WBTT names Scott Ferguson marketing and communications director
Ferguson to bring decades of communications experience to growing arts organization
SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) has recently named Scott Ferguson as its marketing and communications director. In this role, Ferguson will oversee all facets of the organization’s marketing and public relations efforts in order to support ticket sales, assist in donor cultivation and satisfaction, and maintain positive relations with the media.
Most recently, Ferguson has served as media relations consultant for the Classical Music Celebration, a showcase of international musicians staged at the Sarasota Opera House in May. Previously, he held the titles of manager and media relations specialist of the Communications and Community Relations Department for Sarasota County Schools; he worked for the school district from 2007-2018. Prior to that, he served as the communications manager for the Community Services Department of Sarasota County Government, was co-owner of Bissell Ferguson Communications – which operated in Atlanta and Sarasota – and, early in his career, was a producer and writer for Turner Broadcasting System in Atlanta.
“I’m thrilled to join the team of creative and dedicated professionals at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe,” said Ferguson. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to combine my communication skills with my lifelong interest in theatre. I look forward to working with founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs, executive director Julie Leach, and their colleagues and supporters in this exciting stage of growth for the organization.”
Ferguson’s role will be particularly vital as the organization prepares to embark on the second phase of its campus renovation project, funded by the ongoing $6 million Heart & Soul Capital Campaign. WBTT is transforming its 2.5-acre, two-building campus at 10th Street and Orange Avenue into a cohesive, state-of-the-art theatre arts center. The work on the Education & Outreach Building – formerly known as the “Binz Building” – has been completed; the theater building will undergo renovations beginning in the summer of 2019.
“We are so fortunate to have someone of Scott’s experience to be able to step into this role. We are confident that his vast professional experience and deep connections throughout the community will help to help take our communications efforts to the next level,” said WBTT executive director Julie Leach. “His extensive interactions with community leaders, philanthropists, volunteers, and students show his ability to engage successfully with a diverse constituency. His previous experience will serve him – and WBTT – very well in the coming years.”
For more information about WBTT, go to westcoastblacktheatre.org or call (941) 366-1505.
PHOTO ID: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe marketing and communications director Scott Ferguson
Photo by Thomas Bender/Sarasota Herald-Tribune
About Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe:
The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. is the only professional black theater company on Florida’s West Coast. The mission is to produce professional theatre that promotes and celebrates the African-American experience, to attract diverse audiences, to support and develop African-American artists, and to build the self-esteem of African-American youth. For more information on WBTT, visit the website at westcoastblacktheatre.org or call (941) 366-1505.
