Springboard to Design's 2026 Cohort Features Students From Around the World

Springboard to Design—the free, immersive, week-long program that invites high school students from diverse communities to explore careers in theatre design through workshops, mentorship, and Broadway experiences—has announced its 2026 cohort.

More than 4,500 students from 70 countries and territories applied for the program, which will take place July 19–25 at The Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab housed in The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Presented by Design Action, Springboard to Design is led by Tony-winning designers Clint Ramos and David Zinn.

READ: Maybe Happy Ending Designer Clint Ramos Says 'Comfort Is the Enemy of Art'

The 2026 cohort will feature students from Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie in Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington, New Mexico; South Brunswick High School in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey; Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High School in Hollywood, Florida; Brígida Álvarez Rodríguez in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico; Mayfield High School in Mayfield Heights, Ohio; ABC Private High School in Ankara, Turkey; Land O’Lakes High School in Land O’Lakes, Florida; Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon; Vistamar School in Hawthorne, California; Clark Montessori High School and Cincinnati, Ohio; Noble and Greenough School in Weston, Massachusetts; Cumbres International School Lomas in Naucalpan, Mexico; Edwardsville High School in Edwardsville, Illinois; American Heritage Broward in Hollywood, Florida; and Pinson Valley High School in Pinson, Alabama.

Springboard to Design doesn't release full names, but students who will be part of the program include Al, Amelia, Amie, Avery, Beck, Candela, Foxen, Gabo, Kai, Lucas, Lucid, Makyela, Ryan, Sebastian, Sen, Zella, and Zoe.

Applications were received from students in North America (including all 50 U.S. states and several U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam), Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Oceania. The 2026 cohort reflects the program’s expanding national and international reach, with students selected from 13 U.S. states and territories and three countries.

Through workshops, seminars, and access to Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, students will explore set, costume, lighting, projection, sound, and make-up design under the mentorship of award-winning theatre professionals. The program includes free tuition, housing, and supplies.

“Programs like Springboard to Design are essential because they introduce young artists to the full scope of what theatre design can be,” says Tony-winning designer and Design Action co-founder Ramos in a statement. “Design is storytelling. It’s about building the world of a production and collaborating with others to bring an idea to life. Seeing students from around the world eager to explore that process is incredibly inspiring.”

“What’s exciting about this program is the curiosity these students bring with them,” adds Tony-winning designer and Design Action co-founder Zinn. “Theatre design thrives on imagination and collaboration, and Springboard to Design gives young artists a place to experiment, ask questions, and begin discovering their own creative voices. For many of these students, this program represents their first opportunity to study theatre design in a professional environment."

With a fundraising goal of $50,000, Springboard to Design invites supporters to contribute to the initiative. Donations can be made by clicking here or by mailing a check to Producer Hub, 315 West 39th Street, Suite 103, New York, NY 10018 (specify “Design Action: SB2D” in the memo line).

Visit SpringboardtoDesign.com.