Pictured: Rehearsal of WBTTs We Dream. Photo by Sorcha Augustine.

Since June 13th, something special has been brewing amongst the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe. Unlike the company’s traditional performances, however, this is not an effort spurred on by the talents of professional performers, but from the efforts of the Sarasota area youth. Now in its seventh year, the WBTT’s Stage of Discovery summer musical theater training program continues to be a haven for 13-18 year olds interested in exploring musical theater. The five week intensive program, requires an audition for entry, but is free of charge and offers lessons in singing, dancing, and acting from WBTT staff and guest instructors.

“The program is geared towards under-represented kids who typically wouldn’t have the opportunity to study theater. It’s a five week intensive featuring singing, acting and dancing with instructors of varying levels of experience coming in to teach. It culminates in the performance of an original production, We Dream, says Jim Weaver, WBTT’s Education Director and Artistic Associate.

We Dream, which was created, adapted, and directed by Weaver, will be performed by camp members on July 16th and 17th at the WBTT’s Donelly Theatre. The title of the production is in reference to the collective youth’s hope for a better future - something that Weaver felt was particularly relevant to the uncertain times the country finds itself in. “I wanted these young adults to have an opportunity to teach us adults - to express how they dream about a better future and a safer world, where we can all accept each other for who we are,” attests Weaver.

We Dream will feature a cohesive grouping of song and dance numbers, poetry, and monologues, all tied together by the production’s universal theme of peace, love, and understanding. “I wanted to challenge the students by putting something together that incorporated all three of the basic art forms they are studying - not just the song and dance aspect, but the acting as well. For We Dream, I created a compilation of different songs, strung together with poetry or monologues by different playwrights,” says Weaver. Tickets are $27/adults, $17/students

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Box Office: 941-366-1505, 1012 N. Orange Ave, Sarasota. Tickets are $27/adults, $17/students.

Pictured: Rehearsal of WBTTs We Dream. Photo by Sorcha Augustine.

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