Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe offers a launching pad for young Black performers

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota centers Black stories, provides rigorous training and runs youth programs, and it has helped performers such as Amber Myers move from childhood roles to leading parts.

In Sarasota, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe serves as a launching pad for Black performers. Amber Myers first stepped onto its stage at age eight and now, 23 years later, appears in leading roles there. The company was founded by Nate Jacobs after he noticed few African American artists sharing stages early in his career. Jacobs created the troupe to expand the story of the African American experience and to create opportunities that had been missing. Key points: - The troupe is based in Sarasota and focuses on centering Black stories. - Amber Myers began performing there at age eight and remains active as a lead performer after 23 years with the theater. - Founder Nate Jacobs started the company to increase opportunities for African American artists. - The theater emphasizes rigorous training and auditions to maintain high-quality productions. - The organization invests in the community through youth programs aimed at developing young Black artists. Summary: The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has helped launch local artists and built a reputation for rigorous training and quality productions. It continues to invest in community and youth programs to support the next generation of Black performers.