Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit: Yellow Brick Ballads: Playbill

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

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

©2023 Bank of America Corporation

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©2023 Bank of America Corporation

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Welcome!

Mosaic’s history pulses with bold dreams, vibrant youth, and passionate community members. Yellow Brick Ballads honors this journey, offering a glimpse into our past while propelling us forward. Through music, poetry, and scenes crafted in collaboration with young people and teaching artists, we ask daring questions, spotlight strengths, and unveil the beauty inherent in every step.

Your presence illuminates the power of community. We’re deeply grateful for your choice to join us. As the melodies embrace you and the words provoke thought, we challenge you to lean in to boldness in your aspirations, actions, and existence. May this experience ignite the courage to pursue new endeavors, speak life into yourself and others, and reconnect with your most vibrant self.

Thank you for sharing in this movement with us. We are honored to partner with you to engage, transform and inspire.

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!

YELLOW BRICK

YELLOW BRICK BALLAD

By: DeLashea Strawder, Nik Huey, and Jarai Strawder

WORDSMITHS & DREAMS

By: Mosaic Youth Ensemble

Music By: Nik Huey and Keir Ward

JUDGE & JURY

By: DeLashea Strawder, Nik Huey, Judah Smith, Cianna Anderson, Montrell Muskeyvalley, Jarai Strawder, Jamesa Malone, and Isaiah Pettway

EMERALD CITY SHUFFLE

By: DeLashea Strawder, Nik Huey

ILLUSIONS & RUBY SNEAKERS

By: Dexter James, John Knight, Kennedi Flaniken, Allure Williams, Zora Nunley, DeLashea Strawder, and Keir Ward

CHASING SHADOWS

By: Jarai Strawder, Jermale Toland II, Ryans Townsend, DeLashea Strawder, and Nik Huey

WALK INTO THE LIGHT

By: DeLashea Strawder, Nik Huey, Cianna Anderson, Judah Smith, Montrell Muskeyvalley, Jarai Strawder, Jamesa Malone, & Isaiah Pettway

SOON

By: Kennedi Flaniken, Dexter James, Judah Smith, Isaiah Pettway, Montrell Muskeyvalley, Ryan Townsend, and Nik Huey

TECHNO DREAMSCAPE

By: Jadyn North

MIRROR TALK

By: Mosaic Youth Ensmeble Actors

BRICK BY BRICK

By: Ryan Townsend, Keir Ward, DeLashea Strawder and Mosaic Youth Ensemble Singers

REMIXED

By: Nya Williams, Cianna Anderson, Shelby Dyer, Nik Huey, and Mosaic Youth Ensemble Actors

SHINE BRIGHTER

By: Ryan Townsend, Keir Ward, DeLashea Strawder, and Mosaic Youth Ensemble Singers

Interested in digging a little deeper into the themes of today’s show? Scan the QR code to check out our study guide.

MOSAIC YOUTH THEATRE OF DETROIT PRESENTS

BRICK O

MEET THE YOUNG ARTIST

MOSAIC YOUTH ENSEMBLE SINGERS

* Denotes senior class of 2024

JOHN KNIGHT

CIANNA ANDERSON JAILLA MAYS

KENNEDI FLANIKEN

MOSAIC YOUTH ENSEMBLE SINGERS

* Denotes senior class of 2024

ZORA NUNLEY

DAYTON REID

ISAIAH PETTWAY

*JAIDYNN MILLER

*MONTRELL MUSKEYVALLEY

YELLOW BRICK

MOSAIC YOUTH ENSEMBLE SINGERS

JUDAH SMITH

JARAI STRAWDER

MOSAIC YOUTH ENSEMBLE ACTORS

* Denotes senior class of 2024

*CARLEY BROOKS

SHELBY DYER JURNEE CUMMINGS

LANCE JOHNSON

ROBERT FRANKLIN NAHLA KNIGHT

MOSAIC YOUTH ENSEMBLE ACTORS

CHARITY MCQUEEN

*JUSTIN WASHINGTON

* Denotes senior class of 2024

*NICHOLAS RICE

*ZARIYAH MUHAMMAD

LYRIC THOMAS

NIAH STEVENS

MOSAIC YOUTH ENSEMBLE ACTORS

LAUREN WASHINGTON

NYA WILLIAMS

MOSAIC YOUTH ENSEMBLE TECHNICIANS

ADRIAN COLEMAN

AMETHYST CHRISTIAN

*CAYLEY BROOKS

CHARISMA HOLLY

CULLEN WORTHEN

GABRIEL ETHERIDGE

GWENDOLYN WONG

KAMARRI HOBSON

LIVIA HOUSTON

* Denotes senior class of 2024

Musicians

Nikolas Huey . Band Lead

Anthony Moorer . Bass

Dexter Smith . Keys

Keir Ward . Keys

Lavon McPherson . Drums

Maurice Herd . Guitar

Rafael Statin . Saxophone

Russ Macklem . Trumpet

Production Team

Director . DeLashea Strawder

Music Director . Nik Huey

Acting Coach . Edmund Jones

Acting Coach . Amelia Hefferon

Production Manager . Nick Yocum

Stage Manager . Ryanne Tracey

ASM/Technical Coordinator . Abby Gearhart

Scenic Designer . Brian Kessler

Master Carpenter . Brad Byrne

Lighting Designer . Justin Gibson

Co- Audio Designer . Amari Harris

Co- Audio Designer . Lumumba Reynolds

Projection Designer . Kennikki Jones-Jones

Costume Designer . Marley Boone

Props Designer . Michelle Leroy

Choreographer . Carollette Goodman

Associate Choreographer . BreAnn Darkins

Dance Captain . Journee Cummings

Mic Technicians/Audio support . Kyle Abrams and Jalise Little

Carpenter . Josh Tripp

Guest Music Producer (TechnoDreamscape) . Jadyn North

Special Thanks

Season 31 has been a beautiful journey, made even more joyful by Young artists, illuminating neighborhoods and stages, Mosaic staff, hearts ablaze, guiding with sage insight. Board members and parents, foundation strong, alums’ legacy sings, Partners and supporters, allies in our dreams. Wayne State University Theatre Department, Downriver Actors Guild, DeAnna Johnson, Cabaret313, Brandon Victor Dixon, Tiffany Carr, Diarra Kilpatrick, Echo Media, Dr. Brittany Davis, Dr. Alphonso, Yvonne Caver, Caziah Callahan, The Management Center, Senator Stephanie Chang, Council President Mary Sheffield, MiLEAP, Youth Development Resource Center —gratitude flows like the Detroit River.

Together, we build bridges through art, creating positive change, each person, a precious part.

Thank you!

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.

WAYS TO PARTNER

DONATE

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

Click to visit MosaicDetroit.org/Donate

TELL YOUR FRIENDS

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

Join us for a Tour.

Click to visit MosaicDetroit.org/tour

Learn more about our programs.

Click to visit MosaicDetroit.org/our-programs

Learn about ways you can get involved.

Click to visit MosaicDetroit.org/volunteer

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 or call 313-872-6910 ext. 4024

MosaicDetroit.org/school-residency-program

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

MEET #TEAMMOSAIC

*DELASHEA STRAWDER l Executive & Artistic Director

ABIGAYL VENMAN | Technical Theater Assistant

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

CAMERON PREVATTI | Teaching Artist

CHARLENE MCNARY l Finance & Operations

DYANI DOUZE | Teaching Artist

*EDMUND JONES l Artistic Associate

JOE BAILEY l Executive Assistant / HR Generalist

JULIA CALLIS l Accounting & Grants Associate

KEIR WARD l Teaching Artist

*KRISTIANNA MARKS | 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

DONORS

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

Oliver Dewey Marcks Foundation

The Jeffrey Seller Foundation Zipser Foundation

These materials were developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.

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.