The correct spelling of the name you’d like listed – Your pronouns
Lynneisha Ray (she/her)
Your current title/organization
Co-Producer, Firelight Films
What drew you to Mosaic as a young person/ how’d you get involved?
My mother won tickets to a Mother’s Day event from a local radio station. At the time, the Mosaic Singers were performing songs from “Everybody’s Talkin’ ” She told me that I was going to be a part of Mosaic. I auditioned. Then, like everybody else, I called the hotline, hoping to hear my name…it wasn’t there. I called back (maybe I missed it?).
Nope. My name wasn’t there…again.
In solace for the loss, a statement was made that many of the acting ensemble members are better prepared for the program by taking acting classes. Therefore, I spent a year learning acting fundamentals with Walter Lindsay at Rademacher Recreation Center. My freshman year of high school, I auditioned again. Then, like everybody else, I called the hotline, hoping to hear my name…it was there. I called back (maybe I ain’t hear them correctly…).
Nope! My name was there…again.
Can you share a specific moment or experience at Mosaic that has profoundly impacted you?
I can’t quite remember if it was after Perform-a-thon or school tour, but I remember a combination of being both fulfilled and exhausted…so either one of those experiences would fit (those who know…KNOW).
We came back to the Fort and were ready to eat. Instead of just lining up for pizza, we were directed into the room that was traditionally used by the Mosaic Singers. When we entered, the parents had transformed the room into a decorative space- tables with settings, centerpieces, and serving dishes of food lined up by the kitchen. It was so nice. They had to be just as tired as us, but that’s the moment I knew they loved all of US. We were all of their kids.
Is there a specific experience, lesson, or memory from your time at Mosaic that continues to influence you today?
We were having discussions with working artists about what they wish they would’ve learned now that they were professionals, and I remember Conor Shaw-Draves stating something to the effect of ‘he would have learned more about the business.’ In that moment, I realized the importance of not just being a great artist, but becoming both a knowledgeable and influential figure in the business of entertainment.
Rick used to mention that everything changes. Nothing stays the same. Things are either going up or going down. I have experienced both – the going up and the going down.
However, since it was already explained to me at 14 that this was not just an acting lesson but a part of life, I knew there was room for progress simply because I would not be stagnant.
How has Mosaic impacted your artistic, educational, or professional path?
At 15-16 years old traveling throughout the US, I learned that the world is accessible to me. It’s no coincidence that my professional pursuits have led me to various opportunities in multiple states.
Looking back, how have the skills, mentorship, and knowledge you gained at Mosaic shown up in your personal and professional life? Commitment. Rick was big on the members of the acting ensemble being committed to whatever we were doing. Commitment came with energy, and you had to submit your whole self to the process. Win, lose, or draw- I am committed to the process.
How has your journey with Mosaic reflected the ideas of tradition, transformation, or triumph? Can you share an example of how these themes played a role in your growth as a leader, artist or individual?
Transformation: Perform-A-Thon
One of our Perform-A-Thon stops was a Juvenile Detention Center. As we were walking in, I saw one of the juvenile participants yelling at a counselor/administrator on the other side of the security glass. Immediately, I thought of the Animaniacs and my brain was processing in black and white “Good Idea? BAD IDEA?” Low and behold, that was our most well received performance of the day. People even came up to us afterward raving about the performance.
The transformation of Perform-A-Thon taught me that a situation is not always as it seems. Everybody wants the opportunity to connect, to enjoy, and to be valued as human beings.
As a documentary filmmaker, I have to engage with people from all walks of life on deeply personal and challenging subjects. For me, everyone is always a human 1st and a participant 2nd. People that I thought weren’t going to give me the time of day would later not agree to participate in the film without me being present.
The situation is not always as it seems. Everybody wants the opportunity to connect, to enjoy, and to be valued as human beings.
How did Mosaic prepare you for higher education or your career? In what ways did Mosaic support you in pursuing further education, or your career path?
Mosaic prepared me for teamwork and hard work!
Teenage me: Great show or not, that table still gotta get loaded on the back of that truck. Attitude or not, y’all better show up in that scene and work out your problems off stage.
Adult me: Great shoot or not, you betta load up that krafty and make sure that set is clean before the location owner does a final walkthrough. Attitude or not, you betta show up on that set, and have some talking points later.
What are you doing now? What; if anything, do you see as connections between creative youth development and the field you work in today? Are there any parallels or lessons from your time at Mosaic that you still apply in your current industry or work environment?
I am a Co-Producer at a documentary film company that produces non-fiction cinema by and about communities of color.
How would you describe Mosaic in a few words or a short phrase? Please finish this sentence: “Mosaic is…” Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Mosaic is an opportunity…be present and enjoy this time for all its worth!
Anything else you’d like to share?
Believe in GOD, believe in yourself, and know that you have the power to change your life and impact the lives of people around you.
Honor your elders: you don’t have to agree with everything they say or do, but they’ve been here longer than you, and have lived to tell the tale. Sit at their feet, thank them for their service, and glean wisdom from their experiences.
