WBTT Voices: The State of the Black Musical

Name: WBTT Voices: The State of the Black Musical
Start: 2025-11-05T16:00:00-05:00
Location: 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL, United States, Florida 34236

Schedule

Wed, 05 Nov, 2025 at 04:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL, United States, Florida 34236 | Sarasota, FL

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is celebrating the return of its WBTT Voices Community Forum, a free program launched in 2014 that examines issues impacting society, explored through an African American lens. On Wednesday, November 5 at 4 p.m., “The State of the Black Musical” will take a look at Black musicals over the years. In American musical theatre, the Black musical has its own unique and special place. It has been recognized, celebrated and – at times – called upon to serve a specific purpose in our society. But what purpose is that – and why? Where does the African American musical fit in our world and how much has it changed over the years? WBTT Assistant Artistic Director/Director of Education Jim Weaver has designed a program that will take a brief look back at the history of the genre; explore some of the celebrated works, composers and playwrights; and examine the styles most often utilized and the caricatures typically seen. As part of the event, Weaver will interview WBTT leaders for their take on the topic; there will also be an audience Q&A. This event takes place in the Donelly Theatre at WBTT (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota). This event is free but advance registration is necessary.