Return to flip book view

WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPEIMPACT REPORT2020–2021 SEASONStage of Discovery students in The Technicolor Musical, July 2021Photo by Sorcha Augustine

WBTT BOARD OF TRUSTEESDoris Johnson, Chair Marian Moss, Vice Chair Cheryl Anderson, Treasurer Chris Caswell, JD, SecretaryHonorable Dennis W. ArcherLynne BernfieldDr. Francine BrownFrank BrunckhorstMichael BushJudy CuppyKim DavisDonnie DiamondDonna DooleyJenni EnglemanRobert GaglioRichard GerrityDavid Goldman, Esq.Dr. Laverne Green Howard HarrisAMBASSADORS CIRCLE CO-CHAIRSChristine JenningsSteven KrauseJackie WoodsAli BahajKitty CranorMichael GardinerSy GoldblattMichele HooperPenelope KingmanMargie Nellum LeeDr. John MaupinHoward MillmanDr. Randall MorganMona RankinDona ScottEva T. SlaneLois WatsonHONORARY TRUSTEES Marvin AlbertAndrew EconomosJune GordonMary Ann RobinsonCharlie HuiskingTomeika Hunter-KoskiAmb. Jeanette HydeJ.P. KnaggsLynne KoyJoyce LocklearGregory Matthews Kaveecia MooreHector MunizAndi MunzerVickie Oldham Debbie PartridgeWilliam Partridge, Esq.Richard PerlmanAnn Hobson PilotPrentice PilotDr. Jacqueline Ray David SalesDavid Shapiro, Esq.Jeremy ShelbyEdna SherrellBarbara ShirleyTeresa SimmonsMarty TaelSheila WeissDavid WilkinsLois Wilkins Hon. Charles E. WilliamsVictor YoungBarbara A. Zdravecky

As I look back on our previous fiscal year, 2019–2020, and fast-forward to 2020–2021 — now also in our rear-view mirror — I can’t help but be extremely proud of our accomplishments in two of the most challenging years for any arts organization in the world. While the challenges continue, in true WBTT style we keep on keeping on!Our incredible and supportive Board of Trustees has faced the many obstacles head-on and supported the sta in so many ways, looking ahead by developing a strategic plan to take us into the future and reviewing and expanding the scope of each Board committee. Among other developments, we renamed the Advisory Board to the Ambassadors Circle to better reflect the role of its members in community outreach and spreading the word about our mission to the larger community.We are blessed with a wonderful, dedicated sta, led by Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs, whose creativity, optimism and partnership with Executive Director Julie Leach have kept our performers and students on stage during a global pandemic — whether the stage was outdoors, online or indoors when safety allowed. Julie has kept our business and adminis-trative ship afloat — a task that also requires creative thinking “outside the box” to explore new ways to sustain our funding sources and find new ones, and working with Nate to develop new programs that could be realized while COVID-19 remained an issue. Development Director Debra Flynt-Garrett has elevated fundraising to an art, working with individual donors, foundations and other organizations to bring in the dollars we need to fulfill our mission. Debra and Julie spend many long hours gathering data and writing grant proposals that often result in additional funding when we need it most. All of our team members work hard to make sure we retain our high standards of excellence in everything we do, and I thank them all for their commitment and creativity.In my letter in the 2019–2020 Impact Report I mentioned that there was hope on the horizon for COVID vaccines. We are all fortunate that those vaccines became widely available in 2021, including boosters after the initial doses. Despite some cases of the virus among our cast and crew members that caused delays or cancellations of some shows and events, thanks to the vaccines and regular testing of our performers and production sta we have implemented strict safety measures that are working. Together with our participation in the SafeArtsSarasota consortium of several local arts organizations, we are keeping our patrons, performers and sta safe as we continue on our creative path and our mission of inclusion, opportunity and diversity. I thank everyone who helps make this journey possible. I’m so honored to be part of it!DORIS JOHNSON Chair, WBTT Board of TrusteesSUCCESS DESPITE CHALLENGES

Our 2020–2021 Season was an unusual one, as we shifted to outdoor and virtual performances and events. But I’m happy to report that the theme of our 20th anniversary season in 2019–2020 — “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” — held true in 2020–2021 as well.In a way, I think the hardships we faced in the early years of our two-decades-plus journey equipped us to conquer challenges like COVID-19. Because our path has not always been easy — a reflection of the stony path trod by African Americans for over two centuries — we never expect the path to be easy and we never take our success for granted. We just put one foot in front of the other and find new ways of walking the path when necessary. The lyrics of a song made popular by gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, ”How I Got Over,” talk about looking back and wondering “how I made it over” in the face of great obstacles. The answer, of course, is faith and determination.And it’s the reason the song is one of my favorites that I return to time and time again in our mainstage shows and our Jazzlinks touring education program.Of course, we know how Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe made it over — and continues to make it over every hurdle we face. It’s due to the boundless generosity of our donors and the hard work, creativity and passion of our trustees, sta and artists who have found a home at WBTT.In 2020–2021, when we shifted from indoor performances to outdoor shows, everyone came together to make it happen. And our patrons, as they always do, came with us and danced in their circles when we transformed our parking lot and courtyard into a makeshift theatre under the stars.When we were unable to perform Dominique Morisseau’s play Pipeline for audiences in our theatre, we recorded the performance on video, projected it on an outdoor screen and then streamed it. Patrons and critics loved it.Luckily, by July 2021 we were able to open the Gerri Aaron & The Aaron Family Foundation Theatre Building back up to audiences for The Technicolor Musical, a musical I created for our Stage of Discovery students. Before the title song is performed in the show, a young actor says, “We are the beautiful Technicolor multicultural world of tomorrow, and our destiny lies within our hands.” That says it all for me; it represents everything we stand for at WBTT. It truly warms my heart that so many people — on stage, backstage, in our oces and theatre seats, in our community and beyond — remain dedicated to our mission of multicultural artistry and our destiny to remain an important voice for diversity in our community. I love you and thank you all!NATE JACOBS Founder & Artistic Director;HOW WE GOT OVER

When we closed the theatre in March of 2020 for the COVID pandemic — along with our colleague theatres across the country and around the world — we had no idea how long or in what ways it would aect our theatre operations. However, we knew we had to continue our mission because its relevance was made clear nationwide as issues of discrimination and disparity also became prominent. We are dedicated to providing a safe “home” for artists and youth of color where their voices are heard and amplified, and they have a platform for creating and participating in relevant artworks. And we do this in an inclusive and welcoming way so we can be a bridge in our community of diverse cultures.Although we didn’t have our mainstage theatre open, we turned on a dime as has happened many times at WBTT. We presented outdoor concerts, created video presentations for those sequestered at home, and continued our community outreach and full education programming in mixed virtual and in-person formats. WBTT was able to retain its dedicated team of employees during the pandemic and many of them rotated between varied roles.None of this would have been possible without our talented, engaged Board of Trustees, our enthusiastic patrons, and our generous donors. Please see the list of our Fiscal Year 2020-2021 donors later in this report. We are thankful for their enthusiastic and ongoing support of WBTT! ;A CARING COMMUNITY In addition, we received ground-breaking COVID grants from community foun-dations and county, state and federal COVID relief pro-grams. We are grateful for all these organizations and individuals who have helped sustain us and our mission: 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 self-esteem in youth of color. Lastly, I want to say a personal thank you to the leaders of all of our Sarasota County performing and cultural arts organizations. During these trying times we have met frequently to discuss opportunities and ideas, and to create safe ways to gradually reopen our institutions. We are lucky to be living in such a caring community! JULIE LEACH Executive Director

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, WBTT sets up an outdoor stage on the theatre steps and audience seating in the parking lot. The first show, Light Up the Night, features favorite WBTT male artists performing soul music classics. Patrons love the casual outside setting; they dance in chalk circles set up for social distancing. The show runs in October 2020 and is reprised by popular demand in February–March 2021. LIGHT UP THE ;;

oulSistasin the Name ofIn May and June 2021 it’s the ladies’ turn to light up the night as Sistas in the Name of Soul is presented outdoors on the WBTT campus. Patrons rise to their feet again and dance in place to to familiar hits of female groups and solo artists of the 1960s and 70s.

This Light of Mine, a one-hour documentary about WBTT, premieres in December 2020 on WEDU PBS Tampa/St. Pete/Sarasota. It airs several times on the channel and on sister station WEDQ, and streams on the WEDU website. The program, funded in part by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, features vintage show clips and interviews with Nate Jacobs, fellow performers and early WBTT champions Christine Jennings and Howard Millman. Available to PBS member stations nationwide, the program wins a Suncoast Regional Emmy Award in December 2021. Click here to watch the 30-second promo; Click here to watch the full documentary.THIS LIGHT OF MINEThe Making of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

In December 2020, Nate Jacobs’ interview with Derric Gobourne Jr. and clips from his performances debut on WBTT LIVE, a page of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe website devoted to showcasing troupe members and guests and their work. In March 2021, Nate’s interview with Tarra Conner jones and clips from her performances debut on the page. To date, WBTT LIVE has shined a spotlight on Ariel Blue, Sheldon Rhoden, Donald Frison, Christopher Eisenberg and Maicy Powell. The videos have received over 4,500 total views.

Because of COVID-19, WBTT is unable to present its traditional live event, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: Celebrating His Legacy in Spoken Word and Song. Instead, we oer a free streaming video of our 2019 celebration, with new introductory material for 2021. The 2019 in-person celebration featured in the video was sponsored by the Dallas & Elizabeth Dort Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Sarasota County Bar Association Council for Diversity and Inclusion. The Community Foundation and the Council also generously sponsored our 2021 encore video presentation. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.CELEBRATING HIS LEGACY

This year, due to COVID-19, Jazzlinks touring education program is presented virtually, streaming the songs and stories of the Harlem Renaissance — the flowering of Black art and culture in the early 20th century — into high school classrooms in February and March 2021. The Jazzlinks team makes 35 presentations to more than 1,600 students at seven high schools, mostly in Sarasota County but as far away as Kalamazoo, Michigan. For elementary students, Brer Tiger and the Big Wind, a fable about kindness and understanding, is presented virtually as part of WBTT’s Rhythm & Tales program. Executive Director Julie Leach and Associate Managing Director Travis Ray were joined by educators from Sarasota County Schools to present an overview of the Jazzlinks program at the 2021 Florida Council for History Education Virtual Conference.

APRIL FOOLS FÊTE: Nate Jacobs’ Jukebox is presented as a hybrid in-person and streaming event, raising over $170,000 for WBTT’s education programs. 2021NATE JACOBS‘ JUKEBOX

Also in April, WBTT Associate Managing Director Travis Ray teaches a master class via Zoom for patrons, August Wilson: The Man, the Playwright, the Legend.

PIPELINEFrom late April through May 23, 2021, WBTT presents Pipeline, a gripping drama by Dominique Morisseau about a Black family’s struggle to avoid the school-to-prison pipeline for their teenage son. The play, directed by L. Peter Callender, is filmed on the WBTT stage by Bill Wagy Productions, screened outdoors on our campus and made available to patrons to stream on demand. In his review in DC Metro Theater Arts, Malcolm Lewis Barnes calls the production “a 90-minute mini-masterpiece in migrating a stage play to film.”

WBTTVOICESCOMMUNITY FORUMSIn May 2021, WBTT Voices, a series of community conversations, features a virtual presentation, “Telling Our Stories in the Black Theatre,” with Pipeline playwright Dominique Morisseau; L. Peter Callender, the director of WBTT’s production of Pipeline; and WBTT Founder & Artistic Director Nate Jacobs. The discussion is moderated by Emmy and Peabody award-winning journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault.

In June 2021, The Soul Sensations & Friends present Put Your Hands Together, their fourth benefit for WBTT, outdoors on our campus. The musical revue of rhythm & blues songs and timeless pop hits is created and produced by Dr. Randall Morgan, a member of the WBTT Board of Trustees and a longtime supporter. PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER

In July 2021, as the culmination of WBTT’s five-week summer musical intensive program, Stage of Discovery students star in The Technicolor Musical. The show, created, adapted and directed by WBTT Founder & Artistic Director Nate Jacobs, is the first production presented indoors on the WBTT mainstage since our 2019–2020 season ended early in mid-March 2020 with the COVID-19 shutdown.

YOUNG ARTISTPROGRAMIn August, WBTT’s Young Artist series presents Astrid McIntyre — a Stage of Discovery student in her final year of the program — in Love Language: An Evening with Astrid Victoria.

In late August 2021, WBTT Founder & Artistic Director Nate Jacobs presents Help for Haiti, a concert to raise funds for Haitian relief after a devastating earthquake and tropical depression. The 90-minute program features touching and soulful versions of popular songs such as “Lean On Me,” “We Are The World” and “Put A Little Love In Your Heart.” In addition to Nate, favorite WBTT artists Christopher Eisenberg, Syreeta S. Banks, Donald Frison, Michael Mendez, Jai Shanae and Henry Washington perform.HELP FOR HAITI

In August 2021, WBTT welcomes Jim Weaver as Education Director and Artistic Associate. A longtime WBTT guest director, Jim dives into his new role, working closely with Nate Jacobs to formulate plans for the expansion of the education program — and preparing to direct EUBIE! — the first professional mainstage production since Your Arms Too Short to Box with God closed earlier than planned due to COVID in March 2020.“Having the freedom to express your true creative self is like life’s blood. What a joy it is to see the light grow bright in the eyes of those given the opportunity to discover that truth. I’m so glad to be here at WBTT to help flip that switch.” —JIM WEAVER

Realizing the financial barriers that aect many students’ choices about post-secondary education, in 2019, WBTT’s Board created a scholarship fund for students who have Pictured from left are 2021 scholarship recipients Tay Marquise, Ariana Fitzgerald, Amaya Glover, Maicy Powell and Aleah Willams, WBTT Board of Trustees Chair Doris Johnson, Executive Director Julie Leach and Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs. We welcome contributions to our scholarship fund; donations may be made in someone’s honor. Please contact Debra Flynt-Garrett at 941-404-7755 or dfgarrett@westcoastblacktheatre.org for details.ARTIST DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIPSperformed on our stages, been a WBTT intern or attended our Stage of Discovery theatre intensive summer program. In July 2021, thanks to generous donors, eight students receive WBTT Artist Development Scholarships of $2,000 each to study the performing arts in a college, university or conservatory program.

THE FRIENDSHIP TRAINWestcoast Black Theatre Troupe is pleased to recognize our legacy donors as our “Friendship Train.” These donors have indicated in writing that WBTT is included in their estate plans. We are so grateful to them for ensuring that WBTT will touch the lives of young artists, students and patrons long into the future. If you would like to consider jumping on board, contact Debra Flynt-Garrett, Development Director, at 941-404-7755.Bankston Family TrustCarol & Tom BeelerDan DentonMichael & Suzanne GladfelterRonald GreenbaumLen GumleyMarilyn HarwellPeggy & Hal HaydenBob JohnsonDarlene J. Kalada & Richard N. BryanPenelope KingmanLynne KoyAlan & Abbie KurlandRose Marie ProiettiLaurie RosinEva T. Slane

FOUNDERS $50,000+Brunckhorst Family*Kenneth & Sarah GoldblattShelley & Sy Goldblatt*Dona & Sam Scott and The Dona & Sam Scott FoundationThe Wright Foundation2020–2021 DONORSThank you to our family of generous donors for supporting WBTT during our 2020–2021 Fiscal Year. The list includes Visionary Circle Donors, Production Sponsors, and Event Sponsors from October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021.*Denotes 5 years or more of continuous supportARTISTIC DIRECTORS $20,000–$49,999Ali & Gloria Bahaj*Zella I. & Junius Allen Fund of The Community Foundation of Sarasota County*Kitty & John Cranor*Tom & Nancy Flanagan*Dr. Phil & Suzan Gaynes*Gulf Coast Community Foundation*Penelope Kingman* Lynne Koy*Brock & Julie Leach*Lee & Lydia Rainer, Rainer’s Grace Donor Fund, A Donor Advised Fund of the U.S. Charitable Gift Trust Jack & Priscilla Schlegel*William G. & Marie Selby Foundation*The Shubert FoundationGlenn & Jackie Tilton

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS $10,000–$19,999Judy AlexanderCheryl Anderson & Mike Springer & Executive Accounting Solutions*Adele Fleet Bacow & Lawrence S. BacowCarol Beeler in Memory of Tom BeelerRobert E. Dods Family Foundation*Linda FiorelliMike & Karen Gardiner*Marilyn & James Heskett*Michele Hooper & Lemuel SeabrookWilliam & Elizabeth Johnston*Curtis Jordan & Paige PetersonVictor Kaufman & Elizabeth RaineyCarolyn Keystone & Jim Meekison*The Koman FamilyPat KordisDr. John & Eilene MaupinHoward Millman & Carolyn Michel*Marian Moss*Patricia Potter*Rose Marie ProiettiRobert RussellSarasota Magazine*Ken Schneier & Cynthia CraigBayne & Jeanie StevensonThe Vincent FamilyDr. Bernard & Lois Watson and The William Penn Foundation*Susan & Charles Wilson*Bliss & MaryAnne YoungPLAYWRIGHTS $5,000–$9,999Anonymous Scott B. & Annie P. Appleby Charitable TrustHonorable Dennis W. Archer & Honorable Trudy DunCombe Archer*Ann BabcockPhil BakerJerry & Helga Bilik*Robert Blattberg & Rebecca DonelsonCarolyn BlumMarty & Barbara Bowling*Charles & Theresa BrownMiles & Barbara Capron*Liza & Carl Caruso*Sue Coyne & The Lewis Foundation* Jerome & Cynthia Davis*FCCI Insurance Group*Rita Greenbaum in Memory of Ron Greenbaum*Joel Howard & J. Tracy Tucker*The Huisking Foundation, Inc.*Dr. Donald & Doris Johnson*Steven Kalt & Robert Heeren*David Kotok & Christine Schlesinger*Virginia Lipton*Alison & Howard Madsen*C. Malachowski*Joan J. Mathews Charitable Fund of Gulf Coast Community Foundation*

Dr. Martin MaxJonathan & Michelle MitchellDr. Randall & Karen Morgan*Drs. Joel & Gail MorganrothBob & Andi Munzer*Daniel Nalven & Barbara Jacobs-Nalven*David & Francine NewmanNorthern Trust*Lou & Rosemary OberndorfDorothy O’Brien & Dick AntoineGregory & Kimberly ParrisCecil & Shirley Pickett*Mona RankinMarta Riordan & James Boyle*David J. Sales & Pauline L. WamslerDr. Bob & Beth ScheibleRobert & Teresa Simmons*Linda Steinberger*Jim & Charlie Ann Syprett*Bliss & Maryanne YoungDIRECTORS $2,500–$4,999AnonymousPeg Allen & Steve Dixon*Douglas & Carolyn Anderson*George & Jessica Armstrong & The Rosemary and Rosemary & ThymeArtefact Design, Inc.*Steve & Shari AshmanMurray Bring & Kay Delaney*Bruce & Elaine Burton*Jan Cady*Claudia CardilloChris & Patricia Caswell*Joyce Cekander* Dave & Elaine Charney*Mariana CottenGene & Linda CrumpDr. Eldi & Denise Deschamps*Leon & Marge Ellin*Jim & Angela Freeman*Kofi Glover*HBKS Wealth Advisors & Dean PiccirilloKenneth & Mitzie HensonTomeika Hunter-Koski*Amb. Jeanette Hyde*Ted & Jean IngersollWarren & Thekla KahnJames & Pauline KennedyEdward Keon & Pat Kennelly*Meadows Dental Associates*Marie McKee & Robert Cole* Dale & L. Kristin MenardGeorge & Janet Miles*Gloria Moss*Martha Murphy & Kathy Holmok*Michael Page & Debra Flynt-Garrett*Barbara Raphael* RoseBay International, Becky Culp & Jackie Woods*Skip & Gail Sack*Eva T. Slane*Rosa L. & Willie M. Stanfield*Susan Straus*Elizabeth SubletteDr. Ray & Fran TaylorJane TraubPeter & Judi WassermanPaul & Kathie Westpheling*David & Lois WilkinsF. Joseph WilsonCHOREOGRAPHERS $1,000–$2,499Donald & Cathy BaillieWalton & Deborah BeachamAlfonso & Brenda Belsito*Linda & Bill BerlinerJim & Linda BodycombMargaret Holt BurchLaTerry Butler*William & Debra Buttaggi*Deline Charitable FoundationDouglas & Wilma EdenRoger & Sally Eron*Mitchell & Dawn EpsteinJudy FialaLarry & Shane FishmanStu & Rhoda FriedmanLawrence & Elizabeth GallickJohn & Geraldine Gibbs*Julia & Steve GoldbergThe Albert Goodstein Family FoundationKathie HayesKathleen HayesNoel & Terry Hefty in Honor of Howard MillmanCharlie Huisking*Christine Jennings*Amb. James Joseph & Mary Braxton Joseph*Darlene Kalada & Richard Bryan*Michael & Terri Klauber*Lenny & Susan Landau*James & Ellen MarseyDavid & Rebecca MarshWilliam & Elaine McClureLana & Mark McGorry*Robert OntiverosDebbie Orth & Kimberly TocciLinda Poteat-Brown*Dennis Rees & Felice Schulaner*Jonathan & Barbara RyderDave & Jole SandblomSarasota County Bar Association Diversity and Inclusion Fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota CountyMona SchonbrunnRevs. William Schulz & Beth GrahamDavid & Robin Shapiro*Maureen SheaPat SteckThe Welch Family Charitable Fund*Ron & Geri YonoverJanice ZarroJudy Zuckerberg & George Kole*DESIGNERS $500–$999Barbara & Ron ArchboldJohn & Maria BartlettDrs. Jody Beresford & Robert MayerRobert BetagoleGordon & Diane CarterVicki ChatleySam & Pam CitronNeal ColtonJudith CompherJean CooperRay DaviesJosephine Eisenberg

Lucia FieldFrank & Barbara FleischerTom & Barbara Gardner*Joe GrabowskiLarry & Dorothy GreenMarvin & Anne Marie GreeneGeorge & Elizabeth HallDebbie & Larry Haspel in Memory of Shelley GoldblattMaurice & Marian Hirsch in Honor of Howard Millman’s 90th birthdayJaih & Kim Jackson*Toby Kaulkin in Honor of Shelley & Sy GoldblattGerald KilanoskiTed & Betsy KleinmaierSteven Krause*David & Lucy LapovskyGerald & Valerie LawMaureen Maguire & Doug Kuperman*Sonya MalundaSteve & Nancy MayerStephen MeulerLinda MondaJoel MorrisonCharlie MunnSteven NeumeisterWiley & Fran OsbornSusan PalmerAlan & Sunny Pervil*Ann Hobson Pilot & Prentice Pilot*Jacqueline Ray*Mary Jo Reston*Mike Rosario*Willie & Coralease RuGail & Skip Sack in Memory of Shelley GoldblattVicki & R. William SchrimpfMichael Shelton*Dr. Hugh Smith & Dr. Marsha Kindall-SmithJerey Smith & Deborah MixCassie StaordG. Richard & Elizabeth ThompsonDennis Thompson & Nancy Boxil ThompsonEdward TownMichael VeonDeborah & Mark WasmundChuck & Sheila Weiss*STAGE HANDS $35–$499Cheryl AdelmanStuart & Barbara AferiatAnthony AllenGeorge AllisonConstance Anderson*David & Susan ArchDavid ArtzerounianMichael ArumJerome & Barbara BaderPatricia & R.E. BaerLawrence & Stephanie BaileyPamela & Steven BakerSylvia BarberDale Barone Thomas & Marie BelcherAugustine BellRichard Belle & Marie PogozelskiCarolyn Benedict-DrewThomas BercalBarbara Benjamin & Carol ProcterThomas & Florence BercalRichard & Charlotte BermanCookie Bloom*Janice BoltJoseph & Susan BostonArthur BoyceSusan BoydTerry BrackettEdward BraddockLeanna BreeseIrene & Anthony BrittDorothea BrownKathryn Buckles in Honor of Teresa Simmons’ BirthdayDella Burt-BradleyJoyce Cekander*Patricia Cerefice*David & Edie ChaifetzAlan ChalfinMichele ChinskeyDavid CohenNancy ConnerllyRon CooperKathleen CotyAlan & Susan CraterKim Davis*Rawl & Jane DelandKathleen Denning*Robert & Christine DeutschLee Dillon in Memory of Shelley GoldblattDennis DionneJames DoyleRoberto & Eleanor DunmoodieChristopher EisenbergMarcia & Richard EisenbergLinda EllifJenni EnglemanDeborah FinemanRobert & Jacqui Fitzgerald*Herbert FoxCarol FranklinLonnetta Gaines*Susan GalvinLinda GarvinJudith Bayers GeeIlene GelberEverett & Mary GendlerCharles & Leslie GerhardtRobert & Anne GermainRichard & Abby Gerrity*John & Geraldine Gibbs*Roz GoldbergBernard & Sheila GreenStacey Price Grossman in Honor of Teresa Simmons’ BirthdayJeanne Guertin-PotoJohn HabbertAndrew & Felicia HallCarol HallingerJerry HamovitSteve & Jane HandleyLisa HartmanNorman HatterAl & Mimi HernandezAnne HeynsPenny HillPaul HolligerCecelia HorwitzJoan & John HughesJoseph & Jean HurdLinda JeneweinRobert JenkinsJoan JohnsonMichelle JonesRabbi Samantha KahnBella Kaplan & Paul DahlstrandSharon Karon

Michael KarsenLoretta Katz in Honor of Shelley & Sy GoldblattKristin KeeeSidney Kingman & Amanda StoughDr. Laura KingsleyMarlene KitchellKaren KoenigEllen KramerSteven Krause in Memory of Shelley GoldblattLee KrompartArnold KropfArlene KrygerMary Kukainis & Robert ProcterSusan LadwigJonathan LandsbergMarilyn LapidesSophia LaRusso*Cathy LaytonBob & Susan LewisSara LittleJoan LovellPeter & Margaret LowndesGloria LundySam & Sue LutenDelmar MacaulayWarren MajorMary Ann MaleSteve & Nancy MayerJane McCormackEdith McGuireKathleen McKownCharlotte MillerKaren & Richard MillerRobert & Sharon MillerNancie & Stuart Mishlove in Honor of Teresa Simmons’ BirthdayJo Morello & Jack Gilhooley*Roger & Myrna MorrisEric MowerPamela MyersNetwork for GoodJames & Judith O’DonnellJoan OhlsonKathleen OlsonAlan OrenbergPauline Parrish & Cathy WilsonLewis PattersonFrank & Jeanette PlanesDavid & Marilyn PowellHenri & Marilyn QuintalNancy RineyLynne Ross*Terry & Sam RothNancy Roucher*Bob RouthLisa Rubinstein in Memory of Shelley Goldblatt*Jonathan & Barbara RyderAnne RydlewiczRobert & Hedria Saltzman*William & Diane SarnatRonald & Gail SchimelFred & Ellie Schwimmer*Kimberly SewellAnne ShackmanBarry & Nancy ShapiroRonald & Mary Shapiro

Caryl Sheeld & James StewartLinda & Dick SilvermanCynthia SmythRose SobolLinda SolomonMatt Sperling*Max & Sue SupicaBonnie SussmanEdward & Claudia SwanCarolyn Syphax-YoungAnn SyringGerald Tait*Marcia Jean Taub in Honor of Howard Millman’s 90th BirthdayLarry & Pat ThompsonRoland & Linda ThorntonMeredith TolsdorfBryan TroutmanLynn TurnerDavid & Monica VerinderRay VicksRichard Walter*Carlotta WebbMike WeddleChuck & Sheila Weiss in Memory of Shelley GoldblattAllison Grant Williams & Darrell A. Williams in Memory of Doris MitchellChristopher WinshipRobert WitkopNancy WoodruJohn YahresBruce & Amy Zeitlin*

Regina BelvinDevelopment AssociateAriel BlueDevelopment and Artist Relations AssociateAnnette BreazealeProperties DesignerDarci CollinsSeamstressJames “Jay” Dodge IIProduction Manager and Resident Music DirectorScott FergusonMarketing and Communications DirectorDebra Flynt-GarrettDevelopment DirectorDonald FrisonResident ChoreographerRobert GrantFinance ManagerNaquila GregoryBox Oce AssociateAlexander JuddResident Sound EngineerNacari KearneyStage HandGerald LawFacilities CustodianMargaret LindseyBox Oce AssociateMarta McKinnonBox Oce Associate Mydra McKinnonHouse AssociateMyllanna McKinnonHouse Manager Michael MendezProduction Assistant and Assistant to the Artistic DirectorCaleb MillerSound Technician Eleanor MillerBox Oce ManagerJuanita MunfordProduction Stage ManagerAmber MyersStage HandMichael PasquiniLighting DesignerAdrienne PittsCostumer, Wardrobe Manager, Lead Stage HandTrinity PittsStage HandTravis RayAssociate Managing DirectorPatrick RussiniResident Sound DesignerShane StreightTechnical DirectorBrennan StylezResident Associate Music DirectorJim WeaverEducation Director and Artistic AssociateSorcha AugustinePhotographyJames Berry FilmsVideography and Editing Sharon KunkelWordslinger Marketing & PR, Media RelationsPaula MurrayArtefact DesignBill Wagy ProductionsVideography and EditingWBTT’S 2020–2021 TEAMNate Jacobs Founder and Artistic DirectorJulie Leach Executive Director

The 2020–2021 season began with our mainstage in the dark due to the COVID pandemic but ended with us preparing to return to our indoor stage with our production of EUBIE!, the Broadway show celebrating the creativity of Eubie Blake— the composer, pianist and first African American to produce a show on Broadway. We were significantly helped financially this season by our loyal community of donors, and federal, state and county grants targeted to support the arts during the pandemic.True to WBTT’s scrappy and resilient nature, we brought two productions created and adapted by Nate Jacobs outside during this season: Light Up The Night and Sistas in the Name of Soul, both of which were performed on our outdoor parking temporary stage. Our audiences loved the shows and we had a full but socially distanced audience for them. In addition, we oered many virtual experiences and were FISCAL YEAR 2020–2021 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTSable to deliver all our regular education programming during the year. We were delighted to hold Stage of Discovery, our summer theatre intensive program for youth, back in person on our campus last summer. Their show, The Technicolor Musical, created and adapted by Nate Jacobs, was the first production indoors on our stage since the March 2020 pandemic theatre closure. Audiences were entertained and inspired with the hopeful message of the show during the two performances in July 2021. Our season theme for 2021–2022 is And Still We Rise, celebrating our resilience and return to indoor performances in our still-new Gerri Aaron & the Aaron Family Foundation Theatre Building. All of us at WBTT are extremely grateful to our donors, community foundations and government grants that supported us through this very dicult year.SOURCES OF CONTRIBUTIONS & GRANTSOct. 1, 2020—Sept. 30, 2021BOARD CONTRIBUTIONS 11%FUNDRAISING EVENTS10%FOUNDATION GRANTS 5%PRODUCTION SPONSORSHIPS & ANNUAL FUND24%STATE & COUNTY OPERATING GRANTS 6%COVID PANDEMIC SUPPORT 42%$2,612,415EDUCATION SUPPORT 2%

OPERATING EXPENSESOct. 1, 2020–Sept. 30, 2021PRODUCTION PERSONNEL23%MAINSTAGE ACTORS & MUSICIANS7%OTHER MAIN STAGE PRODUCTION COSTS12%ACTOR HOUSING7%PRODUCTION VENUE COSTS17%TOURING OUTREACH & EDUCATION PROGRAMS4%FUNDRAISING EVENTS3%HEALTH, PROPERTY & LIABILITY INSURANCE8%ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL14%MARKETING3%OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES2%$2,475,005SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION OCT 1, 2020 OCT 1, 2019— —SEPT 30, 2021 SEPT 30, 2020 AUDITED AUDITED Earned Income $ 316,479 $1,302,058Community Support 1,235,082 1,281,609Federal, State & Local Grants 1,377,333 94,658Total Operating Revenue $2,928,894 $2,678,325Production Personnel & Production Costs $ 1,756,333 $ 1,861,933Administrative Personnel 238,603 155,346Health, Property & Liability Insurance 196,084 210,290Education, Outreach, & Artist Development 106,349 114,364Marketing 77,281 124,891Fundraising Events 69,329 120,799Other Operating Expenses 31,026 6,352Total Operating Expenses $2,475,005 $2,593,975Cash from Operations before Depreciation $ 453,889 $ 84,350Depreciation 292,192 $ 177,078Operating Income (Loss) $ 161,697 ($ 92,728)

The mission of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe 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 self-esteem in youth of color.CLICK HERE to learn about how you can support our mission. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Federal Tax ID# 65-1040662. “A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE . REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE .” REGISTRATION NO. CH17803westcoastblacktheatre.org941-366-15051012 N ORANGE AVE, SARASOTA