Third-Year Usher Spotlight: Jillian DeMasi

We launched the New Victory Usher Corps the day the theater opened in 1995 to provide paid employment, job training, academic support, mentorship and an introduction to the performing arts for over 50 young New Yorkers each year. Since then, the program has provided over 400,000 hours of paid employment to over 660 NYC teens from across the city. Find out how young people ages 16-21 can apply to be a part of this award-winning program here!

All season long, we’ll be featuring young people from the Usher Corps in our show programs and here on New Victory Stories. Today, we’re talking to third-year usher Jillian DeMasi from Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.

What is your favorite thing about working at the New Victory?

I love how much of a family we all are. It makes me excited to come to work every day.

What was your favorite moment from working at the New Victory?

During my first year, I fell in love with the show The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence. It inspired all of us so much that we learned some of the dances and songs.

What has been your favorite show at the New Victory?

Either Step Afrika!’s The Migration or New International Encounter’s Beauty and the Beast!

What show are you looking forward to most this season?

I can’t pick just one—I’m really excited for both RE:PLAY and Drumfolk. Mummenschanz’s RE:PLAY looks so creative and Drumfolk is from Step Afrika!—the company behind The Migration.

What is your dream job?

I want to become a high school teacher because I want to teach future generations about history.

Who inspires you?

In all honesty, I inspire myself. I’ve overcome some crazy things in my life. Knowing how strong I can be keeps me going.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject is history. It’s always nice to learn about the past and how it has shaped today’s culture. My teacher makes learning better. When teachers really show that they care about the subject, it helps me be more interested.

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not at work?

Hanging out with friends or my sorority sisters.

What’s your favorite NYC hangout or neighborhood?

In Manhattan, it’s definitely 42nd Street. I love this area because it’s always so lively and there’s always something to do.

Where would you go on your dream vacation?

I would go anywhere in Europe!