July 2, 2014
Contact Lisa Rubinstein, LDR Creative, Inc., 941-373-3803 or [email protected]
WBTT ANNOUNCES STEVEN J. KRAUSE AS CO-CHAIR
OF ADVISORY BOARD
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to announce that Steven J. Krause will co-chair its Advisory Board, along with current co-chair Margie Nellum Lee. Krause is a Senior Vice President and Trust Advisor at Northern Trust Bank. He moved to Sarasota approximately two years ago from Chicago. After being introduced to Christine Jennings and enjoying WBTT performances, he became very interested in the organization, it’s talented young performers and what the organization does to further enlighten the community.
“During my career with Northern Trust,” explained Krause, “I became passionate about diversity through the many programs supported at Northern Trust. It’s this diversity and inclusiveness that drew me to WBTT. I am honored to now be in a position to help further these causes.”
Steven J. Krause is a Senior Vice President on Northern Trust’s Wealth Advisory Team. He has been with the bank for 34 years. Prior to coming to Sarasota, he was a Personal Trust Relationship Manager in Northern Trust’s Lake Forest, Schaumburg, and Chicago, Illinois offices. Steve’s early career with Northern Trust included roles in marketing, banking, financial center management and regulatory compliance. He has been a Vice President since 1990. Krause is an active participant in Northern’s Global Mentoring Program and Diversity Counsel. He received a B.A. degree in Finance and Accounting from Mundelein College, and a Masters degree in Business Administration from DePaul University. In addition to Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Krause is also involved with Equality Florida, Junior Achievement and Southeastern Guide Dogs.
“We are very fortunate to have someone with Steven’s experience and commitment on our team,” remarked Advisory Board Co-Chair Margie Nellum Lee. “Our shared vision for the year includes helping the current board become more involved with the various projects that lie ahead. WBTT is poised for tremendous growth and we intend to be ready to help move the Troupe and the organization forward.”
The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. (WBTT) is the only professional black theater company on Florida’s West Coast. The mission is to “produce plays that promote and celebrate the African-American experience, attract diverse audiences, while using its productions as a vehicle for supporting African-American artists and building the self-esteem of African-American youth.” Throughout its history, WBTT has produced many productions and has gained a reputation for high quality, thought-provoking and entertaining performances.
Since its inception, WBTT has mentored and inspired many African-American youth. Many of the aspiring professional artists trained in the WBTT performing arts program have gone on to work with national and regional companies. Apphia Campbell was most recently seen performing her one-woman show, Black is the Color of My Voice, at WBTT in Sarasota, as well as in Shanghai and New York, and Teresa Stanley who was a featured cast member on Broadway in The Color Purple andpresently stars in Rock of Ages. For more information on WBTT, visit the website at www.wbttsrq.org, follow on Facebook or call 941-366-1505.
