by WBTT’s sizzling live band – and, when the formal program ended, guests packed the dance floor to dance to the hottest Motown and disco tunes, performed by the WBTT band and professional artists.

Attendees were welcomed by WBTT’s Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs and Assistant Artistic Director/Education Director Jim Weaver, who provided an update on WBTT’s various education programs. Stage of Discovery students gave an electrifying performance of numbers from last year’s program-culminating production, “Alice in Boogie Wonderland.” Other speakers included Board Chair Doris Johnson, event co-chairs Dona Scott and Charlie Ann Syprett, Executive Director Julie Leach and Development Director Debra Flynt-Garrett; the latter two led the paddle raise.

The young artists featured during this year’s event were a mix of current Stage of Discovery students and alumni: Riley Aparicio-Jerro, Jaliyah Campbell, Amillia Lorraine, JC McIntyre, and Derric Gobourne Jr. Stage of Discovery is WBTT’s musical theatre intensive summer program, which is entering its eleventh year and is free to participants thanks to generous donors from the community.

“We are so thrilled and grateful to have such generous support from the community to power our education programs for youths through experienced professional artists,” said Leach.

“Because of our donors and partners, our Stage of Discovery program is still completely free to participants. Our Rhythm & Tales and Jazzlinks outreach programs educate and entertain students ranging from elementary to high school, with performances in nine area schools, at The Bay Sarasota, and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. And our Young and Independent Artist programs offer mentorship and a stage to perform for artists of all ages and levels of experience. None of this happens without our generous supporters and patrons!”

Additional education programs include the WBTT Voices Community Forums, an ongoing series of free community forums about issues impacting society, explored through an African American lens, and workshop opportunities.

Major sponsors for the event included the Brunckhorst Family, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Nancy Mina, and Dona and Sam Scott.

Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org to learn more.

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.