Training a new generation of performers, artists

Couple forming Project Mosaic to help young artists

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Artistic teens may not always want to enter the traditional career path, especially in the live entertainment capital of the world. Organizers hope a new performance group will give them an outlet for their creativity while helping them prepare for careers in the arts.

Project Mosaic, now forming, is the brainchild of Mike and Cassandra Rice, who own Gymcats, a gymnastics training facility, and Inversion Entertainment, a production company that creates Cirque du Soleil-style shows. The couple formed a nonprofit branch of Inversion in order to benefit local teens, especially those who would not normally have the money for special training in the arts.

Inversion creates stage shows, corporate events and theme park shows in which acrobats fly through the air and interact in original ways. The Rices want to help teens create and perform in the same style.

Both have plenty of experience to draw on.

Mike, a former U.S. National Team member for gymnastics, was in the original cast of "Mystère" and he and Cassandra competed in gymnastics in college at the University of Oklahoma. They opened Gymcats in 1992. Cassandra coached national champion and Olympian Tasha Schwikert and was named 2000 United States Olympic Committee Developmental Coach of the Year, 2000 USA Coach of the Year, 2001 International Elite Coach of the Year and 2001 USA Gymnastics Coach of the Year.

They also will incorporate other local professionals to consult on Project Mosaic.

For painting, they will have Dray, a Las Vegas painter who goes by only one name, work with the teens.

For music, they plan to use many local music professionals including Kenyon Smith, known as DJ 45, who has worked with people like Sean "Diddy" Combs and rapper Fabolous.

Linda Barclay will handle the production management and event-producing responsibilities. She has more than 20 years of experience in special event production.

Mike said he looks forward to creating something original with the teens.

Since the group is brand new he does not have specific concepts in mind. He wants to meet with interested teens and then draw on their individual strengths to create a totally unique show.

"I've always been interested in the arts and I guess as you get older, and we have kids now, I'd like to be able to do something that might benefit kids that don't have the means otherwise to get into show business," said Mike. "And we already have a facility that's set up for kids so it's a good match."

Cassandra agreed.

"Sometimes kids aren't as privileged and academically oriented so they don't go on to a real good college and jobs but they may be great in this performance area and it gives them an avenue to have a path in life," Cassandra said.

That is not to say a future lawyer or doctor with great tumbling skills could not participate. If nothing else it could become a great way to spend free time.

They're looking for teens with an interest and/or ability in the areas of photography, painting, poetry, sculpture, dance, acrobatics, music and more. They would like to create something on a grand enough scale to take on tour someday.

The styles of the things they are looking at doing are very youth oriented. They plan to have modern music and dance styles.

There will be an opportunity even for teens who have little experience.

For instance, if a participant really wants to learn to be an acrobat the Rices will teach them.

There are some limitations based on aptitude but Mike said the entire concept of a circus is that there is a part for everyone to play.

"It's something any kid can do," Mike said. "He may not be a great trapeze artist but he could be a great juggler."

For now, participation in the group is free, but that may change as the program evolves. They always want to be able to offer scholarships for those who cannot afford to pay.

Project Mosaic will begin meeting on May 22. The first performance will be on July 29. The group will be based at Gymcats, 440 S. Parkson Road. For more information, call 566-1414.