Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit Debating Destiny: Playbill

MOSAIC YOUTH THEATRE OF DETROIT PRESENTS DEBATING DESTINY

BY JAMES ANTHONY TYLER

FRI, MAR 1 AT 7PM & SAT, MAR 2 AT 4PM

SENATE THEATRE . 6424

MICHIGAN AVE, DETROIT, MI

Thanks for putting art in the heart of the community

Bank of America recognizes Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit for its success in bringing the arts to performers and audiences throughout the community. We commend you on creating an opportunity for all to enjoy and share a cultural experience.

Visit us at bankofamerica.com/detroit

Peace good people,

Welcome to the vibrant world of Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit’s production of “Debating Destiny.” As Executive & Artistic Director and a Mosaic Alum, it brings me immense joy to extend my warmest greetings to each and every one of you. In this captivating journey of storytelling, we delve into themes of community, healing, growth, and courage— cornerstones that resonate deeply with the essence of Mosaic’s mission. Your presence here tonight is not just a mere attendance; it’s a participation in a shared experience of transformation and understanding. I thank you wholeheartedly for joining us on this remarkable journey.

“Debating Destiny” not only mirrors the complexities of navigating familial and friend relationships but also underscores the invaluable support networks cultivated through programs like Mosaic. As we witness the trials and triumphs of our characters, we are reminded of the power of community in fostering creativity, capacity and opportunity. I invite you not only to immerse yourself in this experience but also to explore other stories of transformation and inspiration that await you in our future programs. The amazing creative team, playwright James Anthony Tyler, Director Edmund Alyn Jones, Assistant Director Amelia Hefferon, and the dynamic young artists has poured their hearts and souls into bringing this story to life with unparalleled skill and care. Every moment, from inception to this shared space with you, has been crafted to cultivate a sanctuary for reflection and dialogue— a space where conversations ignite and connections flourish. Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey, and may the echoes of “Debating Destiny” resonate within you long after the curtains fall.

With gratitude and anticipation,

DeLashea Strawder

Executive & Artistic Director Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit

FAST FACTS FOR FIRST TIMERS

Thank you for celebrating 31 years of creating pathways to equity and opportunity for Detroit-area youth through the arts. Since our inception, Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit has been guided by amazing champions for youth and believers in the transformative power of the arts. Over three decades, our work has been illuminated by moving and memorable experiences that prepare and support youth to excel on stage and in life. It’s been an honor to grow alongside these exceptional nextgeneration leaders and lifelong learners, and we are thrilled for the journey ahead.

Cultivating accessible transformative arts experiences lies at the core of our mission. Mosaic strives to ensure that all Detroit-area youth can enjoy live music and theater. Through a variety of programs, including low to no-cost arts and leadership training in multiple locations across southeast Michigan, we provide digital resources for youth and allies to engage further beyond the theater or rehearsal space. Additionally, we aim to remove financial barriers through ticket discount programs for schools, youth, and others to attend performances—simply reach out to Mosaic for details.

We remain committed to supporting youth to excel on stage and in life. Mosaic continues to foster youth agency, co-creating safe and brave spaces for young individuals to build the skills, tenacity, and networks they need to thrive through adulthood. Over three decades, 95% of our youth ensemble members have graduated high school on time and gone on to college, while since 2019, alumni have maintained a 74% college persistence rate. Our alums are successful lawyers, social workers, entrepreneurs, Tony and Grammy Award winners, engineers, playwrights, leaders, and creative changemakers.

Looking toward the future, together with a supportive community of creative minds, we’ve built a strong foundation. We will continue to walk alongside youth and lead with our mission, vision, and core values, while striving to reflect and celebrate the uniqueness of Detroit in the work we do on and off the stage. Whether you’ve been with us for years or this is your first visit, we are genuinely grateful for your presence. Here’s to you and the next 30 years of transformative storytelling and empowerment!

MOSAIC YOUTH THEATRE OF DETROIT PRESENTS DEBATING DESTINY

BY JAMES ANTHONY TYLER

MEET THE CAST

NA’KYAH ADJUMAN - Mrs. Dukes -

CARLEY BROOKS - Nicki -

ARIEONA BANKS - Jamar -

JURNEE CUMMINGS - Danielle -

SHELBY DYER

- Carter -

ROBERT FRANKLIN - Udonis -

BRANDON HOLMON - Bresha -

LANCE JOHNSON - MarcusAVERY LYONS

NAHLA KNIGHT - Carter -

- Mrs. Dukes -

- Marcus -

- Armand -

- Bresha -

- Jamar -

- Jasmine -

CHARITY MCQUEEN

NICHOLAS RICE

ZARIYAH MUHAMMAD

LYRIC THOMAS

NIAH STEVENS

SIMONE THOMPSON - Nicki -

JUSTIN WASHINGTON - Udonis -

MARCELIS WARNER

- Armand -

LAUREN WASHINGTON

- Jasmine -

NYA WILLIAMS

- Danielle -

MOSAIC YOUTH TECHNICIANS

Adrian Coleman

Amethyst Christian

Cayley Brooks

Charisma Holly

Cullen Worthen

Gabe Etheridge

Gwendolyn Wong

Kamarri Hobson

Livia Houston

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director . Edmund Alyn Jones

Assistant Director . Amelia Hefferon

Acting Coach . Meriah Sage

Production Manager . Nick Yocum

Stage Manager . Sydni Jackson

Scenic Design . BK Kessler

Costume Design . Jillian Evannou

Lighting Design . Zach Schneider

Sound Design . Amari Harris

Props Design . Michelle LeRoy

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Thank you for participating in this production of Debating Destiny. This play has been an opportunity for me to “pay it forward” like the Mosaic staff before me.

Debating Destiny has challenged me thoroughly on many levels as a theatre professional and teaching artist.

This process has made me question multiple times: “Why do theater?” This play, and your takeaways, are the answer.

My hope is that you see a story that will give you something to walk away with and persevere through life “lifing” as we like to say.

You, the audience, and what you receive from this experience is, for me, the reason for it all.

Enjoy the show.

EDMUND ALYN JONES

aka Eddy with a Y Director

Proud Mosaic Alum

Humbled Servant

Grateful

SPECIAL THANKS

In the fabric of our journey, we weave thanks,

To young artists whose brilliance lights the stage, Mosaic staff, with hearts ablaze, Guiding dreams with wisdom, boundless and sage.

To board members, pillars of a foundation strong, Alums, whose legacy echoes in every script, design and song, Partners and supporters, allies in our quest, For equity, for art, for hearts that beat with zest.

Detroit Creativity Project, partners in the work, Meriah Sage, your impact leave ripples of support.

Echo Media, The Management Center, we’re grateful for you, Youth Development Resource Center, you gently water the gardeners like morning dew..

In this symphony of gratitude, each note a precious part, Together, we create positive change and build bridges through the arts.

Thank you!

ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT

JAMES ANTHONY TYLER

is the recipient of the 3rd Annual Horton Foote Playwriting Award and an inaugural playwright to receive a commission from Audible. He was also recently The Playwrights Center’s McKnight Fellow. His plays include Artney Jackson (World Premiere at Williamstown Theatre Festival, 2018 Edgerton Foundation New Play Award), Some Old Black Man (Berkshire Playwrights Lab at St. James Place and 59E59 Theaters), Dolphins and Sharks (LAByrinth Theater Company and Finborough Theatre in London). He has an MFA in Film from Howard University and a MFA in Dramatic Writing from New York University. He is also a graduate of The Juilliard School’s Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program. He was the Staff Writer for the OWN Network show Cherish the Day and was most recently in the writers’ room for a new Apple+ drama series starring an Academy Award-winning actress. Upcoming: Some Old Black Man in London 2024 and the world premiere of Into the Side of a Hill in Flint, Michigan in 2024, and Debating Destiny in Detroit, MI in 2024.

MOSAIC YOUTH THEATRE OF DETROIT PRESENTS DEBATING DESTINY

BY JAMES ANTHONY TYLER

Interested in digging a little deeper into the themes of today’s show?

Scan the QR code to check out our study guide.

Save the Dates

ECHOES

MAR 15 @ 7PM & MAR 16 @2PM

MAR 22 @ 7PM & MAR 23 @2PM

YELLOW BRICK BALLAD

MAY 10 & 11, MAY 17-19

MOSAIC SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

Application Due Date: MAY 31, 2024

gdyt.org

Use CODE: C1058 when applying

MOSAIC AUDITIONS

JUN 4-6, 2024

MOSAIC SUMMER CAMP

JUN 24 – AUG 2

2024 NEW VOICES: DETROIT

AUG 2024

TOGETHER WE...

create confident, creative thinkers through comprehensive pre-professional arts training and leadership development.

connect youth to professional artists/mentors and development opportunities, equipping them with the skills and resources they need to thrive through adulthood.

prepare young artists for college & career pathways within the creative industry and other industries requiring soft skills and a professional presence.

amplify the voices of young people to empower them as the next generation of leaders, artists, ambassadors, and advocates for a thriving Detroit and a greater world.

Visit

www.MosaicDetroit.org to make a donation that will help increase access to the arts.

DONATE

You can create pathways to equity and opportunity for Detroit area youth by making a donation today.

WAYS TO PARTNER

TELL YOUR FRIENDS

Spread the word to friends, family and colleagues. Follow us and share on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter.

GET INVOLVED

Join us for a Tour. Learn

Click to visit MosaicDetroit.org/our-programs

Click to visit MosaicDetroit.org/Donate Click to visit MosaicDetroit.org/tour Click to visit MosaicDetroit.org/volunteer

WAYS TO PARTNER

BRING THE MOSAIC EXPERIENCE TO YOU

School Residency

We look forward to partnering with your school community to engage youth and young adults in arts experiences that supports and equips them to be leaders and lifelong learners.

For more information click to visit

MosaicDetroit.org/school-residency-program

or call 313-872-6910 ext. 4024

Book a Mosaic performance or workshop

For 30+ years, Mosaic has illuminated youth excellence on stage and in life. Want to elevate the impact of your events? Whether corporate, private, or virtual, engaging Mosaic for a performance or workshop provides a transformative experience that your guests will cherish. Mosaic is available to help you bring your vision to life through:

. Customized workshops and partnerships

. Mosaic Mobile micro-camps for private or public events

. Live performances

. Music Videos or Film Theatrical experiences

. Audio recordings for commercial use

* Opportunities are based on availability

To book a performance today click to visit

MosaicDetroit.org/bookmosaic/request-form

Call 313-872-6910 ext. 4007 for workshop, micro-camp and custom opportunities.

MEET #TEAMMOSAIC

*DELASHEA STRAWDER l Executive & Artistic Director

ALFREDA LILES l School & Community Partnerships Coordinator

ANNICK BUSCH l Fund Development Manager

AMELIA HEFFERON l Theater Programs Specialist

*ANDAIYE SPENCER | School & Community Programs Specialist

CHARLENE MCNARY l Finance & Operations

EDMUND JONES l Artistic Associate

JOE BAILEY l Executive Assistant / HR Generalist

JULIA CALLIS l Accounting & Grants Associate

KEIR WARD l Teaching Artist

MELANIE ESLAND l Philanthropy Director

NICK YOCUM l Artistic Associate

*NIKOLAS HUEY l Music Programs Specialist

SASHA JOHNSON l Program Coordinator

* Denotes Mosaic alum

MEET MOSAIC’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TERRY W. BONNETTE l Board Chair

MARK DENIS l Vice Chair

WISAM QASEM-FAKHOURY l Treasurer

DIANE BORGUS GREEN, M.A., N.C.C. l Secretary

SJONNE BADGEROW

CORNELL BATIE

ROXANNE BROWN

MARIETTA CLEVELAND

MELISSA MCCLARY DAVIS

YVETTE DRAYTON

RITA FIELDS

DENISE JACOB

BEVERLY MADDOX

LOIS MCENTYRE

ROY SEXTON

MELISSA THOMAS

KELLI VAN BUREN

TERREL WHITE

BRITTANY WILLIAMS

OUR MISSION

Mosaic’s mission is to create pathways to equity and opportunity through arts experiences that engage, transform, and inspire youth and communities.

OUR VALUES

Strive for Excellence

Only the best, nothing less. We are committed to pursuing excellence in our programs, business operations, and partnerships. We are dedicated to investing the time and resources necessary to achieve excellence in all that we do.

Dream Boldly

We hold ourselves accountable to courageously pursuing creativity, resourcefulness, and imagination. We embrace innovative, audacious ideas that work towards accomplishing our mission.

Build Community

The uniqueness of each individual contributes to the strength and beauty of the whole. We are committed to upholding safe spaces that prioritize honesty, trust, respect, and integrity. We honor diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and expertise to enhance the communities we serve and those we are a part of creating.

Embrace Joy

We choose to embrace joy as we pursue our mission and work to spread joy to others as we connect, collaborate, create, and incite positive change in our community.

OUR VISION

We envision Detroit area youth having equity of opportunity in arts and post- secondary education including paid creative sector leadership roles.

We envision a thriving Detroit, enriched by the brilliance and creativity of its youth, culture keepers and community members.

We envision an arts and culture industry that benefits from a strong network of diverse and dynamic next generation creative leaders .

We envision young people transforming the world by activating the power of the arts to motivate, mobilize and make positive change.

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

We extend heartfelt gratitude to our incredible donors and philanthropic partners whose impactful support fuels Mosaic’s programs, delivering only the best, nothing less in consitent, comprehensive arts, leadership and mentorship for youth and community. To stand alongside this esteemed group in increasing access to Mosaic programs, please reach out to our Development Team at 313-872-6910 ext. 4004. Your support ensures that our mission thrives and youth flourish.

PARTNERS IN POSSIBILITY

($1,000+ with 5 year pledge)

Dr. Glenda Price

DeLashea & Daniel Strawder

Carol Goss

Deborah Hansen

Russ & Susan Ives

Cheryl P. Johnson

Donald Middleton

Delphia Simmons

Frank & Ola Taylor

LEADERSHIP DONORS

($1,000+)

Anonymous

Sjonne Badgerow

A.M Bettis

Katherine Bleavins

Terry Bonnette

Corey Bordine

Henry Bowers

Paul Butcher

Marietta Cleveland

Tyrone Davenport

Mark Denis

Rhoda Henderson Fields

Rita Fields

Rochelle Forester

The Frank M and Ola M Taylor

Charitable Foundation

William & Patricia Smith Foundation

Diane Green

Janisse Green

Deborah Hansen

Shirley Brice Heath

Timothy Hefferon

Timothy Higgins

Charles Johnson

Cheryl Johnson

Jay Kaplan

Diarra Kilpatrick

Leeann Konrad

Kurt Ludwinski

Lois McEntyre

Reuben and Charyl Munday

Patricia Nemeth

Kyla Grant Phillips

Glenda Price

Marlo Roebuck

Paul & Carol Schaap

Linda & Norm Schuessler

Delphia Simmons

Shirley Stancato

Tonja Stapleton

LaKeisha Thomas

Dorinda VanKempen

Shannon Wallis

Randal Wilson

Jeremy Wolfe

Brian Young

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

Vital support from our corporate, foundation and government partners enable community members of all ages to access affirming arts experiences that inspire them to dream boldly and create positive change. Grants from state and federal agencies and local and national foundations provide crucial operating support as well as key funding for new and ongoing programs.

To learn more, contact the Development Team at 313-872-6910 ext. 4004. For information about sponsorship opportunities and corporate benefits, contact us at development@mosaicdetroit.org

Japan Business Society of Detroit Foundation

The Jeffrey Seller Foundation

Marshall Mathers Foundation

McGregor Foundation

Michigan Department of Education

Michigan First Foundation

Oliver Dewey Marcks Foundation

Pitney Bowes

Wayfarer Foundation

Zipser Foundation

A Note From Terry W. Bonnette, Board Chair

Inspiring and empowering the next generation through the arts has always been central to the mission of Mosaic. Throughout our 30-year history, we’ve created many programs to ensure young people have access to life-changing arts experiences. There’s no better way to think about what this access means for youth and communities than within the context of this season’s concert and spring production. From Let the Good Times Roll’s pointed message of self-discovery to the wonder and whimsy of Alice and the New Wonderful, these stories for all audiences offer wonderful opportunities to dream, reflect and come together. On behalf of the board, thank you for your unwavering support of the young artists and his critical work as we strive to inspire young artists of both today and tomorrow.