Springboard to Design Announces Lineup of Guest Artists for Summer Session

Springboard to Design (SB2D), the tuition-free theatre design program for students from underrepresented communities, announces the first wave of award-winning guest artists, industry experiences, and Broadway programming for its summer 2026 program.

Presented by Design Action and led by designers Clint Ramos and David Zinn, the SB2D summer program introduces high school students to the disciplines of theatre design through workshops, backstage experiences, and conversations with working professionals across the industry.

Throughout the week, students will learn directly from an extraordinary roster of guest artists, including Tony Award-winning scenic designer Donyale Werle, who will lead a model box workshop that is a favorite of the students each year. Projection designer Caite Hevner -- founder of a design studio that is dedicated to hiring women and nonbinary artists -- will guide students through the storytelling possibilities of projection design, while sound designer Justin Ellington and lighting designers Clifton Taylor and Amara McNeil will lead hands-on explorations of sound and lighting design.

The program will also feature collaborative conversations and career-focused sessions with creative leaders across the industry, including Brown University professor Sophia Skiles and Lincoln Center line producer Frankie Charles. Additional workshops and introductions to theatrical design disciplines will be led by a diverse group of working artists across scenic, lighting, and production design.

As part of the immersive experience, students will attend Broadway or off-Broadway performances throughout the program. This year's lineup includes Ragtime at Lincoln Center.

Students will also participate in exclusive behind-the-scenes industry experiences, including a costume shop tour at Tricorne Inc with Kathy Marshall, who worked on productions such as Wicked, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and costumes for a recent Chappell Roan performance.

"Teaching the next generation of artists requires humility, authenticity, and expertise. These distinguished guest artists are the ideal mentors to champion the SB2D program and mission," say Ramos and Zinn in a statement.

Additional collaborations, workshops, and guest artist announcements for the 2026 program will be revealed soon.

As SB2D continues to expand access to theatre design education, the organization is actively fundraising to support student participation and keep the program free for all accepted students. Donations directly support essentials including Broadway tickets, housing, meals, workshop materials, transportation, and tuition-free access to mentorship from leading theatre professionals. Supporters can contribute online at givebutter.com/Cs4A3U or by mailing a check to Producer Hub, 315 West 39th Street, Suite 103, New York, NY 10018. Please specify "Design Action: SB2D" in the memo line.