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Mosaic Youth Theatre Detroit Announces New Virtual Performance On SiriusXM Radio
Mosaic Youth Theatre Detroit Announces New Virtual Performance On SiriusXM Radio 1200 500 mosaic

Mosaic Youth Theatre Detroit Announces New Virtual Performance On SiriusXM Radio
Live-streamed reading will air on Sunday, September 13th at 2 p.m.

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit will perform “Hastings Street” on SiriusXM’s Plays in the House Teen Edition on Sunday, September 13th at 2pm EST.  Created by Executive Producers James Wesley and Seth Rudetsky, Associate Director Carollette Phillips and Technical Director Jonah Verdon, Plays in the House Teen Edition are live-streamed readings of plays for young people, performed by young people to support non-profits bringing theatre to young people.

“Mosaic is excited to feature our young artists and alumni in this special performance,” says DeLashea Strawder, President and Artistic Director of Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. “Hastings Street captures the good and bad of one of the most exciting eras in Detroit,” says Strawder.

An original playwright by Barton Bund and Rick Sperling, founder of Mosaic, “Hastings Street” is a musical revisit of life in Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood in the 1940s through the eyes of inner-city youth. Based on a real-life encounter between Langston Hughes and a group of Y-Gees (members of the Miller High School youth group), it was scripted from oral history and interviews with people who lived as teenagers in the Black Bottom and Paradise Valley neighborhoods.

Matthew Webb, an Mosaic alum and current Yale Drama MFA student, will be playing Langston Hughes. The live reading will be directed by Mosaic Alumna Carollette Phillips with musical direction by Strawder. The live broadcast is followed by a Q & A with the playwright which will be hosted by Angela Birchett, Broadway actress and recent star of the Lifetime movie “The Clark Sisters”.

Hosted by Juli Rudestsky Wesley, Plays in the House Teen Edition airs each week on Sundays at 2pm (EST) and currently has over 26,000 YouTube subscribers. Live shows have averaged more than 2500-3000 viewers and continue to raise much need funding for youth theatre and arts organizations.

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Mosaic Youth Theatre Detroit Launches New Theater Competition for Detroit Area Youth
Mosaic Youth Theatre Detroit Launches New Theater Competition for Detroit Area Youth 1200 500 mosaic

Mosaic Youth Theatre Detroit Launches New Theater Competition for Detroit Area Youth
New Voices: Detroit 2020 will bring playwriting and musicals of youth to life.

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit is launching its inaugural youth Playwriting and musical composition juried competition called New Voices: Detroit 2020. This competition gives young artists in Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck the opportunity to see their plays and musical compositions brought to life.

“We’ve all been impacted by great stories that move us, connect us, cause us to question, inspire us and help to promote positive change,” says DeLashea Strawder, President and Artistic Director. “With New Voices: Detroit, we aim to empower young people with the tools to boldly share their stories and amplify their voices.”

Through generous funding from the Knight Foundation and Ford Motor Company Fund, New Voices: Detroit allow aspiring storytellers access to meaningful mentoring with industry professionals early in their professional journey. In its first round, high school students who live in or attend school in Detroit, Highland Park or Hamtramck are invited to submit a one-act play or concept. Five submissions will be chosen to be produced by Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit and performed at the virtual New Voices: Detroit festival on October 25, 2020.

In addition to being assigned a professional mentor/coach who will assist the young dramatists in developing their work of art, each finalist will receive $500 cash prize. All entries must be electronically submitted to [email protected] by August 28, 2020.

For more information about eligibility, format and deadlines, visit www.mosaicdetroit.org/newvoicesdetroit.

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An Update from Mosaic
An Update from Mosaic 750 473 mosaic

In light of recent developments related to the COVID-19 coronavirus and associated school closures, we continue to explore ways to support the health and wellness of young artists, team members, and the greater Detroit community. We are continuing to monitor the ever-changing information from the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and local agencies alongside continued conversations with young artists, team members, families, and partners. As we honor the fact that this matter will continue to evolve we have come to the necessary though difficult decision to suspend all programming through April 5, 2020 and have our team work remotely through March 30, 2020.

In prioritizing safety, well being, health and leaning in to the power of community we are  working to establish creative ways to virtually support our young artists to keep them engaged and inspired as they practice social distancing. To that end I’m happy to share some of the ways we are doing just that:

  • online coaching sessions for rising seniors to get a jumpstart on college audition prep for Fall 2020;
  • online songwriting, table, and character work sessions
  • connecting youth and families to basic needs, academic and emotional support resources across Metro-Detroit.

We remain in conversation with the greater youth serving and arts & culture community community, to explore how we might be able to participate in the efforts to support youth and teaching artists.

We will continue to monitor the CDC and legislative directives, keeping youth, team members and partners informed of any and all changes.

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Mosaic host Community Conversation to channel the importance of youth and people of color telling their own stories.
Mosaic host Community Conversation to channel the importance of youth and people of color telling their own stories. 1200 670 mosaic

On September 28, 2019, Mosaic will host a community conversation panel to coincide with our September Black Box production, It’s LIT: Celebrating Authors of Color.  Led by some of Detroit’s own authors of color,  Rochelle Riley, Jonathan J. Johnson, and Morgan Breon, audiences will engage in a powerful conversation that centers individuals as experts of their experience. The conversation is sought to empower individuals to give voice to their stories to help to change the way in which narratives are shaped and shared.

At a time when trends such as changing demographics and technological innovation are remaking the world at lightning speed, young people and other underrepresented groups’ ability to craft their own narratives and speak their truth will be key to helping society thrive. Mosaic’s is honored to bring together community members for a conversation on the beauty and impact of storytelling and the ways that the arts have created new opportunities to share a different perspective on the narratives of youth and people of color.  

It’s Lit will run from September 27-29th, the community conversation will be held on September 28 from 6:00-7:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased at www.mosaicdetroit.org/tickets

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Intern Spotlight: Samuel Fairley
Intern Spotlight: Samuel Fairley 2560 1920 mosaic

This summer Mosaic has partnered with Grow Detroit’s Young Talent to create youth-based summer jobs. Young artists from across the entire Metro Detroit area wanting to get a chance to work with Mosaic applied. The young artists chose from a list of jobs and selected which job they wanted to apply for. After being accepted, they went through a three-day training and orientation program to prepare them for the hard work ahead. Every week we will feature an intern to get insight into their internship, their learning curve, and their experience.

Samuel Fairley is 17 years old and is going into his senior year of high school. He is a Main Stage singer with Mosaic. Mosaic’s Main Stage program immerses young artists, ages 12-18 through a year-long performance-based training program. These same young artists act as ambassadors for Mosaic and the city of Detroit. He has been singing for Mosaic for three years. When he graduates he hopes to Double major in Music Education and Communication. Our communications intern, Alise Sellers sat down with Sam to get insight on his internship and what he’s learned so far.

"I like Mosaic because it gives me a space to express myself through the arts."

Sam’s Favorites:

Favorite song: Extra by Lucky Daye

Favorite show: Grey’s Anatomy

Favorite movie: The Hunger Games series 

Favorite food: Potatoes

Who is your role model: Gregory Porter because he does both classical and contemporary music which is something I want to do. Also, he doesn’t let the industry influence who he is. He knows who he is and he isn’t afraid to show it.

 

Learn about Mosaic’s programs and their impact, experience a Mosaic rehearsal, tour our space, engage with community leaders, and enjoy an inspiring message from our keynote speaker at our upcoming Annual Meeting!

 

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Intern Spotlight: Zoe Frazier
Intern Spotlight: Zoe Frazier 768 495 mosaic

This summer Mosaic has partnered with Grow Detroit’s Young Talent to create youth-based summer jobs. Young artists from across the entire Metro Detroit area wanting to get a chance to work with Mosaic applied. The young artists chose from a list of jobs and selected which job they wanted to apply for. After being accepted, they went through a three-day training and orientation program to prepare them for the hard work ahead. Every week we will feature an intern to get insight into their internship, their learning curve, and their experience.

Zoe Frazier is 17 years old and is going into her senior year of high school. She is a Main Stage singer with Mosaic. Mosaic’s Main Stage program immerses young artists, ages 12-18 through a year-long performance-based training program. These same young artists act as ambassadors for Mosaic and the city of Detroit. She has been singing for Mosaic for 4 years; performing is her passion. When she graduates she hopes to study music and vocal performance. Our communications intern, Alise Sellers sat down with Zoe to get insight on her internship and what she’s learned so far. 

"I love how music can help express what someone is feeling whether you're singing 
or just listening, you feel something"

Zoe’s Favorites:

Favorite song: No One By Alicia Keys 

Favorite show: Supernatural 

Favorite movie: the Princess and The Frog

Favorite food: Crab legs…no scratch that I love seafood in general. 

Who is your role model: My Mom and Aretha Franklin. They both inspire me to be exceptional, strong, and unapologetically me. 

Stay tuned for more Intern spotlights!

 

Learn about Mosaic’s programs and their impact, experience a Mosaic rehearsal, tour our space, engage with community leaders, and enjoy an inspiring message from our keynote speaker at our upcoming Annual Meeting!

 

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Mosaic’s 2019-2020 Season Celebrates History and Ventures into Fantasy
Mosaic’s 2019-2020 Season Celebrates History and Ventures into Fantasy 1200 500 mosaic
[image_with_animation image_url=”6878″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jessica Byrd
313.872.6910 ext 4024
[email protected]

Mosaic’s 2019-2020 Season Celebrates History and Ventures into Fantasy

DETROIT, MI (July 30, 2019) – Mosaic’s upcoming season rolls seamlessly, yet intentionally, from reality to fantasy, reimagining history and touching compelling, contemporary themes. We explore power – through words, redemption, racism and self-discovery.  The season opens September 27, 2019 and the final bows take place on May 12, 2020.

It’s LIT kicks off an exciting list of shows. The production celebrates the power and artistry of authors of color whose stories have amplified their diverse experience. Prior to the September 28 show, Mosaic will host a community conversation featuring thought-leaders in literacy to discuss unleashing youth’s creativity through the arts and the effects of our communities.

Keeping up its show holiday tradition, Mosaic’s season continues with the introduction of A Christmas Carol from December 13-15, 2019 at the Detroit Institute of Arts Detroit Film Theatre. The play is a festive tale of redemption and compassion, taking place over the course of one ghostly Christmas Night, when cold-hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge learns to pity himself and to love his neighbor. A Christmas Carol celebrates holiday traditions and the unique story of discovering the inner joy of life.

Remembering history and shinning a light on Civil Rights, racism, and segregation, the season continues with Four Little Girls: Birmingham 1963. This production takes place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 20, 2020. This production imagines Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, Cynthia D. Morris Wesley, and Addie Mae Collins before the terrible event on September 15, 1963—the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Through story and song, the play shines a light on the four girls’ dreams, their times with family and friends, and the trials and tribulations they faced as children living in a divided and segregationist city. A full chorus sets the tone with spirituals and anthems of the Civil Rights Movement.

Mosaic’s next production is the singer’s concert, Lift Every Voice, celebrating the rich history of black music from Africa and the Caribbean to present day America through spirituals, ragtime, blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, rock, soul, hip-hop and other genres. The concert uplifts the contributions and innovations that mark the music and history of African Americans.

As the season comes to an end we encounter the familiar and fantastical in this world of curiosity and wonder, coming face to face with wild characters, obstacles, and oddities on a journey of self-discovery in Adventures in Wonderland. Performed by Mosaic’s Main Stage Ensemble, this contemporary re-telling of Carroll’s beloved stories – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass – features original music and takes audiences on a whimsical journey challenging them to ponder, “Who are you?”  May 8-10 and 16-17, 2020

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Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit is an out-of-school creative youth development organization. Through rigorous theatre and vocal training, Mosaic’s arts education, college prep, and workforce readiness programming helps young people ages 7-19 develop the critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success on stage and in life.

The organization maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with its alumni attending colleges across Michigan and around the country, institutions such as The Julliard School, and going on to become Kresge Fellows, Broadway stars, Emmy and Tony Award nominees, and good global citizens scattered throughout the business community. To learn more about Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, visit us online at www.mosaicdetroit.org.

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Intern Spotlight: Alise Lanay Sellers
Intern Spotlight: Alise Lanay Sellers 2320 2320 mosaic

This summer Mosaic has partnered with Grow Detroit’s Young Talent to create youth-based summer jobs. Young artists from across the entire Metro Detroit area wanting to get a chance to work with Mosaic applied. The young artists chose from a list of jobs and selected which job they wanted to apply for. After being accepted, they went through a three-day training and orientation program to prepare them for the hard work ahead. Every week we will feature an intern to get insight into their internship, their learning curve, and their experience.

Alise Lanay Sellers is 17 years old and is going into her senior year of high school. She is a Main Stage singer with Mosaic. Mosaic’s Main Stage program immerses young artists, 12-18 through a year-long performance-based training program. These same young artists act as ambassadors for Mosaic and the city of Detroit. She has been singing for Mosaic for 5 years and even though she loves performing she has an even bigger passion for helping other; when she goes to college she plans to major in social work and minor in African American Studies.

"Mosaic has taught me professionalism and helped me
discover my passion in life. My passion is helping people."

Jessica Byrd (JB): What is your job title?

Alise Lanay Sellers (ALS): I am a communications intern.

JB: What does your job entail?

ALS: I am basically working with Jessia Byrd, who is the communication manager and manages our social media. Jessica works with marketing Mosaic to the community. In short, I am learning marketing, social media, and communication strategies.

JB: You got to choose the job you were interviewed for. Why did you choose the one you chose?

ALS: Okay, so long story short, I ran the Mosaic Instagram while we were performing with Josh Groban and while we were on tour in New York, and I really had a lot of fun. So I guess you could say I wanted to explore communications further.

JB: How do you think your first week went?

ALS: Personally, I think it went well. I’m having a lot of fun and learning a lot.

JB: Is this your first job?

ALS: No, this not my first job.

JB: What’s your favorite part of your job?

ALS: My favorite part of my job is being able to be creative.

JB:  If you could go back in time and choose a different position would you?

ALS: No, I wouldn’t. Not just because I enjoy my job, but also because I believe everything happens for a reason. I’m always where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there.

JB: How do you think your internship will help you with your further career plans?

ALS: I’m not sure how this internship will help me with my further career plans, but I am learning a lot about social media management, writing, marketing, and communications. All these skills will be tangible in any career I choose in the future.

JB: What are some of your hobbies?

ALS: I enjoy writing. I have a little journal where I write poems and short stories.  It’s really cathartic for me.

JB: Would you apply to work with Mosaic again?

ALS: Yes, I would.

Alise’s Favorites:

Favorite song: At the moment, its Issues/ Hold on by Teyana Taylor, but that could change. It changes every two weeks; I love music.

Favorite show: The Office

Favorite movie: Lion King 2

Favorite food: Nachos

Who is your role model: My parents. We may get on each other’s last nerve, but they are two of the most hard-working people I know. I aspire to be more like them.

Stay tuned for more Intern spotlights!

 

Mosaic is always eager to take our talents to communities, conferences, and local and national stages. Want to learn more about bringing Mosaic to you? Learn more here!

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NOW THAT I CAN DANCE – MOTOWN 1962
NOW THAT I CAN DANCE – MOTOWN 1962 1200 500 mosaic
[image_with_animation image_url=”6878″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Matt Lee
248.931.2443-cell
[email protected]

NOW THAT I CAN DANCE – MOTOWN 1962
Mosaic brings back hit musical about the Marvelettes & Motown’s early days

Two weekends only, August 9-18, at the DIA

Before the Supremes or the Temptations had their first hit, the Marvelettes had Motown’s first #1 song. Who were these teenagers from Inkster who changed the course of musical history?
Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, in cooperation with the Motown Museum, is pleased to announce the return of Now That I Can Dance – Motown 1962 in celebration of Motown’s 60th anniversary, for two weekends at the Detroit Institute of Arts, August 9-19, 2019. This production, based on oral histories from Motown pioneers, is the most popular show in Mosaic’s 27 year history.
Now That I Can Dance – Motown 1962 tells the little-known story of the Marvelettes and the origin of Motown’s first #1 record on the pop charts, Please Mister Postman. Along the way it shares the many untold stories of Motown’s early days when Mary Wells was Motown’s female star, the Contours were Motown’s guy group, 11-year-old Stevie Wonder was running
around Hitsville playing pranks, and Marvin Gaye was a drummer for the Miracles dreaming of becoming the black Frank Sinatra. In addition to the music of the Marvelettes, the play features the early hits of the Miracles, Vandellas, Contours, Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye and the Supremes.

Now That I Can Dance is directed by Mosaic founder Rick Sperling in his last production before retiring as Founding Artistic Director. As part of MAP (Mosaic Alumni Partnership) the cast is made up of current Mosaic members, Mosaic alumni and members of the community.

Fact Sheet

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, in cooperation with the Motown Museum and MAP,

presents NOW THAT I CAN DANCE – MOTOWN 1962

Written and Directed by Rick Sperling with in-kind support from Katherine “Kat” Anderson Schaffner of the Marvelettes, and Rosalind Ashford Holmes and Annette Helton of the original Vandellas

Shows:

Friday August 9th and 16th at 8:00pm

Saturday August 10th and 17th at 8:00pm

Sunday August 11th and 18th at 4:00pm

All performances take place at the main auditorium of the Detroit Institute of Arts

5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202 (use John R Entrance)

Tickets available at www.mosaicdetroit.org/tickets 

General Admission tickets for the first weekend are “Buy one, get one free”

For Group Sales call (313) 872-6910 ext. 4006

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit is an award-winning national model for arts education and creative youth development. Mosaic’s mission is to empower young people to maximize their potential through professional performing arts training and the creation of theatrical and musical art that engages, transforms and inspires. The organization has toured their critically-acclaimed all-teen performances to Europe, Asia, Africa, 25 states throughout the U.S., the White House and The Kennedy Center. Mosaic is proud to report that 95 percent of its alumni go on to college. To learn more about Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, visit us online at www.mosaicdetroit.org.

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Mosaic Singers tour with Josh Groban!
Mosaic Singers tour with Josh Groban! 1242 702 mosaic

Mosaic singers graced the stage with GRAMMY Award-nominated singer, songwriter, and actor Josh Groban. For three days, Mosaic singers traveled and toured with Josh Groban for his Bridges over Water Tour. Singers toured to Grand Rapids, Michigan, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Interlochen, Michigan.

Groban, who also has a foundation called, Find Your Light, is a great supporter of Mosaic Youth Theatre. Groban’s Find Your Light Foundation helps enrich the lives of young people through arts, education, and cultural awareness. Last year, The Find your Light Foundation donated $75,000 to Mosaic to expand programs in arts, theatre, technical musical training, creative youth development, backstage, summer camps, and summer camp intensive programs for the youth. This year, we were excited to be invited to join Josh Groban as his vocal ensemble on tour with three cities. It’s an experience our young artists will cherish and remember forever.

“Funders and fans are our best friends because they actively support our programming that’s so needed by young people in our community,” said Stefanie Worth, Mosaic’s Executive Director. “We appreciate the faith that funders, such as The Find Your Light Foundation, have shown in Mosaic’s work. Their funding helps us take our college readiness, summer camp, workforce, and creative youth development work off paper plans and into the lives of hundreds of young artists over the next year.”

Mosaic is thankful for the opportunity to be on stage with Groban. Groban is a real artist who embodies art, music, and theatre. Besides Groban’s well-known talent, he’s also an advocate for supporting youth organizations who dedicate their time and commitment to finding their voice and using it to shine their light creatively!

Watch the performances here!

 

 

Mosaic is always eager to take our talents to communities, conferences, and local and national stages. Want to learn more about bringing Mosaic to you? Learn more here!

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