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Eight young adults from Detroit stepped into the world of global entertainment through an internship program tied to R&B superstar Usher\u2019s ongoing tour, traveling across the US alongside him to gain hands-on experience in production, creative design, and communications.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
As Usher performs at Ford Field on July 2, 3, and 5, interns described the program as both demanding and transformative, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how large-scale entertainment productions operate.<\/p>\n
Interns shared their stories Thursday 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t leave until 6 a.m. the next day,\u201d Lewis said. She described long load-in and load-out cycles that are standard in touring operations. \u201cIt takes time, effort, and people.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another intern reflected on working in creative production, noting that participation in media and camera operations required both technical skill and collaboration.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re operating the camera, learning which shots to get, and working with your team to capture everything,\u201d said Nina Williams. \u201cYou are actually being a part of something so great.\u201d<\/p>\n