Detroit youth are gaining hands-on experience in the entertainment industry through an internship program tied to R&B superstar Usher’s ongoing tour. Eight young adults from Detroit stepped into the world of global entertainment, traveling across the US alongside Usher to gain experience in production, creative design, and communications.

Program Details

The program placed the interns directly on the R&B tour and four additional participants in awards-show shadowing roles, giving them exposure to fast-paced entertainment environments, including live production, artist coordination, branding, and media operations. The experience was built through partnerships with Michigan Central initiatives and youth development organizations focused on career readiness and creative industry access.

Interns shared their stories at a showcase hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, describing the intensity of working in live production environments, where schedules shift rapidly and work often extends overnight. One intern, Allison Lewis, a recent college graduate from Michigan Technological University, said the experience revealed the demanding nature of touring logistics, from early setup to overnight breakdowns and preparation for the next city.

Another intern reflected on working in creative production, noting that participation in media and camera operations required both technical skill and collaboration. Shawn Wilson, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit, said the program is designed to prepare young adults not just with technical skills but with the adaptability needed to succeed in fast-changing environments like live entertainment.

Expansion and Future Plans

Usher’s youth organization, Usher’s New Look, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit, announced in May the creation of the new internship program, ‘Entertainment Industry Club: Live Touring Edition,’ for youth ages 18 and up. The program is already expanding, with other artists and organizations expressing interest. Wilson said 12 interns participated in the current cycle and emphasized that selection was based on readiness developed through prior programming.

Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.