Event co-chairs Charlie Ann Syprett and Dona Scott with WBTT founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs.
Photo by Janet Combs
Black Tie
Share
The oversized ballroom at The Ora was filled with 323 guests attired in colorful patterns and funky designs for the annual — and lively — April Fête spring fundraiser held by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe April 16.
With a "Boogie Wonderland" theme, the event featured live music and performances by WBTT artists and its Stage of Discovery students and alumni. The Alice in Wonderland theme boasted costumes that seemingly came out of a Broadway production, and the young performers were practiced beyond their years.
Funds raised go toward keeping the intensive summer program free to participants.
“Our education and youth development programs simply would not be possible without support from the community," said WBTT's Executive Director Julie Leach before the event. "Not only will our guests have an absolute blast but also they will be able to see the impact our education programs are having on talented, young, homegrown artists who are being trained and mentored right here in our area.”
Co-chairs Charlie Ann Syprett and Dona Scott made sure guests were attended to as they made their way through the cocktail hour, which was held outside.
After the formal program, a dance party began featuring hot Motown tunes performed by the WBTT band and professional artists.
The most talked about shirt at the fête was Ali Bahaj's Pantone design. He is photographed with WBTT Executive Director Julie Leach and his wife, Gloria.
Photo by Janet Combs
Charlotte Stewart and her husband, Carl Troiano, don matching fête attire.
Photo by Janet Combs
Ki Thomas, Regnia Belvin and Arnette German help register 323 guests.
Photo by Janet Combs
Yvette German, Christine Felton and Ki Thomas help check in 323 guests.
Photo by Janet Combs
Steven Krause, Michelle and Jonathan Mitchell and James LaPorte decked out for the WBTT April Fête.
Photo by Janet Combs
Bill Buckingham and Emily Moore
Photo by Janet Combs
Michael Springer, Cheryl Anderson and Carolyn Michel
Photo by Janet Combs
Darryl and Christine Levine, Nedra Clark and Marlene and John Sincaglia
Photo by Janet Combs
Charles Williams with Shirley and Cecil Pickett
Photo by Janet Combs
Charles Williams, Charlie Ann Syprett, Rita Greenbaum, Thomas Edwards and Bill Woodson
Photo by Janet Combs
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe held its April Fête annual fundraiser on April 16 at The Ora with 323 guests in attendance.
Photo by Janet Combs
Rosa Stanfield, Michele Hooper and Adela Glover
Photo by Janet Combs
Kay Stump, Marlene Womack and Robin Froug
Photo by Janet Combs
Dr. Janet Taylor
Photo by Janet Combs
Sam Scott, Marci Young, Naiema Frieson and Willie Standfield
Photo by Janet Combs
Charles Brown, Cecil and Shirley Pickett and Vincent Foderingham
Photo by Janet Combs
Dona Scott
Photo by Janet Combs
WBTT Executive Director Julie Leach with Charlie Huisking
Photo by Janet Combs
Ellen and Richard Sandor
Photo by Janet Combs
Debra Flynt-Garrett and Marlon Black
Photo by Janet Combs
Tracey McCammack with Debra Flynt-Garrett
Photo by Janet Combs
Ben and Sharon Kunkel
Photo by Janet Combs
WBTT founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs takes center stage to welcome his guests.
Photo by Janet Combs
Mary Braxton Joseph with a bright smile and bold colors.
Photo by Janet Combs
Tami and Phillip Lanham
Photo by Janet Combs
Alan Rudzindki and Annie Dry-Henich
Photo by Janet Combs
WBTT held its annual spring fundraiser at The Ora for 323 guests on April 16.
Photo by Janet Combs
Student performers take the stage at WBTT's April Fête.
Photo by Janet Combs
Performers get ready to take the stage.
Photo by Janet Combs
Performers watch the students put on their show.
Photo by Janet Combs
Student performers take the stage.
Photo by Janet Combs
WBTT property master Annette Breazeale is ready for her debut..
Photo by Janet Combs
The cocktail hour was held on The Plaza at The Ora.
