New 42 Youth Corps Members Reflect on the 2024-25 Season!

A photo of the New 42 Youth Corps with text that reads "New 42 Youth Corps Reflect on the 2024-25 Season"

Did you know that the ushers who welcome you at the New Victory Theater are part of a three-track workforce development program? Powered by the Tony-honored nonprofit New 42, the Youth Corps has provided over 400,000 hours of paid employment to more than 1600 NYC teens and young adults since 1995.

New Victory Usher Corps offers NYC high school juniors and seniors flexible, part-time employment, college access and application support, workshops and opportunities to experience live theater.
New 42 College Corps offers workshops, one-on-one coaching and college success counseling in addition to flexible, part-time employment in the arts to CUNY undergrads.
New 42 Fellows Corps offers Youth Corps Alumni and CUNY Cultural Corps Alumni early-career professional guidance, mentorship and full-time employment in arts administration and related fields.

We asked members of the New Victory Usher Corps and New 42 College Corps to share their favorite memories and biggest lessons learned from the 2024-25 New Victory Season. Read on to see what they said!

A group photo of the New 42 Youth Corps in their black work uniforms

I was working with our pre-show activities for Yuletide Factory. A mom and her daughter were the first ones to arrive and they mentioned coming all the way from Philadelphia to see the show! I loved hearing that they came from out of state just to come visit the New Victory Theater. I hope to see them at the theater again!

—Dani Patrick

A group photo of the New 42 Youth Corps with performers from Cirque Mechanics — Cast members from *Yuletide Factory* joined the Youth Corps for a Tech Talk!

I learned a lot about how to be a leader. As a Student Assistant House Manager, I’ve learned what keeps my colleagues happy and makes the job fun! With patrons, you set the tone for how the experience is going to be. If you give them a positive attitude, they will also have a positive attitude and enjoy the show!

—Jaden Ricci

A photo of three New 42 Youth Corps Ushers — Agustin, Juan David and Jaden at an education performance.

I was the head usher in the Orchestra when a parent of two came up to me, asking for a lot of the things we offer—boosters, fidgets, headphones, etc. After the show, the parent came up to me and said ‘Thank you so much for all of your support today. My son really enjoyed the show.’ I love knowing that everything we offered helped make their experience better.

—Xiomara Huerta

A photo of a New 42 Youth Corps Usher behind a black table with fidget toys — Usher Jaya works at the Accessibility Table,
where patrons can find items like fidgets and ear defenders.

This job has taught me a lot about patience and reassurance. You are one of the first greeters a patron sees at the theater, so you set the tone that’s brought into the theater. I want patrons to know that this is a calm place to be, especially coming in from Times Square.

—Jayden Effah

A group photo of the New 42 Youth Corps outside at night — Youth Corps members make a stop at Little Pie Company after a training session.

We’re grateful for all of the ushers’ enthusiasm and hard work throughout the season. We can’t wait to welcome all of our new and returning ushers back in the fall for our 30th Birthday Season!