Rising Above the Racial Issues of the Past to Inspire the Next Generation of Performing Artists
This episode delves into the transformative journey of Nate Jacobs, the visionary behind the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT). Through candid anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Nate shares his personal narrative, his earlier years at the Asolo Repertory Theatre performing the parts of servants and other like characters in supporting roles, and his experiences with racial issues in theater. The need and desire to change the cultural scene encouraged Nate to create a professional theater company showcasing all Black casts and narratives that resonated deeply with Black audiences.
Meet the Guest
Nate Jacobs (he/him)
Founder & Artistic Director
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
A graduate of Florida A&M University, Nate has written, composed, directed and performed in many shows, as an actor, singer, dancer and comedian. He trains and mentors youth in the performing arts through programs such as Stage of Discovery, WBTT’s summer musical theatre intensive program.
Nate has received several awards and accolades through the years. The Sarasota County Branch NAACP Youth Council recognized Nate as one of its 2012 Men of Valor. In 2015, he was honored with the prestigious Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, N.C., “for his contributions to Black theatre specifically and American theatre in general.” Nate received the Arts Leadership Award for Artistic Achievement from the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County in 2018. In 2021 he received the Perfect Pitch Award from Key Chorale, which recognized him as a driving force in the arts and for his collaborations with other arts organizations, including American Roots: The Gospel Experience, a series of concert performances with WBTT performers and Key Chorale presented in three area churches in the fall of 2019. In December, 2021 The New York Times published a profile of Nate and WBTT. The story traces Nate’s journey from teacher to performer to founder of WBTT, and his support for other Black artists.
Enhance your Curriculum with Our Discussion Guide
You can incorporate this episode into your class or workshop curriculum with this discussion guide.
Further Resources
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Explore Nate’s work here.
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This Light of Mine – a PBS video on the Making of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.
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New York Times feature on Nate and WBTT.
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