Eight young adults from Detroit stepped into the world of global entertainment through an internship program tied to R&B superstar Usher’s ongoing tour, traveling across the US alongside him to gain hands-on experience in production, creative design, and communications.
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.
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.
Behind the scenes of Usher tour
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.
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.
“I didn’t leave until 6 a.m. the next day,” Lewis said. She described long load-in and load-out cycles that are standard in touring operations. “It takes time, effort, and people.”
Another intern reflected on working in creative production, noting that participation in media and camera operations required both technical skill and collaboration.
“You’re operating the camera, learning which shots to get, and working with your team to capture everything,” said Nina Williams. “You are actually being a part of something so great.”
Leadership and program vision
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.
“I found myself sitting there as a fan,” Wilson said, reflecting on the showcase. “Seeing how they walk and talk and carry themselves with so much more confidence from when they started to today is powerful.”
Wilson said interns were trained through Media Studios in the youth hub at Michigan Central before joining the tour experience, giving them exposure to industry-standard practices before stepping into real-world roles.
“The vision was to train their minds to industry practices so they could walk into their industry prepared,” he said.
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.
As a former Boys & Girls Club member, Usher and his nonprofit have been partnering with the organization, including the Detroit chapter, in recent years to provide opportunities for young people.
In February, the singer helped celebrate the club’s new location inside Michigan Central Station alongside rapper Big Sean.
Wilson added that the internship program is already expanding, with other artists and organizations expressing interest.
“We’re already getting calls from other artists who want to replicate this program,” Wilson said. “You’ll be hearing more and more about our interns from Detroit working around the world in live entertainment.”
Wilson said 12 interns participated in the current cycle and emphasized that selection was based on readiness developed through prior programming.
“If you’re going to put a 20 or 21-year-old on one of the biggest tours of the year, you have to make sure they’re prepared mentally and physically,” he said.
Organizers said they have plans to offer more internship opportunities. Details of upcoming programs have not yet been announced.
Demands of the industry—and lessons learned
Wilson also spoke candidly about the intensity of touring life, pointing to long hours and unpredictable schedules as key realities interns must learn to navigate.
“No two days are the same on tour,” he said. “You walk in with one set of plans and everything shifts.”
He referenced production days that stretched from morning setup into overnight load-outs, emphasizing teamwork and resilience.
“There was a day that started at 9 a.m. on a Friday and ended at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday,” Wilson said. “It takes hard work, teamwork, and the ability to grind.”
He added that while conversations around work-life balance are important, students should also understand the expectations of competitive industries.
“At the end of the day, if you want success, there are sacrifices,” he said.
A launchpad for future careers
For interns, the program was more than an introduction—it was an entry point into professional creative industries and a chance to represent Detroit on a global stage.
One participant said the experience reshaped how they view their role in media and culture.
“You’re not only working on tours, you’re preserving culture as well,” said Logan Hrabowski. “You’re actually a part of it.”
Logan Hrabowski works with fashion and wardrobe for the tour and has experienced so much working alongside like-minded individuals. Logan attends the College for Creative Studies in Midtown, majoring in fashion apparel design.
“I got to touch Michael Jackson’s jacket (at a stop on the tour), it was an experience not many get to have, so I am extremely grateful,” Hrabowski said.
As the city of Detroit expands, programs begin to as well, offering the youth and young adults opportunities that don’t often come across due to the areas that they live in.
“Detroit is on the uprise, there’s no city like ours, if you feel as though you have the skills and talent to be a part of something like this, definitely apply,” Hrabowski said.