WBTT to present Tap Class with Lamont Brown

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) broke new ground with the final show of its 25th anniversary theatre season when it produced a world-premiere show focused on tap dancing, called "Syncopated Avenue." The musical journey through the captivating and entertaining world of tap dance, which ran in April and May of 2025, starred New York-based performer and choreographer Lamont Brown, who also helped to create the show and arrange the music.

"Syncopated Avenue" had a successful run for WBTT and now the arts organization is thrilled to welcome Brown back for a special, one-day-only Tap Class, open to WBTT artists as well as community members ages 18 and up. All skill levels are welcome. The class takes place on Saturday, June 27, 1-4:30 p.m. in WBTT's Binz rehearsal space (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota).

Tap dancing started in the 1800s and originally blended African rhythms with Irish clogging. It became a staple of American vaudeville and Hollywood films, popularized by stars like Jeni LeGon, Shirley Temple dancing with Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Buddy Epsen and Fred Astaire and later by Gregory Hines and Savion Glover. Today, tap enjoys enduring global success, celebrated worldwide on Broadway, in street culture, and through vibrant percussive competitions.

Lamont Brown is a creative director, performer and choreographer who is originally from Long Island; he is a graduate of the Dance Theatre Conservatory at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City.
Brown’s performance career has taken him all over the globe. He was recently seen in “Chez Joey” at Arena Stage, which was co-directed by Tony Goldwyn and Savion Glover. Additionally, he toured in the first national tour of “Funny Girl” in the role of Eddie Ryan, and the first national tour of “Mean Girls” as Martin J. and understudying Aaron Samuels. He performed as Andy Lee in the national tour of “42nd Street,” worked on Norwegian Cruise Line performing Warren Carlyle’s choreography as a Tap Brother in “After Midnight,” and was also seen guest starring in an episode of “Wutang: An American Saga” and “Riverdance” at Radio City Music Hall. He has numerous regional theatre credits as well.

He has been fortunate enough to work alongside some of New York’s most highly requested theatre choreographers, including Casey Nicholaw, Josh Bergasse, Al Blackstone, Lorin Latarro, Jeff Whiting, Jason Sparks, Richard J. Hinds, Dewitt Fleming, Shannon Lewis, Mary Anne Lamb, and Lisa Gajda.

Alongside performing, Brown produces, directs, and choreographs his own work as the founder of LBCreatives LLC. He earned the BroadwayWorld Regional Award for "Best Choreography" for "Syncopated Avenue.” As an official Capezio Athlete and Omara Floor Ambassador, Brown is making waves with his work featuring tap, jazz, and hip hop.

Cost is $35/public. To register or get more information, please visit westcoastblacktheatre.org or email pbaptiste@westcoastblacktheatre.org.

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.