Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit to Produce Works by Young Playwrights, Lyricists  

Winners have been chosen from over 50 submissions for Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit’s New Voices: Detroit Youth Playwright and Composers Competition.  

This marks the third installment of the Detroit-area contest for next generation storytellers in grades 7-12. Each of the winners were paired, one on one, with professionals to revise and prepare their scripts and songs to be brought to life by a creative team of professional Directors and young professional actors and singers.  

This year’s theme, Behind the Mask, shines a light on youth mental health. “When the young artists suggested youth mental health as the theme for this round of the New Voices Detroit we were in full support. Theater and music have long been instrumental in community healing and community building. Supporting youth to use their art as a platform to share stories about this important topic and bring people together is truly a privilege,” shared Mosaic’s Executive & Artistic Director, DeLashea Strawder.  

Mosaic Youth Theatre will produce the winning works August 12, at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Tickets are pay-what-you-can. For more information about the New Voices: Detroit Festival visit www.mosaicdetroit.org/tickets  

New Voices Detroit Winners:  

Ahlam K, lyricist, 11th grade, Detroit International Academy for Young Women 

Celia H., playwright,  11th grade, Michigan Virtual Charter Academy  

Carrington P., playwright,   10th grade, Detroit Edison Early College of Excellence 

Dania M., lyricist,11th grade, Detroit International Academy for Young Women  

Jordan P., playwright,   12th grade, Detroit Edison Early College of Excellence  

Justin W., playwright,  11th grade, Rochester High School  

Nadia J., playwright,  11th grade, Southfield Christian School  

Nya W., playwright, 8th grade, Bates Academy 

Olivia J., lyricist, 11th grade, Detroit International Academy for Young Women 

Skylar T., playwright, 10th grade, Cass Technical High School  

With impactful support  from the Knight Foundation, Pitney Bowes and DTE Energy foundation New Voices: Detroit Behind the mask provides aspiring storytellers access to meaningful mentoring and financial support early in their professional journey. This investment encourages continued creativity, an opportunity to explore an exciting and ever-changing area of art-centered careers, and lifts up new voices – continuing Detroit’s legacy of leading arts and culture innovation in America. 

For questions and additional information, please contact sales@mosaicdetroit.org or call 313.872.6910. 

To learn more about Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, visit them online at www.mosaicdetroit.org.