Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe celebrates 25th anniversary in style

More than 450 guests turned out and turned up to celebrate Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's 25th anniversary Nov. 14 at The Ora. 

WBTT gave its guests the experience its dedicated followers expect from this dynamic troupe, featuring high-energy performances by WBTT members, students and a stellar house band. Through donations and a paddle raise the event raised $350,000 toward its seven-year, $10 million goal titled the "Solid Gold Campaign." The event, Co-chaired by Doris Johnson and Richard Perlman, was capped off with a dance party that rocked the ballroom.

In 2009, at the tender age of 11, Chris Eisenberg performed in the original "Soul Crooners." Now based in Sarasota and Queens, New York, he just finished a run of the same show to standing ovations at each performance. 

"Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has been a pillar of hope in this community for 25 years, and I'm confident that the next 25 years will produce the future stars of our community," said Eisenberg.

Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs works to make sure that remains the case, particularly by training and mentoring youth through programs including WBTT's summer musical theater intensive, Stage of Discovery.

Founded in 1999, WBTT's mission is to produce professional theater that promotes and celebrates African American history and experiences, 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.