Youths from the 2024 Stage of Discovery program perform in the culminating show. Photo by Sorcha Augustine.

Teaching has always been at the center of Nate Jacobs' heart. While Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) has been producing high-level professional theater since its inception in 1999, growing the next generation of artists has been one of the pillars of the organization’s mission.

“I was the caretaker of my five younger siblings, so back when I was 11-years-old I wasn’t necessarily passionate about it, it was my duty,” says Jacobs, the founder and artistic director of WBTT. “All throughout my life I have been associated with working with young people to the point where I became an adult and realized that it actually was my calling. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe was founded by three 17-year-olds, an 18-year-old, a 22-year-old and myself.”

This spring, WBTT is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Stage of Discovery summer musical theater intensive program. From June 9 to July 13 aspiring actors, singers and dancers aged 11-18 will take part in an all-encompassing program—free of charge—that will prepare them for the next step in their artistic careers. Stage of Discovery will culminate in at least two public performances of an original musical on July 12 and 13 written by WBTT Education Director and Artistic Associate Jim Weaver. “We put a lot of work and effort into coming up with extremely creative, fun and exciting productions for our kids to do. My motto since I’ve been building shows for children is that I don’t want to produce anything that I wouldn’t want to sit in a theater and see,” says Jacobs.

WBTT’s Stage of Discovery program is not for the faint of heart. Entry into the program is audition-based, with limited slots available, and the curriculum includes professional instruction in dance, acting, singing, improvisation and other facets of theater such as creative writing and lighting. “These are kids that are passionate about the performing arts. All of them are on their feet and on that stage—even the most shy kids that come through that door, if they express that interest then we know that it’s just about pulling them out of their comfort zone and we accept them into the camp,” says Jacobs. “Every summer we have a handful of kids that are intimidated by the bright lights, but then you see them blossom over the course of the camp and it’s really beautiful for them and their parents.”

Stage of Discovery, June 9-July 13, 9am-4:30pm, Westcoast Black Theatre, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, 34236

Youths from the 2024 Stage of Discovery program perform in the culminating show. Photo by Sorcha Augustine.

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