The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has recently approved a grant of $250,000 to the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) in support of its "Heart & Soul" capital campaign. The fundraising effort, which has a goal of $6 million, will transform the organization's 2.5-acre, two-building campus at 10th Street and Orange Avenue into a cohesive, state-of-the-art performing arts center, enable the organization to more fully develop its education program and create an endowment fund for the future of the troupe. The Selby Foundation's grant will help to renovate the building on the front of the campus, called the Binz Building, which will become the headquarters for WBTT's administrative offices and education and outreach programs. The building will include a first-floor education wing; a 4,000-square-foot space that will mainly function as three multi-purpose education rooms but can also transform into an event space with a capacity of up to 200 dining guests for theatre or private functions; a second floor with weekday box office, conference room and administrative offices; a library; and a 6,000-square-foot rooftop garden terrace event space for patrons and other community organizations. To show its gratitude for the generous funding, WBTT will name the second floor of the building The William G. & Marie Selby Foundation Administrative Wing. Currently, the Heart & Soul campaign has reached $3.9 million and the community is invited to be a part of the effort.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Capital Campaign