Springboard to Design (SB2D), the tuition-free theatre design program spotlighting students from underrepresented communities, has just leveled up its 2026 cohort. The program, presented by Design Action and helmed by Tony Award winners Clint Ramos and David Zinn, announced a fresh wave of Tony-winning guest artists — and opened applications for three upcoming programs. If you’ve ever wanted to peek behind the Broadway curtain and actually learn from the people building the worlds you watch, this is the one.

Joining the 2026 roster is Tony Award-winning scenic designer Mimi Lien, who will lead a workshop on how design translates beyond the theatre industry. Props powerhouses Buist Bickley and Avara Hebert will run a demonstration pulling directly from their work on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, & Juliet, The Outsiders, Death Becomes Her, and Moulin Rouge. Teresa Williams, Alejandro Fajardo, and G. Clausen will facilitate an interactive introduction to core design concepts, while Charles LaPointe and Rachael Geier take students inside a working wig shop for a hair design demo. Costume designer Alejo Vietti will lead a deep-dive into his craft.

The weeklong SB2D Summer Program immerses high school students in the disciplines of theatre design through workshops, backstage experiences, and conversations with working pros. Students will also get exclusive access to this season’s productions — including the Tony Award-winning Cats: The Jellicle Ball, followed by a private conversation with members of the design team, including Nikiya Mathis, Diggle, Brittany Bland, and Adam Honoré.

“We’re immensely proud to bring together designers who are leaders in their field and deeply committed to fostering the next generation. Design grows through generosity, collaboration, and seeing possibility in someone before they see it in themselves. SB2D exists to give young artists that experience,” said Clint Ramos and David Zinn.

Starting July 1, SB2D opens applications for the 2027 SB2D Summer Program and the SB2D Fellowship Program, geared toward high school students and emerging designers ages 18–25. The application asks for a few short written responses, a brief video component, samples of artwork, and one reference. Interested applicants can head to https://springboard2design.untap.us/ for full details.

For many participants, SB2D is their first real shot at studying theatre design in a professional environment — especially for students from communities with limited arts education access. To keep the program tuition-free, SB2D is actively fundraising. Donations cover the essentials: Broadway tickets, housing, meals, workshop materials, transportation, and mentorship access. Supporters can chip in at https://givebutter.com/Cs4A3U or mail a check to Producer Hub, 315 West 39th Street, Suite 103, New York, NY 10018 (memo: “Design Action: SB2D”).

Want a taste of the kind of Broadway magic SB2D students get to experience up close? Check out Cats: The Jellicle Ball here: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Cats+The+Jellicle+Ball

Applications open July 1 — if you or a student in your life has been eyeing a future in theatre design, don’t sleep on this one.