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Mosaic hosts auditions for singing and acting ensembles, ages 11-17
Mosaic hosts auditions for singing and acting ensembles, ages 11-17 1200 500 mosaic
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jessica Byrd, 313-872-6910 ext.4024, [email protected]

Mosaic hosts auditions for singing and acting ensembles, ages 11-17

Mosaic’s auditions will be held on June 12, June 13, and June 15

DETROIT, MI (June 3, 2019) – Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit is eager to announce auditions for youth aged 11-17 to join Mosaic’s singing and acting companies. Auditions will take place for Mosaic’s 2019-2020 season, including productions of A Christmas Carol, Adventures in Wonderland, Four Little Girls: Birmingham 1963, Ruby! The Story of Ruby Bridges, Its LIT: Celebrating Literature by Authors of Color, Lift Every Voice: Mosaic Singers in Concert and more . Over the years, Mosaic has gained a known reputation in theatrical and youth creative arts. Young Artists from all over the region join Mosaic to learn hands-on performing arts training. Auditions will take place on June 12, 13, and 15 at Mosaic Youth Theatre.  Interested individuals can register in advance to reserve their audition time on Mosaic’s website at https://mosaicdetroit.org/our-programs/auditions/.

Young Artists are ambassadors for the city of Detroit and their generation.  Young artists gain theatrical experience through performances at the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Redford Theatre, gain exposure to leadership initiatives, touring opportunities, media interviews, and various community performances. Previous young artists have performed for former president Barack Obama, Aretha Franklin, participated in national competitions and participated in all-youth international performances to Africa, Asia, and Europe. Mosaic is proud to be named one of CBS’s top non-profits to know, gained recognition from Crain’s Detroit as the Best Managed Non-profit, winner of numerous state and local awards, including Governors’ Award for Arts and Culture, State of Michigan History Award, and the NCCJ Humanitarian Award, to name a few.

Mosaic’s mission expands beyond the stage. Nearly 500 young people ages 7-19 participate in out-of-school programs ranging from acting and vocal music ensembles, summer camp programs, and, to an annual college invitational technical theater apprenticeships, and arts administration internships in addition to in-school programming at area schools.

Mosaic is a safe space for many young artists to explore creatively and enhance their leadership, professionalism, and community involvement off the stage. 95 percent of Mosaic’s alumni have been admitted to college, including this season’s 23 senior’s class, all accepted to college.  Young artists completing Mosaic’s program continue their creativity in their chosen career fields in college. Some continue to study music or acting, and others express their creativity through education, sociology, politics, engineering, and various majors.

“Creative Youth Development is an educational practice that integrates creative skill-building with the principles of positive youth development, including youth-driven inquiry and self-expression fueling young people’s imaginations while building critical learning and life skills,” remarks DeLashea Strawder, Mosaic’s Artistic Director.

“Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit empowers youth to achieve high levels of educational, professional and artistic excellence.  As a leader in Creative Youth Development, we inspire future generations to imagine a greater future for themselves and cultivate the critical skills needed to realize their power to transform their communities and the world at large,” she said.

“The best part of Mosaic is the people. The performing is awesome, and the scripts and shows are great, but what I love most is the friends and family here. You don’t find this everywhere!,” remarks John Sanford, Main Stage actor and young artist of four years.

What: Community auditions for youth ages 11-17 interested in joining Mosaic’s Main stage program

When: June 12th, June 13th, and June 15th (register online for audition time; https://mosaicdetroit.org/our-programs/auditions/www.mosaicdetroit.org/

Where: Mosaic Youth Theatre, 2251 Antietam Ave, Detroit MI 4807

Audition Requirements:

Singers: Prepare a 1-minute excerpt of a song of your choice.

Actors: Prepare a 1-minute monologue or receive one on-site.

##

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 95%-plus high school graduation 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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Mosaic is my safe place!!!
Mosaic is my safe place!!! 2560 2560 mosaic

Mosaic is known for our high energy performances and creative youth development programs; however, our impact extends beyond the stage. This season, Mosaic reached over 4,000 students through our student matinees, and all 23 of the senior young artists class of 2019 have been accepted into college. Mosaic continues to serve communities, and our programs strives for excellence on and off the stage.  As we’re approaching auditions, we’re talking to our young artists to dig deep and understand why Mosaic is called home to many!

John Sanford, Main Stage actor, has been part of Mosaic for four years. Mosaic’s Main Stage Program immerses young artists, ages 12-18, in the Mosaic Model of Youth Development through the Arts. Young Artists are ambassadors for the city of Detroit and their generation. Through various partnerships, performances, leadership initiatives, and touring opportunities, youth engage in multiple experiences to deepen their understanding of core concepts of the Mosaic Model: Expectations, Environment & Empowerment and apply them in real time to their daily lives. 

John, a junior at Cass Technical High School, credits Mosaic for helping him become a well-rounded individual. John’s love for Mosaic goes beyond the stage. What he loves most is the community he’s built from being a part of the program!

“The best part of Mosaic for me is the people. The performing is awesome, and the scripts and shows are great, but what I love most is the friends and family here. You don’t find this everywhere!“ remarks Sanford.

In a one-on-one interview with our communications manager, Jessica Byrd, John shares his lessons and love for Mosaic Youth Theatre.

Interview

JB: What is the greatest thing you’ve learned from being part of Mosaic?

JS: The greatest thing I’ve learned is that nothing is easy, everything comes with a lot of hard work. I’ve also learned that it’s best to keep the people that support you the most behind you.

JB: How has Mosaic helped you in endeavors outside of the program?

JS: Mosaic has helped me see all sides of things in life period. For example, if I fail a test in school, I have to understand the right and wrong side to improve without shutting down. Mosaic has genuinely helped me to become a better person overall. Since I’ve been in Mosaic, I’ve done a complete 160 from what I used to be. It feels awesome, and I can’t give credit to anything but Mosaic for the change.

JB: What inspired you to be apart of Mosaic?

JS: I used to sing in a church choir, and one of my choir members, Jack Williams mentioned Mosaic to me, and I decided to audition. After I heard about Mosaic from church, some of the friends who went to the same school as me were already in the program and they loved it.

JB: What would you say to someone who may be afraid to audition or may consider themselves shy. What type of encouragement would you offer?

JS: Do it!!! Mosaic will be one of the best decisions you make. It’s going to change your life completely. Coming to Mosaic is so awesome, walking through the doors of Mosaic feels so good, it’s a feeling I can’t explain. Make the right decision and come here. If you love theatre or music or see yourself performing, this will be the place for you. Mosaic will be the place that makes you grow!

Snippet of John’s monologue in Laramie.

JB: What word of advice would you give to someone coming to auditions?

JS: Come prepared for anything. Don’t come with a fake persona, come as yourself, because that’s one thing Mosaic can detect. Mosaic wants people who are genuinely themselves. Come ready, loose, and limbered!

JB: What’s one word to describe Mosaic?

JS: I’ll use two; extravagant and extraordinary!

Auditions:

We’re eager to meet more young artists like John! Now is your time to join our ensembles and experience excellence on and off the stage. All ages 11-17 are welcomed to audition.

Auditions are held June 12-13 & June 15. Click here to register for auditions!

#JoinMosaic

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Detroit to Dakar spotlights how music bridges the gap between language, culture, and heritage.
Detroit to Dakar spotlights how music bridges the gap between language, culture, and heritage. 1200 500 mosaic
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jessica Byrd, 313.268.8218 (cell), [email protected]

Mosaic’s Detroit to Dakar spotlights how music bridges the gap between language, culture, and heritage.

Mosaic Young Artists cultural exchange debuted in the newest original show, Detroit to Dakar

DETROIT (April. 23, 2019) –Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit’s Main stage singers and actors re-enact experiences from a 15-day cultural awakening exchange, traveling from Detroit to Dakar, Senegal in 2003. Detroit to Dakar exhibits the cultural, spiritual, and intuitive journey of youth from two different worlds forging a commonality between music, arts, and ancestry history. The story captivates the rich culture of Dakar, dialogue between Americans and African heritage, and the testament to the universal healing from the power of music. The show runs on May 11, 12, 18, and 19 at the Detroit Film Theatre located inside the Detroit Institute of Arts. Media preview day will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2019. Interviews are available upon request. 

 “Detroit to Dakar is a story of journeys. Besides the thousands of miles these young artists traveled to get to Africa, the greater distance they traveled was within themselves. To dig deep into what it means to have African heritage and be an American, to be the descendants of people captured from Africa and enslaved in America, to feel very much like foreigners in Africa and outsiders in America – and to somehow make sense of all of this as many of them prepared to leave for their next journey, college,” remarks Rick Sperling, Mosaic’s founder and Director of Detroit to Dakar. “It is also about the journey that Mosaic has made over the past 27 years. When we started in 1992, there were 28 zealous young people who did everything – acting, singing, songwriting, playwriting, and tech. Our first set was held together by duct tape”, Rick recalls, sharing the sentiments of what was once a dream.
Detroit to Dakar bridges the symbolism of Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit and the accessibility of arts and theatre for metro youth. The story documents Mosaic Young Artists’ journey from an exchange with the John K. Kennedy Association of Dakar – an organization dedicated to create and encourage cultural participation and the arts in youth. Stories of youth intellect and human dependence explore intimate transformations while navigating the artist journey of the world today. Cultural exposure is integral for youth, and it allows them to become active participants in their communities and contributors to history. 
While theatrical performances are what most metro Detroiters know Mosaic for, its mission expands beyond theatre. Nearly 500 young people ages 7-19 participate in out-of-school programs ranging from acting and vocal music ensembles, summer camp programs, and, to an annual college invitational, technical theater apprenticeships, and arts administration internships in addition to in-school programming at area schools. Its motto, “Only the Best Nothing Less” empowers Young Artists to achieve at their highest ability in school and on the stage.
Tickets for Detroit to Dakar are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 for youth ages 5-18. For show times and to purchase tickets, visitwww.mosaicdetroit.org/tickets. Group discounts available. For questions and additional information, please contact[email protected] or call 313.872.6910.
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Mosaic’s original production spotlights how music bridges the gap between language, culture and heritage!
Mosaic’s original production spotlights how music bridges the gap between language, culture and heritage! 800 800 mosaic

Mosaic‘s singing and acting companies are in full swing preparing for Mosaic’s original play, Detroit to Dakar. Detroit to Dakar is the compelling story of the re-enactment of Mosaic’s young artist traveling from Detroit to Dakar in 2003. The story highlights the synergy of music while celebrating the differences between American culture and African heritage.

“Detroit to Dakar is a story of journeys. Besides the thousands of miles these young artists traveled to get to Africa, the greater distance they traveled was within themselves. To dig deep into what it means to have African heritage and be an American, to be the descendants of people captured from Africa and enslaved in America, to feel very much like foreigners in Africa and outsiders in America – and to somehow make sense of all of this as many of them prepared to leave for their next journey, college,” remarks Rick Sperling, Mosaic’s founder and Director of Detroit to Dakar. “It is also about the journey that Mosaic has made over the past 27 years. When we started in 1992, there were 28 zealous young people who did everything – acting, singing, songwriting, playwriting and tech. Our first set was literally held together by duct tape”, Rick recalls, sharing the sentiments of what was once a dream.

Detroit to Dakar bridges the symbolism of Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit and the accessibility of arts and theatre for metro youth. The story documents Mosaic Young Artists’ journey from an exchange with the John K. Kennedy Association of Dakar – an organization dedicated to create and encourage cultural participation and the arts in youth. Stories of youth intellect and human dependence explore intimate transformations while navigating Young Artist’s journey of the world today. Cultural exposure is integral to everyone! Together, we learn how to become active participants in our communities and contributors to history. We’re excited to share this story, our Young Artists experiences, and create a unique sense of vulnerability for inner transformation.

Tickets can be purchased here!

Click below to see behind the scenes rehearsals and shared experiences from Young Artists, and Alumni.

Join us as we countdown till Opening Night on May 11, 2019.

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Mosaic hosts auditions for hit show Now That I Can Dance – Motown 1962
Mosaic hosts auditions for hit show Now That I Can Dance – Motown 1962 1200 500 mosaic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Matt Lee, 248.931.2443 (cell), [email protected]

Mosaic hosts auditions for hit show Now That I Can Dance – Motown 1962 , April 24 at Motown Museum’s famed Studio A 

Internationally-acclaimed theatre company revives musical about Motown’s early days

DETROIT (April. 4, 2019) –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. Mosaic takes it back to where it all started for this hit musical about Motown’s early days, when most of its future stars were teenagers. Open community auditions for Now That I Can Dance will take place April 24, 2019, in the legendary Studio A in the Motown Museum’s Hitsville U.S.A, the actual place where the Marvelettes and many other famous Motown acts auditioned in the early 60s.

Now That I Can Dance tells the little-known story of the Marvelettes and the origin of Motown’s first #1 record on the pop charts, Please Mister Postman. The show will be directed by Mosaic founder Rick Sperling in his final production before retiring as Founding Artistic Director. Now That I Can Dance will take place for two weekends at the Detroit Institute of Arts August 9-19, 2019.

Community auditions will take place Wednesday, April 24, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Motown Museum’s Hitsville U.S.A is located at 2648 W. Grand Boulevard in Detroit. Auditions are first-come, first-served, no reservations required. Anyone age 11 through adult is eligible to audition.

Roles include Stevie Wonder at the ages of 11, 14 and 18; the teenage members of the Marvelettes and Supremes; members of the Miracles, Vandellas and Contours in their early 20s; and Marvin Gaye in his mid-twenties. Other non-singing roles include Berry Gordy in his early 30s; parents of the young Motown stars; secretaries, producers, songwriters and engineers at Motown; and head of Motown’s Charm School, Maxine Powell. Larger roles involve singing and acting, while some roles involve either singing or acting.

What: Community auditions for youth and adults for Mosaic’s Now That I Can Dance – Motown 1962, in cooperation with the Motown Museum

When: Wednesday, April 24, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (first come-first served)

Where: Studio A in the Motown Museum’s Hitsville USA, 2648 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit

Audition Requirements:

For singing-only roles: Prepare a two-minute Motown song, either acapella or with accompaniment (provided)

For acting-only roles: Prepare a two-minute monologue from a published play

For acting and singing roles: Prepare both a two-minute Motown song and a two-minute monologue.

Questions about auditions can be emailed to [email protected]

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Jeffery Seller, producer of ‘Hamilton’, and Mosaic’s $1 million funder, visits for the first time
Jeffery Seller, producer of ‘Hamilton’, and Mosaic’s $1 million funder, visits for the first time 5184 3456 mosaic

The last two days have been inspiring for our Young Artists at Mosaic. On March 26, 2019, Detroit native, American theatrical producer and new funder of Mosaic, Jeffery Seller, stopped by Mosaic headquarters for an exclusive panel discussion with our Main Stage performers.

Our Young Artists prepared for weeks to meet the producer of ‘Hamiton’. Earlier this year, Seller invested $1 million in Mosaic summer camp and middle school programs to be disbursed for over the next five years.  We were truly grateful and honored for this opportunity to meet Seller and perform our Living Brochure and two pieces from our Spring Concert “This is Me” and “You Are not Alone”.

Seller’s words about Mosaic will forever leave a footprint on our hard work and dedication, “Your work is phenomenal; your rigor is phenomenal; your focus is phenomenal,” he said, adding, “It’s rewarding for me to spend an hour with you because you bring the hope that your generation will make so many wonderful things possible.”

Before our performance, Seller joined Mosaic’s Main Stage singers, actors, and technicians for an interactive discussion about what it takes to be successful. Young Artists asked questions concerning fear, artistic creation, failure, work ethic, and determination. Our Young Artists were very enthused to hear meaningful words of wisdom from Seller.

On Fear: “I had no idea how I was going to get from 2020 Eastwood to New York to a life on Broadway. We were relatively poor. I was afforded the opportunity to attend the University of Michigan with a Pell Grant. Sometimes, we don’t know how we’re going to get there; we have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going,” Seller told our Young Artists.

On Success: “Don’t get focused on what’s going to happen down the road. Ask yourself, What am I going to achieve this year, then it becomes doable. Make a one year plan and team it up with a four-year plan but be flexible,” Seller remarked.

On Failure: “There have been many times I feel I failed. When my shows fail, I don’t say they failed because it rained, or any other excuse. I say they failed because not enough people liked it, then I ask myself how we can do better. We as the artist have to be brave enough to ask how we can do better.”

Young Artists had more questions than we had time, which speaks to the drive and determination of our artists and participants. Seller’s love for the arts, theatre, and for the youth became very evident. In the same light, his passion for ‘making’ stories and plays that are an integral part of society is just as evident. “What I produce is a representation of my values and the stories that move me and others,” Seller remarked.  “Making something was more about the positive experience than it was escaping something oppressing,” he added.

His advice to our Young Artists; “Make what you love and put all your integrity into it and find out how the world will respond.’’ Seller continued by speaking to the importance and need for Mosaic Youth Theatre. “Mosaic is your safe haven to make stuff. By coming here, you’re laying the bricks for your life it’s not about having a hard time or easy time, it’s about doing the work” Seller remarked.

Our Young Artists were over the moon! This experience will forever mean something special to their artistic craft and the development of their lives.

The next day, on March 27, 2019, a group of Main Stage performers attended an exclusive student reception with Jeffery Seller hosted by the Detroit Economic Club. Participating was a great honor for Mosaic Youth Theatre, thanks to our sponsor, Detroit Public Television.

Young Artists were given another opportunity to ask questions, meet fellow creative youth theatre students, and attend the main luncheon, which included a conversation with Jeffery Seller, moderated by Devin Scillian, News Anchor for WDIV-TV Local 4. Attending Young Artists were exposed to over 100 prominent individuals in the Metro Detroit area and Mosaic was recognized as a recipient of Jeffery Seller’s generosity for his contribution to Mosaic Youth Theatre.

(photo Courtesy of Detroit Economic Club)

“Opportunities to dialogue with thought leaders in the arts and culture and adjacent sectors both increases young artists’ sense of agency and exposes young artists to a variety of careers in which their innate creativity can advance their communities and careers,” remarked DeLashea Strawder, Artistic Director, Mosaic Youth Theatre.

See our upcoming events 

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The Laramie Project
The Laramie Project 1200 500 mosaic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Stefanie Worth, 313.872.6910, ext.4004

Mosaic Youth Theatre addresses intolerance in The Laramie Project
Ensemble cast learns firsthand the social power of theatre

 

DETROIT (Feb. 6, 2019) – Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit’s Main Stage Actors tackle the weighty topic of social intolerance in The Laramie Project, a production examining the events leading up to and the aftermath of a young gay man’s 1998 murder in Laramie, Wyoming. The show is produced and performed exclusively by members of Mosaic’s all-youth theatre and runs at the Mosaic Black Box Theatre from Feb. 22 – 24.

“The theme of the production is one of tolerance and understanding”, shares Andrew Huff, Director of Theatre. “As actors, the ensemble spends most of its time entertaining our audiences- making them laugh and smile with musicals or comedies. But sometimes, we have an opportunity to transcend entertainment and use our work in an important way, introducing heavier, more important conversations.”

Immediately following Matthew Sheppard’s death, Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project conducted over 200 interviews with Laramie locals, from bartenders, to social workers and family members to reconstruct the story that has become an American classic. And as members of the ensemble cast researched characters and learned more about the production, they’ve cultivated a safe space for sensitive discussions on the play’s major themes of social intolerance, introducing their own personal experiences and perspective to the acting process.

“Our goal isn’t to make political statements or stir the pot, but for our young people to experience theatre that has real, lasting implications in people’s lives,” Huff continued. “In today’s climate, contributions like this are more important than ever- to recognize our history of tragedy, the good things we’ve accomplished and how far we still have to go.”

While theatrical performances are what most metro Detroiters know Mosaic for, its mission is around creative youth development. Nearly 500 young people ages 7-19 participate in out-of-school programs ranging from acting and vocal music ensembles, summer camp programs, and, to an annual college invitational, technical theater apprenticeships, and arts administration internships in addition to in-school programming at area schools.

“Matthew Sheppard was only 21 years old – not much older than our Main Stage members who are reenacting these events. They’re able to tell this story in a richly authentic way. It’s piercing. It makes you think,” said Stefanie Worth, Mosaic’s Executive Director. “So in a society where incidents like the recent assault on Empire actor Jussie Smollett remind us that this hate still lives, our young artists fight through performance for a world where love rules.”

Tickets for Mosaic’s 2018-19 season shows are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 for youth ages 5-18. Due to mature subject matter, this show is not recommended for children under 13. For show times and to purchase tickets, visit www.mosaicdetroit.org/tickets. Group discounts available. For questions and additional information, please contact [email protected] or call 313.872.6910.

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Mosaic Receives $1 Million Grant
Mosaic Receives $1 Million Grant 1200 500 mosaic

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit Announces $1 Million Grant to Fund Summer Camp and Middle School Programs

Grant to Support Mosaic Through 2019 Leadership Transition

Seller-Lehrer Family Foundation Announces Five-Year Commitment to Mosaic

(Detroit, December 13, 2018) Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit announced today that it has received a $1 million grant that will fund two of their key programs – the Summer Camp and the Mosaic Experience Empowerment Program (MEEP). The grant, which will be distributed over five (5) years is from the Seller-Lehrer Family Foundation (SLFF). Mosaic was founded 27 years ago by Rick Sperling, its founding artistic director, and is now lead by Stefanie Worth, its Executive Director and DeLashea Strawder, its Artistic Director. Mosaic provides summer camp, in-school mentoring, and a variety of artistic opportunities for children in Detroit. Mosaic is an unusually accomplished non-profit program, its alumni having garnered Tony, Emmy, and Grammy nominations, performed for two U.S. presidents, toured three continents and sent 95 percent of their student participants to college.

The Seller-Lehrer Family Foundation (SLFF) was founded by Broadway Producer and Detroit native, Jeffrey Seller and his partner Josh Lehrer, a prominent photographer and documentarist. The SLFF mission is to fund dynamic educational, cultural, and environmental organizations and initiatives.

“This incredibly generous grant comes at an important inflection point in Mosaic’s long history,” said Rick Sperling. “We have demonstrated success in exposing the exciting world of theatre and music to Detroit’s youth. As we move onto an exciting future with new leadership in 2019, this grant ensures a smooth transition and our continued ability to fully fund our summer camp and the Mosaic Experience Empowerment Program in Detroit’s middle schools,” added Sperling.

“I have admired Rick Sperling since the 1980’s when he directed shows at Performance Network in Ann Arbor.   He daily demonstrates that theatre changes lives.  His work with Mosaic has lifted and enriched the lives of thousands of young people and we are honored to help support a strong future for this extraordinary institution,” said Jeffrey Seller, the producer of the Tony Award-winning musicals Hamilton, Rent, Avenue Q, In the Heights, and this season’s The Cher Show. “Rick’s leadership and the team that Mosaic has put in place – Stefanie Worth and DeLashea Strawder – will ensure that this great organization continues to provide artistic and educational opportunity for Detroit students for another 27 years,” added Seller.

The $1 million grant, which will be distributed over five years includes funds that will be set aside to establish an endowment to support future programs. The annual funding will support up to 200 camp scholarships.

 

About Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit

Mosaic seeks to empower young people to create positive changes in their lives and communities by helping them develop patterns of cooperation, disciplined work habits and effective problem-solving skills through the creation of high-quality, professional-level performances of theatre and music. And by highlighting the immense talent of young Detroiters, Mosaic helps to create positive peer role models and young people who can view a more positive future for themselves and for their community.

About the Seller-Lehrer Family Foundation

Predicated on the concept that first you learn, then you earn and then you return, the Seller-Lehrer Family Foundation endeavors to re-invest the support from Broadway patrons into organizations that pursue innovative and worthwhile cultural and environmental initiatives. Specifically, the Foundation makes grants to public charities with educational, theatrical, artistic, Jewish community, and environmental purposes.   The Foundation is particularly interested in proposals that pursue innovative and non-traditional solutions and initiatives carried out on behalf of such organizations.

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Mosaic Founder Rick Sperling to Retire from Nonprofit After 27 Years
Mosaic Founder Rick Sperling to Retire from Nonprofit After 27 Years 1200 500 mosaic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don Tanner
(248) 762-1533

 

MOSAIC FOUNDER RICK SPERLING TO RETIRE FROM NONPROFIT AFTER 27 YEARS
DELASHEA STRAWDER NAMED NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR TO LEAD ORGANIZATIONWITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STEFANIE WORTH

DETROIT, Mich. — Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit founder and Artistic Director Rick Sperling will retire from the nonprofit in September 2019. Mosaic has also elevated DeLashea Strawder to Artistic Director from Associate Artistic Director. The announcements were made by Sperling and the Mosaic Board of Directors.

Founded by Rick Sperling in 1992 to address gaps in Metro Detroit arts education, Mosaic has served, mentored and guided thousands of young artists throughout the community. After his departure in September, Sperling will continue his consultancy work for Detroit Public Schools Community District in the area of arts excellence for youth. He will also continue to serve as an advisor to Mosaic and its Board and produce an annual summer alumni and community musical.

A 1999-2002 member of the Mosaic Singers, Strawder joined the nonprofit in 2003 as Assistant Music Director and steadily rose up the ranks to Music Director and her most recent title of Associate Artistic Director. Now, as Mosaic’s new Artistic Director, she will provide leadership in the development and oversight of training programs and artistic performances while working with Executive Director Stefanie Worth to ensure stage and educational initiatives align to strategic plans and budgets.

“DeLashea, with Stefanie, provides the ideal combination of talent to evolve and move us forward with new ideas and approaches aimed at community impact, sustainability and maximizing potential,” said Kate M. Spratt, Chair of Mosaic’s Board of Directors. “Rick Sperling, a man whose vision and leadership are without peer, cannot be replaced. Rather, we will honor and build upon his legacy of ‘only the best, nothing less’ for those we serve.”

“My goal has always been to create an organization that benefits generation after generation of young artists and I am incredibly proud of what we have built,” said Sperling, whose new title will be Founding Artistic Director. “It is also a dream come true to have a Mosaic alumnus succeed me. With a strong balance sheet and zero debt, this organization is in wonderful hands with leaders I know will continue and evolve the Mosaic mission.”

A Detroit News Michiganian of the Year, Sperling’s work has been recognized locally and nationally including with the Detroit Free Press Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theater and the National Guild of Community Arts Education Award. Mosaic facilitates the participation of more than 500 young people from more than 50 Metro Detroit schools in First, Second and Main Stage programs annually. Under Sperling’s leadership, Mosaic has garnered numerous national and local honors including the National Youth Arts and Humanities Program Award — the country’s highest honor for youth cultural organizations, The State of Michigan’s Governors’ Arts  Award, and Crain’s Detroit Business’ Best Managed Nonprofit Award.

 

About Mosaic

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit is an internationally renowned out-of-school creative youth development organization. Mosaic channels the passion, energy, and creativity of area youth into developing outstanding theater productions, critical thinking skills, and global citizenry through arts education, college prep, and workforce readiness programming. Mosaic’s young artists have performed at the White House and the Kennedy Center and have toured their critically acclaimed productions in Europe, Asia, Africa and 25 states throughout the U.S. The organization maintains a 95%-plus high school graduation rate with students attending colleges across Michigan and around the country, institutions such as The Julliard School, and going on to become Kresge Artist Fellows, Broadway stars, and Emmy and Tony Award nominees. To learn more about Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, visit us online at www.mosaicdetroit.org.

About DeLashea Strawder 

DeLashea Strawder has devoted her skill and leadership to inspire and incite a new generation of leaders and advocates for the arts for over a decade. Equally grounded in artistic excellence and arts education Strawder is a sought after conductor, clinician and speaker.  A champion of arts and culture and its’ inherent ability to motivate, empower and mobilize, she serves as co-chair for the National Creative Youth Development Field Building Action Team and has been recognized for her leadership and community impact as a Comcast 20 under 30 (2011), Detroit Pistons Come Together Foundation Impact Award (2013) and Michigan Chronicle 40 under 40 (2017) awardee.

Under her leadership Mosaic Singers have won two gold and three silver medals at the World Choir Games, opened for the Sistine Chapel Choir, performed for President Obama and at the Congressional Black Caucus Conference, American Choral Directors Michigan Conference and as the guest chorus for select performances of Josh Groban’s Stages and Bridges Tours.

About Stefanie Worth

Stefanie joined Mosaic in May 2018 as Executive Director, bringing a strong multi-sector perspective and two decades of experience in Detroit’s nonprofit sector. From her days as an award-winning newspaper reporter, an internet pioneer, Detroit City Council staffer, and brand marketing leader, her roles have been threaded by innovative approaches to community collaboration.

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MEET STEFANIE WORTH!
MEET STEFANIE WORTH! 768 898 mosaic
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Stefanie brings a strong multi-sector perspective and two decades of experience navigating Detroit’s nonprofit sector to her new position. From her days as an award-winning newspaper reporter, an internet pioneer, Detroit City Council staffer, and brand marketing leader, her roles have been threaded by innovative approaches to community collaboration. She has spent the last several years leading health philanthropy and outreach on behalf of regional and national health organizations, where her work continued to garner recognition. We are very excited to have Stefanie join our team as our new Executive Director!

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