Q&A with Kaila Madison
Q: What brought you to Mosaic?
A: My mom. I was rather shy as a kid, and my mom always encouraged us to try new things. One honest try is all she ever asked, so I started going to first stage in 4th grade. But it was my 5th grade year that solidified that this was something I wanted to continue when my lovely teacher Mrs. Alexander came to my showcase and was really impressed by the work she saw me do. So I continued exploring myself as an artist. But all roads kept coming back to Mosaic so that’s where I went.
Q: What’s the most impactful thing you learned/gained through your participation in Mosaic?
A: The most impactful is a sense of professionalism and community. Some of my best friends to this day are relationships I formed through Mosaic. They have really become a second family, and a really helpful networking tool as I move into this industry professionally. I’ve had such amazing mentors in my teaching artists; I have to thank Lumumba, Andy, Kelly, Courtney, DeLa, Nick, Rick, and Sandy. I learned so much about theater, art, and myself through Mosaic and those are experiences I wouldn’t trade. Being in Mosaic allowed me to be a Production Stage Manager on an off-Broadway production in Joe’s Pub when I was 18 years old.
Q: Did you attend college? If so, where did you go? How did your Mosaic experience support you in college?
A: I did attend college. I graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2019 with a degree in Theater Arts and minor in Linguistics. Mosaic experience supported me in college by helping discover what it was I wanted to major in.
Q: What are you up to now? Is there anything about your Mosaic experience that you carry with you in your work? In life?
A: I am currently an Equity Stage Manager working in and around the metro Detroit area. I carry my Mosaic experience with me through the wide and diverse network of people I get to continue building personal and professional relationships with. I proudly claim that I am a Mosaic Alum.
Q: What, if any, difference/impact has Mosaic made in Detroit? In the world?
A: At the very least, Mosaic provided a place that allowed people a safe place to discover who they were. Whether they stuck with it or not, you were challenged with the expectation of greatness, and were encouraged to reach beyond it within your own limits. Honestly reflecting what is your best at any given moment and how you can support your fellow cast/crew to create art that is life changing. Mosaic has introduced the world to the amazing talent that lives right here in Detroit, and opened doors to opportunities to those who were willing to take it.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A: All the great memories, but we’d be here all day. 🙂
Q: Please finish the phrase “Mosaic is…”
A: … opportunities revealed.
