Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit is a highly esteemed cultural institution located in Southeast Michigan, renowned for its exceptional student-led performances and for contributing to Detroit's reputation as a hub for arts and culture. The organization has garnered international recognition, showcasing the talents of the region's youth and cultivating new, diverse audiences for the performing arts. ===History=== Mosaic Youth Theatre was founded in 1992 by Rick Sperling, who sought to fill the voids in arts education within the Metro Detroit area. Starting with only 25 young artists, Mosaic has significantly expanded its reach over the years. Today, the organization engages hundreds of youth from over 50 schools across Metro Detroit through its various programs annually. Under Sperling's visionary leadership, Mosaic Youth Theatre has not only achieved artistic acclaim but also has been recognized for its organizational excellence. In 2006, it was named the Best-Managed Nonprofit by Crain's Detroit Business. Sperling himself has been honored with accolades such as the 2008 Michiganian of the Year by the Detroit News and a Lifetime Achievement in Theatre award from the Detroit Free Press for his influential work in nurturing the personal and artistic growth of thousands of children in the Metro Detroit area. ===Programs and Impact=== Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit offers a range of programs categorized under 'Discover' for ages 3-5, 'Explore' for ages 5-8, 'Immerse' for ages 8-12, and 'Ambassadors' for ages 9-12. These programs include school residency programs, summer camps, the Mosaic Mobile initiative, Mosaic Home, Back Stage experiences, youth ensembles, and New Voices: Detroit. The organization's approach is built on high expectations, active participation, and an environment of acceptance. Mosaic Youth Theatre is committed to empowering, educating, and engaging its members: * '''Empower''': The theatre asserts that 97% of its youth ensemble members believe they can achieve their goals, thanks to the 2,500 contact hours dedicated to career and college readiness, pre-professional arts training, and leadership development provided each season. * '''Educate''': A majority of Mosaic youth ensemble members graduate with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and 97% are accepted into college. * '''Engage''': Mosaic's live and virtual performances offer over 6,500 contact hours of immersive arts experiences each season. ===Founder=== Rick Sperling's impact on the youth and arts scene in Detroit has been profound. His efforts through Mosaic Youth Theatre have not only fostered artistic talent but have also instilled values of self-discipline, teamwork, and high personal standards in the young participants. ===Contact Information=== For those interested in learning more about Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, purchasing tickets for events, or getting involved through donations or other means, the organization can be reached at: * '''Phone''': 313.872.6910 * '''Website''': [https://mosaicdetroit.org] ===Recent Events=== One of the recent highlights from Mosaic Youth Theatre was the production of "Mwindo," which was featured in a video by My TV 20 Detroit. DeLashea Strawder, associated with the theatre, discussed the show, indicating the organization's ongoing commitment to producing high-quality theatrical works. In conclusion, Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and youth development, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of Detroit and beyond.