Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe held its 24th Anniversary Gala on Nov. 11 at the Circus Arts Conservatory in the Sailor Circus Arena.Â
This year's theme was Groovin' on the Soul Train 2, and with a crowd of over 500 dressed in '70s attire, it felt as if guests were walking through a moving kaleidoscope.
Co-chairs Eilene Maupin and Charlie Ann Syprett worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to put together one of the most fun events of the season. Board Treasurer Cheryl Anderson was named The Heart and Soul Philanthropy honoree. She has been with WBTT for 14 years.
Board Chair Doris Johnson addressed the guests, and her sincere nod to the veterans in attendance was met with cheers from every part of the arena.
WBTT's mission is to produce professional theater 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.
Executive Director Julie Leach stops for a photo with Co-chairs Eilene Maupin and Charlie Ann Syprett.
Photo by Janet Combs
WBTT Executive Director Julie Leach and the theater's founder and artistic director, Nate Jacobs, are all smiles at a black-tie event in November 2023.
Photo by Janet Combs
Marlene Hauck, Janice Zarro, Donna Koffman, Monica Streacker and Elisabeth Waters celebrate Soul Train 2 with their period clothing.
Photo by Janet Combs
James and Rebecca Ray, Donald and board Chair Doris Johnson, and Wanda and Herman Gilbert celebrate the Soul Train 2 theme.
Photo by Janet Combs
Charlie Ann Syprett, Sheila Eagan, Rita Greenbaum and Penny Hill ham it up in their '70s garb.
Photo by Janet Combs
Board member Howard Millman, Carolyn Michel and Zoltan Karpathy.
Photo by Janet Combs
Front: Sorcha Augustine, Melissa Moorsley and Dona Koffman. Back: Ashley Kozel, Maria Beck, Roxanne Permsley, Elisabeth Waters, Toni-Anne DiNicola-Koffman, Marlene Hawck Aimee Chouinard and Amie Austin-Oliva
Photo by Janet Combs
Regina Belvin, development associate, and prop master Annette Breazeale
Photo by Janet Combs
Ambassador Circle member Richard Perlman with Barbara Rosovsky
Photo by Janet Combs
Michael Springer and honoree Cheryl Anderson
Photo by Janet Combs
Zoltan Karpathy and Terry Brackett
Photo by Janet Combs
Michael's On East's Tracey McCammack with Sharon Kunkel
Photo by Janet Combs
Bob Wood, Willie Clemons and Paul Cuviello
Photo by Janet Combs
Board member John Maupin, Margaret Hurst, Stephanie Bailey, Eilene Maupin and Peter Hurst.
Photo by Janet Combs
Greg Martin, Rose Prato, Terri Martin, Louie Prato, and Carole and John McDermott
Photo by Janet Combs
Toni Anne DeNicola-Koffman, Alysha, Jeremy and Baby #3 Shelby (#itsagirl!), Asa Harris and Dean Piccirillo take it back to the 1970s.
Photo by Janet Combs
Front: Lee Rainer, Netta Burks and Minnie Roberts. Back: Robert Brooks, Rosalyne Brooks, Lydia Rainer, Timothy and Simone McKeither, Justus Roberts and Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs.
Photo by Janet Combs
Sam Scott and Kyle and Ashley Wiliams with Doug Anderson
Photo by Janet Combs
Sam Scot, board member Dona Scott, Greg and board member Kim Parris, and Rosa and Willie Stanfield
Photo by Janet Combs
Monica Streacker, Tom Edwards, and Chuck and Sheila Weiss.
Tom Flanagan, Eric Skoog, Sheri Heilberger, and Neli and Antionio Llovio.
Photo by Janet Combs
Executive Director Julie Leach and Zoltan Karpathy
Photo by Janet Combs
Doris Johnson welcomes guests and gave a special nod to all veterans, asking them to stand. About 30 men and women stood while everyone cheered.
Photo by Janet Combs
Katie Burke and Melody Martin enjoy the '70s vibes.
Photo by Janet Combs
Forrest Balderson enjoys dinner with Ron Turner.
Photo by Janet Combs
Always in style, Ben and Sharon Kunkel say "peace out!"
Photo by Janet Combs
Elizabeth Moore and John Knowles
Photo by Janet Combs
Michael and Terri Klauber have their paddles ready.
Photo by Janet Combs
WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs
Photo by Janet Combs
Skip and Janis Swan
Photo by Janet Combs
Julie A. Harris, Zoltan Karpathy and Jenne Britell
Photo by Janet Combs
WestCoast Black Theatre Troupe held its annual gala at the Circus Arts Conservatory on Saturday, Nov. 11.
