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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
jbyrd@mosaicdetroit.org

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
mleibow412@aol.com

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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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
[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, jbyrd@mosaicdetroit.org

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.

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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 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
[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, 313.268.8218 (cell), jbyrd@mosaicdetroit.org

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 contactsales@mosaicdetroit.org 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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