WBTT presents Brian L. Boyd in ‘ENIGMA’

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is proud to offer a stage for rising stars in the early stages of their careers as well as more seasoned professionals with numerous credits to their name. WBTT's Independent Artist Showcase gives more established artists the space to create, direct and perform original works; on December 7 and 8, frequent WBTT artist Brian L. Boyd is taking the stage with something unforgettable.

Boyd’s Independent Artist Program showcase-, “ENIGMA,” is a genre-bending, soul-stirring theatrical mosaic — a powerful and poetic exploration of identity, culture, and legacy. Inspired by George C. Wolfe’s “The Colored Museum,” this bold production unfolds through a series of vivid, unapologetic vignettes that spotlight the multifaceted experiences of the African diaspora … and beyond.

From gospel-infused reckonings and the raw brilliance of hip-hop to futuristic fantasies, “ENIGMA” dances between timelines and tones, pulling from the stirring soul of Donny Hathaway’s music and the dreams of those who dare to imagine freedom.

This production is a collaboration with M.A.D. Music Acting Dance Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) performance arts organization, owned and co-directed by Boyd and his wife – who is also a frequent WBTT artist – Brentney J. The production will be supported by a phenomenal cast including Brentney J., Todd Bellamy II, Peterly Jean Baptiste, Jada Carson, Derric Gobourne Jr., Michael Meija-Mendez, Amber Myers, and Maicy Powell.

Boyd was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and now resides in Atlanta, Ga. He is a Jamaican-American artist who graduated from Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance. Boyd is a proud father to 10-year-old daughter, Kendi, and is a first-generation college graduate, first-generation homeowner, and first-generation business owner.

Boyd’s WBTT credits are extensive, including “Five Guys Named Moe,” “Fences,” “Soul Crooners: Solid Gold Edition,” “Dreamgirls,” “Guys and Dolls,” “The Amen Corner,” “Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul,” “The Mountaintop,” “A Motown Christmas,” “In The Heights,” “How I Got Over: A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson” and many more. Most recently, he served as assistant director for the musical “Purlie”; he will serve as the assistant director for “Paradise Blue” under the direction of WBTT Resident Director Chuck Smith in early 2026. This past May, he performed in “Jersey Boys” at Florida Studio Theatre.

He presented a WBTT Young Artist Program in 2019 titled “A Rhapsody Revelation” and performed with the troupe at the International Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, N.C. in 2017. He has also been a part of WBTT’s Jazzlinks program from 2017 to 2022 as well as the 2024-2025 season. His film credits include “Bridge to the Other Side” (Amazon Prime) and “Spare Me.”

“Over the past decade, Brian has been one of our most prolific and reliable artists, appearing in numerous productions and serving as a role model to younger performers,” said WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs. “His engaging presence, gorgeous tenor voice, and incredible work ethic have made him a favorite here at WBTT and we expect patrons to be blown away by his upcoming showcase.”

WBTT’s Independent Artist Program enables seasoned professional artists to create, direct and star in their own productions, with support from WBTT’s technical, marketing and ticketing teams. Since the program launched in 2023, WBTT artists including Apphia Campbell, Michael Mendez, Raleigh Mosely II & Jazzmin Carson, Chris Eisenberg, Delores McKenzie have presented sold-out Independent Artist Program showcases.

Performances take place Sunday and Monday, December 7 and 8, at 7:30 p.m. in The Donelly Theatre at WBTT (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota). Tickets are $39/adults, $100/VIP sponsors (with preferred seating). Call the Box Office (941-366-1505) or visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.

About Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
The mission of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is to produce professional theater that promotes and celebrates African American history and experience; engages a broad base of patrons and audiences; supports the development of a dynamic group of aspiring artists; and builds confidence in youth of color. Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org for more information.