culture

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."

Interview

Alise Sellers (ALS): What is your job title?

SAMUEL FAIRLEY (SF): Assistant program coordinator/ Communication Associate.

ALS: What does your job entail?

SF: My job consist of creating weekly newsletters for the Brightmoor Summer Arts Intensive, analyzing data, handling attendance, while also assisting the teachers in anyway possible.

ALS: Why did you choose this position for your internship?

SF: I chose this position because I have an interest in pursuing Arts Administration, Communications, and Marketing. This position allowed me to do both and still interact with young artist.

ALS: How do you think you’re doing so far?

SF: I believe I’m doing well. The parents and young artists are well informed and the camp is running smoothly but I still have room to grow. 

ALS: Is this your first job?

SF: No, this is not my first job. My first job was with Mosaic as the Communications and Marketing Intern.

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

SF: My favorite part about my job is getting to facilitate such an amazing program and seeing young artist grow in ways they didn’t know were possible.

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

SF: If I went back in time I wouldn’t change anything. This job is perfect for me, it excites and challenges me in a variation of ways.

ALS: How do you think your internship will help you with your future career plans?

SF: My current position will definitely help me manage my time better and learn to make work fun.

ALS: What are some of your hobbies?

SF: Binge watch Grey’s Anatomy, sing, and sleep.

ALS: Would you apply to work with Mosaic again?

SF: Of course!

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!

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"

 Interview

Alise Sellers (ALS): What is your job title?

Zoe Frazier (ZF): Camp Instructor and Next Stage Performer.

ALS: What does your job entail?

ZF: Being a group leader, music assistant, and performing .

ALS: Why did you choose this position for your internship?

ZF: Because I like working with children. I’m also  in the Next Stage program, which is a program for young artists who perform in the summer. This is new for me because I have to sing and act. I like that I’m being challenged.

ALS: How do you think you’re doing so far?

ZF: It’s going well. Like I said, I am being challenged but I’m enjoying myself.

ALS: Is this your first job?

ZF: No, this is not my first job.

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

ZF: My favorite part is working with children and  seeing the final product and how their show comes together. My favorite part of being in Next Stage is being around my Mosaic family and performing with them. 

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

ZF: No, I like my jobs.

ALS: How do you think your internship will help you with your future career plans?

ZF: It’s giving me an idea of what it’s going to be like to perform in a fast paced work environment; having to travel and roll with the punches of unexpected obstacles.

ALS: What are some of your hobbies?

ZF: I swim and play the harp. 

ALS: Would you apply to work with Mosaic again?

ZF: Yes, I would.

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!

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."

 Interview

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!

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.”

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2 down 1 to go? Had a blast tonight performing with @joshgroban can't wait for the next one! #joshgroban #fun #memories #mosaictheatre #detroittheatre

A post shared by Mosaic Youth Theatre ? (@mosaicdetroit) on Jun 18, 2019 at 8:09pm PDT

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!

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3/3! The Mosaic Singers just finished their final Josh Groban Bridges tour date??. It's always a pleasure to perform with @joshgroban and this experience was no exception. #mosaictheatre #detroittheatre #joshgroban #alwaysremember #thankyou #memories

A post shared by Mosaic Youth Theatre ? (@mosaicdetroit) on Jun 20, 2019 at 1:09am PDT

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!

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.

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There’s one more opportunity, today at 4, to experience, “the sparkling lights of Laramie, Wyoming.” . . . #thelaramieproject #mosaicdetroit #detroittheatre #livetheatre #socialjusticetheatre #matthewshepard #neverforgetmatt

A post shared by Mosaic Youth Theatre ? (@mosaicdetroit) on Feb 24, 2019 at 11:20am PST

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

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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Young Artists, @emersonjeffries_ reflects on Detroit to Dakar!! Emerson is ready to hit the stage and share all he's learned about Dakar! ?? : 15 Days until Opening Night!! We hope to see you at Detroit to Dakar!!?? Tickets available by tapping link above ??

A post shared by Mosaic Youth Theatre ? (@mosaicdetroit) on Apr 25, 2019 at 11:33am PDT

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Mosaic Main Stage Singers AND Actors, singing and dancing TOGETHER? Why, yes. From Detroit to Dakar is going to be one special show. May 11, 12, 18 and 19 at the Detroit Film Theatre. Get your tickets here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mosaic-youth-theatre-of-detroit-presents-detroit-to-dakar-tickets-50004245043 . . . #mosaicdetroit #youthchoir #youththeatre #livetheatre #africandance #detroittheatre

A post shared by Mosaic Youth Theatre ? (@mosaicdetroit) on Apr 3, 2019 at 10:47am PDT

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Aleesa, Mosaic’s Program Administrator, and alumnae shares what others can expect from our original play, Detroit to Dakar. Aleesa traveled to Dakar as a teenager with Mosaic in 2003. Swipe to see the video ??. Aleesa is excited to see how the story unfolds when she sees the play for the first time! : Detroit to Dakar is a compelling story re-enacting the experiences from a 15-day cultural exchange in Dakar, Senegal. Join us along the journey from Detroit to Dakar. Counting down the days till Opening Night!! #DetroittoDakar #MosaicStory #detroittheatre #originalplay #youngartists

A post shared by Mosaic Youth Theatre ? (@mosaicdetroit) on Apr 20, 2019 at 11:39am PDT