YOUNG ARTISTS

Mosaic's Youth Ensemble is composed of Actors,
Singers and Technicians - 100 strong.

The Mosaic Acting Company: Sponsored by General Motors
This advanced and comprehensive program finds the young actors progressing through stage combat practice, memorization of lines and cues, improvisation and arduous rehearsals at a rapid pace. In addition, these young artists are actively involved in scriptwriting of the various plays they perform throughout the year.

The Mosaic Singers: Sponsored by Ford Motor Company Fund
The Mosaic Singers create and perform all of the original songs for Mosaic's yearly productions. In their annual concert, Magnificat , they bring their unique brand of energy to a cappella, classical, world and popular music, in addition to an array of show tunes. Their repertoire even includes novel renditions of traditional music, as they explore the creative history of song in America.

The Mosaic Technical Crew: Sponsored by The Skillman Foundation
Mosaic's technicians study all of the fundamentals of technical theatre--working on set design and construction; designing and operating lighting and sound systems; managing and building props; and designing and building costumes. Upon receiving a completed script from the Acting Company, the Technical Crew begins brainstorming ideas for professional designers to implement, and then proceeds with applying their learned technical knowledge practically.

A few words from Mosaic's young artists

Mario Lemons, The Mosaic Acting Company, 3 rd Year
The love in the air when you come to Mosaic is amazing. I've learned so much and gained friendships with people with different backgrounds and personalities. The program's youth support director has helped me tremendously, and the little things my directors and fellow ensemble members have said, like "Good Job" or "Nice work on stage," have really made a difference in my life.

Tangela Cheatham, The Mosaic Acting Company, 3 rd Year
Mosaic has taught me how to be me. Before Mosaic, I wouldn't talk to many people and couldn't sing in front of people without being nervous. Now That I Can Dance gave me a sense of confidence and a more positive attitude about what I can do in life. Another great thing about Mosaic is we have so much fun and still get our work accomplished. It teaches us young artists how to manage our time, something we'll definitely have to do when we reach college

More than 100 young people, ages 12-18, are chosen for the ensemble through auditions held annually in October. All ensemble members must memorize the mission statement, help fundraise, and follow the Mosaic Policies and Expectations as outlined in the Mosaic Handbook. An exclusive seven month Metro Tour of the motor city brings the Youth Ensemble's original performances to schools, libraries, nursing homes, community centers and museums.

The most accomplished and experienced young artists participate in the Next Stage Company. These actors, singers and technicians are a professional company of paid artists, who begin their "next stage" as theatre professionals touring throughout metropolitan Detroit. The young artists of Mosaic's acclaimed Next Stage Company are commissioned to create and perform original pieces by many prominent organizations. Comprised of Mosaic's most experienced actors, singers and technicians, Next Stage has performed at conferences, private events, televised events and other venues, locally, nationally and internationally.