Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. was founded in December 1999, by local actor, singer, director and playwright Nate Jacobs. It is the only professional black theater company on Florida’s west coast and one of only two in the state. 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 self-esteem in youth of color.

As a professional (AEA member) producing theater, WBTT has produced more than 60 mainstage productions including several that have gained national attention. WBTT was founded to provide African-American artists opportunity to perform, celebrate the African American experience and engage theatergoers in works written by and about African Americans in an arts-loving community.

In 2015-2016, WBTT first partnered with The Jazz Club of Sarasota to create Jazzlinks, our EdExplore offering. With the support of a State of Florida Dept. of Cultural Affairs grant, we were able to bring it to 7 Sarasota County high schools that year, and each year thereafter. In 2021-22 we will be using a virtual format for the program.

EDUCATOR CONTACT INFO

jweaver@westcoastblacktheatre.org

http://www.westcoastblacktheatre.org

  FL

941-366-1505 (ext.113)

Jazzlinks - Bridging the Movement

Program description

Jazzlinks takes history off the page and makes it come alive!  This collaboration between the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT)  and The Jazz Club of Sarasota is designed to educate high school and middle school students about the role of African Americans in U.S. history. Reflected through the songs and statements about the times, the program titled Civil Rights: Bridging The Movement, brings focus to the many contributions of African-Americans in the military and at home during WWII, the Korean, and the Vietnam Wars; taking us from the 1930s up to the 1960s. Come learn how circumstances and different musical styles influenced us all and helped further the dreams of a nation. 

Jazzlinks includes three arts-infused experiences: 

1. Teacher Workshop:  A remote Zoom gathering, enabling the review of standards-centered teaching materials including extensive Document Based Questions focused on WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War through primary sources, historical content, and music that illuminates the experiences of African Americans during these transitional times as they navigated the desegregation of the U.S. military. (See Document-Based Questions submitted with application for details.) WBTT will present the classroom session in the Teacher Workshop. 

2. Classroom Session: This in person presentation brings our actors directly to your students in the classroom or lecture hall, enabling a more vibrant and lasting experience. Direct interaction and opportunity for conversation after viewing the performance allows for deeper understanding and assimilation of information. Particulars of WWII are presented through text and music related to the historical events of the period. This format allows for the potential combining of classes, if presented in a lecture hall setting, so as many classes as possible can participate in order to enhance learning outcomes. 

3. Live Campus Performance: This culminating auditorium performance brings together a talented cast of performers in a new and vibrant presentation that highlights some of the events and music from the 1930s to 1960s; events that helped shape societal changes during WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. This presentation allows for further exploration and understanding of the African-American’s contributions to the military and society in general throughout these years. 

Scheduling of this program:  The teacher workshop will be conducted via Zoom connection on January 16, 2024 from 2:30-3:30 pm. The classroom sessions and Live performances will be available from February 1 – March 7, 2024.

Booking / scheduling contact

Jim Weaver

   941-366-1505 (ext.113)

 jazzlinks@westcoastblacktheatre.org

Program detail
Artistic discipline:
Cultural Origin: Array, Array
Program type: In-School Performance
Population served: 9-12
Subject: Social Studies
Bilingual: No
Available dates:

02/01/2024 - 03/07/2024

Length of program: Classroom: 30 mins. / Auditorium: 50 mins.
Location(s):

At your school!

Fees / Ticketing:

$500 per Exploration, including all three parts: Teacher workshop, classroom session and full school performance. The Teacher Workshop portion is held via Zoom and up to 150 teachers could participate. The classroom sessions will enable as many students as is safe to be present to view the initial presentation, with the culminating final performance presented as a school wide event in your auditorium or performance space.

Transportation

Is transportation needed for this exploration?: No
Is financial assistance offered?: No

Program info

Summer or Family Programs Offered?: no