April 24, 2014
Contact Lisa Rubinstein, LDR Creative Inc., 941-373-3803 or [email protected]
DEBRA FLYNT-GARRETT RETURNS TO WBTT
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to announce that Debra Flynt-Garrett has joined the Troupe administrative team as Executive Assistant/Donor Administrator. Flynt-Garrett previously worked with the organization from 2009 to 2012 solely as executive assistant to Executive Director Christine Jennings. In this new capacity, Flynt-Garrett expands her role to include responsibility for a variety of donor-sponsorship and grant-related activities.
“We are thrilled that Debra is able to return to the WBTT family,” commented CEO Christine Jennings. “Her organizational skills are exemplary. She knows our organization and we know her. As we enter this new phase of growth and expand funding needs, Debra will be able to help in fulfilling the ongoing needs of the Troupe, as well as help us to reach new goals being established now.”
Debra Flynt-Garrett has been a valued member of the Sarasota community since moving here in the 1980s. She worked in the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s office for 12 years, before leaving to work as a licensed residential appraiser, which she did for 11 years. In 2009 she became WBTT’s first executive assistant to Christine Jennings. In addition to her professional experience, Flynt-Garrett has been involved in the Sarasota community as a volunteer. Her activities include current Chair of the Sarasota County Historic Preservation Board, past Chair of the City of Sarasota Historic Preservation Board, involvement with Friends of the Sarasota County History Center, Sarasota County Historical Commission, Crowley Museum and Nature Center, and Sarasota Tiger Bay Club.
The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. (WBTT) was founded in December 1999, by local actor, singer, director and playwright Nate Jacobs. It is the only professional black theater company on Florida’s West Coast. The mission of WBTT is to “produce plays that promote and celebrate the African-American experience, which attracts diverse audiences while using its productions as a vehicle for supporting African-American artists and building the self-esteem of African-American youth.” Throughout the past decade, WBTT has produced many productions locally and around the state of Florida. The company has gained a reputation for high quality, thought-provoking and entertaining performances.
Since its inception, WBTT has mentored and inspired many African-American youth through participation in the company’s productions. Many of the aspiring professional artists trained in the WBTT performing arts program have gone on to work with national and regional companies The company has provided a springboard for many national careers including Apphia Campbell who most recently has been seen performing her one-woman show, Black is the Color of My Voice, in Shanghai and New York. Teresa Stanley was a featured cast member on Broadway in The Color Purple and presently stars in Rock of Ages. The two youngest Troupe members, teenagers Chris Eisenberg and Alyssa White, have reached national acclaim; Chris making the top 48 on “America’s Got Talent” and most recently had a singing tour of Boys & Girls Clubs across America. Alyssa was selected to perform in the Harlem Apollo Theater’s Best of the Best show in 2011.
For more information on WBTT, visit the website at www.wbttroupe.org, follow on Facebook or call 941-366-1505.
