WBTT to present ‘April Fête’ on April 16

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is pleased to announce its annual spring fundraiser, the April Fête. The lively event takes place on Thursday, April 16, 6 p.m. at The Ora (578 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota).

This year’s Fête, with a “Boogie Wonderland” theme, will feature 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. Guests are invited to wear their most fun and funky attire; they will enjoy a fabulous meal catered by Michael’s On East. When the formal program ends, guests are invited to stick around for dancing to the hottest Motown tunes, performed by the WBTT band and professional artists.

Some of the young artists who will be featured during this year’s event include a mix of current Stage of Discovery students as well as alumni of the program. 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.

"At Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, we strive to present fundraising events that are not only highly entertaining but also support and showcase our mission," said WBTT's Executive Director Julie Leach. “Our education and youth development programs simply would not be possible without support from the community. Not only will our guests have an absolute blast but also they will be able to see the impact our education programs are having on talented, young, homegrown artists who are being trained and mentored right here in our area.”

In addition to Stage of Discovery, education programs include: the Jazzlinks and Rhythm & Tales educational outreach programs; WBTT Voices Community Forums, an ongoing series of free community forums about issues impacting society, explored through an African American lens; and workshop opportunities. The funds raised during the April Fête also support WBTT’s deep investment in mentoring and offering a stage for young, aspiring artists and playwrights of color through programs such as the Young Artist and Independent Artist programs.

Event co-chairs are Dona Scott and Charlie Ann Syprett. Major sponsors for the event include Brunckhorst Family, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Sy Goldblatt, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Nancy Mina, and Dona and Sam Scott.

Tickets are $200; sponsorships are still available. Contact Debra Flynt-Garrett to inquire about sponsorships at 941-404-7755 or dfgarrett@westcoastblacktheatre.org; visit westcoastblacktheatre.org to purchase 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.