MOSAIC Winter 2022 NEWSLETTER
Youth ensemble Three nights a week, our Acting Ensemble has been working on Dominique Morisseau’s play, Blood at the Root. The cast has grown in the mastery of their craft while learning how to work together as a team. Their commitment to each other’s success drives them as they progress together from the mechanics of reading and memorizing their lines to embodying the spirit of their characters. Young artists, unprompted, have begun to seek out feedback on their performances, a sure sign of their investment in their personal development and growth.
1,912.5
Arts & Leadership Development Contact Hours (Oct.-Nov, 2021)
35 Youth
97%
Youth of Color
backstage tech Creativity and energy run high every day at Pershing High School, the home of our audio-engineering program. This program includes a talented brigade of musicians, rappers, and beatmakers who are learning how to run cables, properly store equipment, and set up for a studio session. Most importantly, this talented group is unlocking their creativity and developing standout moments that showcases their drive to work hard.
993
Hours of Workforce Development in STEM (Oct.-Nov. 2021)
38
Young Artists
99%
Youth of Color
After a month of shuttling between spaces at Pershing High School, our backstage studio found a home in a small office. After settling in, our young artists were eager to begin recording. Before we could begin the space required soundproofing. Tiah, despite having no prior experience, jumped at the chance to develop a new skill and forty-five minutes later the studio was ready to go. Tiah’s desire to learn a new skill and the courage she demonstrated by just stepping out embody Mosaic’s motto, Excellece on Stage and In Life. We are looking forward to watch Tiah and the Backstage crew grow this season.
school residency At Boggs, one classroom of young artists is learning how music is full of interpretive possibilities. Teaching artists Nyah and Amelia are working with eighthgraderson “Hero” by Cynthia Enrivo. When asked about the meaning of the song, students’ responses varied hope, imprisonment, mental health struggles or relationship challenges. The question of meaning and artistic intent sparked an intense dialogue about how songs convey emotion that continued well after class ended. In response to this enthusiasm, Nyah and Amelia suggested that songs are similar to theatre in this way. When a playwright finishes a script, there is a response they hope to evoke from the audience —the same is true for music! The potential to elicit emotion through their songs and how this emotion will reflect a listener’s position in life, inspires our young artists at Boggs. With art, they know they have the power to reach people.
27,359.5 Contact Hours in Arts and SEL Development (Oct.-Nov 2021)
100% Title I Schools
7Schools 167 Youth 93% Youth of Color
capacity building As Mosaic looks ahead to celebrating its 30th year. . . Thanks to the generosity of our partners Mosaic is focused on building the internal capacity to bring its programming to a greater number of youth across the metro Detroit region and beyond. • Mosaic recently began upgrades in our Black Box theatre and Choir space for virtual streaming capabilities enabling more people to experience a Mosaic performance. These upgrades were made possible through the generosity of the Staging Change award. • In November, thanks to the Dresner Foundation, Mosaic addressed transportation barriers affecting arts education access for many metro Detroit youth with the launch of its transportation pilot bringing youth from Detroit Pershing High School to our spaces for participation in Mosaic’s Ensemble programming. • In September, Mosaic’s team took the first step in building a strengths-based culture when all staff members attended training focused on leaning into their top five strengths.
college success & career pathways Kynadi Echols Mosaic Alumna
93
Hours College Access (Oct. – Nov. 2021)
15.75
Hours College Success
41
Young Adults (Alumni Class of 2019, 2020 & 2021)
Aleesa, College and Career Pathways Specialist, has been working to bring industry and finance professionals to speak with young artists. Recently, we had a workshop with Stacie Robinson from Chase Bank, with whom our young artists had a candid conversation about budgeting for their short- and long-term goals. We also welcomed alumna Kynadi Echols, a singer, songwriter, professional background vocalist, and vocal producer. She shared her pathway to her career in music, which currently includes working with Concord Music Group in artist royalties. Young artists were very engaged with our guests, asking questions for their future about things from branding to social media. Currently, our young artists are interested in a wide range of career paths, including nursing, music production, theatre, musical theatre, business, criminal justice, and computer science.
MOSAIC young artist & alumni Mosaic youth ensemble member Nadia J releases her first book. CLICK TO READ MORE. Mosaic BackStage Tech alum Sloane Spencer, is the new Associate Production Manager at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. CLICK TO READ MORE. Hulu brings Mosaic alumnus and former MTV Exec Dane Joseph aboard to direct unscripted series. CLICK TO READ MORE. Mosaic alumna Diarra Kilpatrick to co-star in the Nash Bridges revival tv movie. CLICK TO READ MORE. Dane Joseph Mosaic Alumnus
MOSAIC partners & leadership DONORS (September, October & November, $1,000+)
. . . . . . . .
The Lewis Prize for Music Seller Lehrer Family Foundation Christopher & Julie Sheeren DTE Energy Foundation Knight Foundation Community Foundation of SE Michigan Michigan Humanities City of Detroit, Neighborhood Opportunity Fund . Oliver Dewey Marcks Foundation . Rochelle Randolph Forester Foundation . Japan Business Society of Detroit
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Financial Sustainability Ensure organizational sustainability through operating revenue growth and the development and funding of appropriate resources, which will increase opportunity and support for youth and artists, and contribute to a thriving Detroit.
Expand Mosaic Family Expand awareness, recognition and participation from local, regional and national communities in alignment with our mission, vision and values.
Expand Organizational Capacity Create a more resilient and sustainable organization by investing in staffing, technology, facilities, and leadership infrastructure.
save the date
Blood at the Root By Dominique Morisseau Directed by Marilyn McCormick
February 18 - 20 A striking ensemble drama based on the Jena Six - six Black students are initially charged with attempted murder for a school fight after being provoked with nooses hanging from a tree on campus. This bold play by Detroit’s own Dominique Morisseau (Sunset Baby, Detroit ‘67, Skeleton Crew) examines the miscarriage of justice, racial double standards, and the crises in relations between men and women of all classes and, as a result, the shattering state of Black family life.
CLICK TO learn more.
save the date PRESENTED BY
New Voices: Detroit
BEHIND THE MASK Creating pathways for the next generation of prolific storytellers, Mosaic’s New Voices: Detroit empowers Detroit-area youth to be the authors of new narratives. Youth submit concepts for short plays or vocal ensemble compositions for an opportunity to be paired with a professional mentor who helps them cultivate the skills needed to move from ideation to actualization.
CLICK TO learn more.
save the date
light
Shines Through Virtual Black History Tribute Concert
February 27 | 4pm Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit celebrates Black History Month with Light Shines Through. Light Shines Through spotlights the intricate harmony and dynamic storytelling for which Mosaic is known. Through original songs and arrangements of poetry and music that inspire and challenge audiences of all ages. Mosaic takes the stage and illuminates how we can all use our light to be creators of change.
CLICK TO learn more.
mosaic in the news The College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts (CFPCA) at Wayne State University recently celebrated the 42nd annual Arts Achievement Awards. This year, the college recognized nine honorees from both 2020 and 2021. We’re excited to share that Mosaic’s Executive and Artistic Director, DeLashea Strawder, was recognized with a Career Achievement in Music Award. CLICK TO READ MORE. The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan in partnership with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced $1.2 million in support of 10 theatre organizations in Detroit through Staging Change Detroit, an innovative program committed to supporting efforts to innovate, reach new audiences and enrich the arts and culture community. Mosaic was awarded $125,000 for expanding programming and upgrades to operational and programmatic technology and equipment. CLICK TO READ MORE. Meet Mosaic’s 2021/2022 Board of Directors. CLICK TO READ MORE.
OSAI
Let's Get Connected
@mosaicdetroit
MOSAIC YOUTH THEATRE OF DETROIT 2251 Antietam Avenue, Detroit, MI 48207 info@mosaicdetroit.org 313. 872 . 6910 l Phone 313. 872 . 692 0 l Fax
www.mosaicdetroit.org