Letters

Letter from Mosaic's CEO and Founder Rick Sperling

My friends, it is my great pleasure to introduce you to Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. Mosaic is an internationally-acclaimed performing arts training program born of a tremendous need, as budget cuts leave most Detroit schools without arts programs. When I observed the astonishing talent and passion of the young people who performed in a revival of Runaways in 1992, the vision of Mosaic was clear. One $10,000 loan later, it became a reality, and I've never looked back.

Mosaic has proven a tremendous asset to southeastern Michigan and its youth. Our celebrated national model emphasizes excellence on stage and in life . In recent years, doing such shows as Hastings Street and Now That I Can Dance-Motown 1962 , I continue to marvel at the dynamic performances. However, what's truly incredible is that Mosaic began as a theatre group and became a ground-breaking youth development organization.

The program has life-changing effects for many of its artists. “Professionalism” and “commitment” become parts of these young people's vocabulary they apply not only to the arts but to all aspects of their lives. In a region with staggering high school dropout rates, we see 95% of our youth ensemble artists go to college. For this reason, youth development and outreach to the community are as integral to our mission as creating great performances.

Mosaic's professional performing arts training is provided at no charge to hundreds of Detroit area youth annually. As our program continues to grow, we strive to maintain a sustainable organization so that young people may continue to benefit from the success of our national model well into the future.

I extend my deepest gratitude to each of Mosaic's supporters who have shown that they truly believe in the young people of Detroit. You've made it possible for Mosaic to achieve what it has, and the future depends on your continued generosity.

Rick Sperling
CEO and FOUNDER

Letter From Mosaic's Artistic Director and Vice President Kenneth Anderson
Speaking as a lifelong Detroiter and a product of the Detroit Public School system, I genuinely believe that Mosaic is one of the best things that can happen to a teenager in this area. I say this from personal experience, as one of the first young artists to benefit from Mosaic's performing arts training model. Like others in the program, I turned to music and the dramatic arts as an escape as a teen, and found solace, guidance and numerous skills at Mosaic during a most critical time in my life. By the time I graduated from high school, I was inspired, disciplined and well-prepared for life.

Today, as Artistic Director and Vice-President, it is fulfilling to see the same growth taking place in the program's current young artists. Mosaic gives its young people the same tools, training and understanding that I received and found to be integral to my development as an adult and as an artist.

I've been amazed by the achievements of The Mosaic Acting Company, The Mosaic Singers and The Mosaic Technical Crew, the three branches of our Mosaic Youth Ensemble. In addition to their acclaimed performances in and around Detroit, they've toured to 20 states throughout the U.S., even performing at the Kennedy Center and the White House. They have also performed in Asia, Africa and Europe and have opened for such musical legends as Al Green, Pete Seeger, The Temptations, and Sweet Honey in the Rock.

We at Mosaic believe these young artists are the true reality of Detroit and its future. Mosaic represents what is possible when young people come together, put aside their differences and work toward a common goal of artistic excellence. I hope you are as impressed as I continue to be, day after day, year after year.

Kenneth Anderson
Artistic Director & Vice President