Troy

Q: What brought you to Mosaic? 

A: I was a sophomore Instrumental Music major at DSA when I met Drama majors Ebony Thomas (junior) and Myron Lee (freshman) on my bus route home after school. One day they asked if I ever thought about acting. I had some curiosities, so they told me about a theatre company called Mosaic that they are a part of. After school the following Tuesday we took the bus to historic Fort Wayne and I auditioned. The rest is history.

Q: What’s the most impactful thing you learned/gained from participating in Mosaic?  

A: The most impactful thing I learned from Mosaic is how the Arts and our talents can be a vehicle for change. Through our work we can change lives, hearts, and minds as we hold up the mirror that allows the audience to see themselves. What we do can also purely be entertainment as we provide an experience for the audience to escape in. I did not realize it’s importance then, but that is something we did at the start of every season as we brought live theatre to soup kitchens, detention centers, nursing homes, hospitals, shelters, etc during Performathon as we gave back to our community through our performances.

Q: What are you up to now? Is there anything about your Mosaic experience you carry with you in your work? In life?  

A: I am residing in New York City where I am continuing my career here, across the country, and around the world as an Actor/Singer/Musician in plays, musicals, operas, concerts, film, television, commercials, media, and voiceovers. I carry my Mosaic experience into my personal life and every facet of my career. Mosaic is where I truly learned about prioritizing and time management. I had a smooth transition into my professional career because of what Mosaic provided me. I already knew about professionalism, clarity, specificity; being adaptable, prepared, collaborative; how to build characters, make bold choices, stay grounded, play laugh waves, travel and perform on the road, remain healthy, and take care of my body and voice. About half of the work I do in the theatre is Actor/Musician shows. Before I even knew what that term meant I was already doing it when Rick had my characters in “heartbeat” play the Oboe and Saxophone. Learning how to work on-camera was not taught to us in Mosaic, but “hitting your mark” was ingrained in us, so I already had that skill mastered when I began working on-camera. At 15 I was honing skills, techniques and gaining performance experience that most don’t begin to explore until college or as they begin navigating through their careers. A recent New York Times review said “The protean Troy Valjean Rucker is a standout in multiple roles.” for the 6 characters I played in the Off-Broadway production of “Romeo & Bernadette.” That recognition that I’m so proud of wasn’t just for me. The detailed work I put into each of those characters was a direct throwback to my early days in Mosaic.

Q: What, if any, difference/impact has Mosaic made in Detroit? In the world?  

A: Mosaic has greatly impacted the cultural landscape of Detroit. Its presence sits among the century-plus-old institutions that make up the rich artistic and cultural tapestry of our great city. Mosaic’s impact in the lives of young people shows the world that Detroit continues to be a place where talent is nurtured, and artistry thrives.

Q: Please finish the phrase “Mosaic is…”  

A: …my foundation. The skills and experiences Mosaic gave to me are at the core of who I am as an Artist and citizen of the world. It gave me a safe space to be myself where I could explore, fail, learn, and grow. Part of that foundation is the family I gained from Mosaic. Some of those people continue to be a part of my life, every day, since my time at Mosaic. That love and support is immeasurable.