Every so often, someone reaches out to me and asks if I can help spread the word about an organization that’s making a real difference in theater education. I’m always willing to consider it. That’s part of my mission statement. When I see a program that opens doors for students and inspires teachers, I’m always eager to share it. Today’s spotlight is on one of those opportunities: Who Is Springboard to Action and Why It Matters.
Who is Springboard to Design and Why It Matters
Springboard to Design encourages and mentors high school students from underrepresented populations to explore the process of theatrical collaboration and the many avenues of American Theatre design. Led by renowned members of the contemporary theatre in the heart of NYC, the Springboard to Design curriculum includes workshops, seminars, and access to important work on and off Broadway.
Springboard to Action
Instructors consist of award-winning artists who create a collaborative environment for students, as they explore costume, set, lighting, projection, hair, makeup, and sound design. How wonderful this is for the students! Knowing that someone who the students can relate to because of their background or culture or ethnicity is important. Such an approach ensures that the program is not all about teaching and learning—it’s about connection.
Springboard to Design is an initiative by Design Action, an intergenerational coalition of BIPOC and white designers working to end racial inequities in North American theatre. The program was incubated in collaboration with the American Theatre Wing in 2021. In the summer of 2025, Springboard to Design was hosted at The Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab housed in The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts in the heart of Lincoln Center.
Benefits of Springboard to Design
In case you want to share this information with your students, here’s a quick list of how this program benefits students:
- Accessibility – Tuition, housing, and program costs are fully covered, making it possible for all students to attend.
- Representation Matters – Students work with professional designers who reflect diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
- Professional Mentorship – Award-winning artists guide students through real-world design challenges.
- Hands-On Training – Workshops let students experiment with costume, set, lighting, projection, hair, makeup, and sound design.
- Career Exploration – Students discover design pathways beyond acting, expanding their vision of what a future in theatre can be.
- Community Building – The program fosters collaboration, teamwork, and friendships with peers who share the same passions.
- Networking in NYC – Students gain exposure to Broadway professionals and experience theatre in the cultural hub of the U.S.
- Recognition – Being part of a nationally recognized program (Anthem Award winner) adds prestige to a student’s portfolio or college application.
Isn’t this is exciting? I wish I had students that I could introduce to this program. If you need an answer to the question, “How is theater useful in the outside world”, read: Why Theater Education Matters: Developing Key Life Skills
Breaking Barriers for Future Theater Artists
The program includes workshops and mentorship from award-winning artists. Students explore costume, set, lighting, sound, hair, makeup, and projection design in the heart of New York City. Here’s the exciting part—the SB2D program is FREE to all students.
Springboard to Design (SB2D) gives students the chance to dive into the world of theatre design and discover new artistic possibilities, no experience required! With housing available and tuition fully covered, this program is built to remove barriers for the next generation of theatre designers. Thus, students expand their sense of community, collaboration, and imagination.
Springboard to Design is all ready a winner! The program was recognized by the 2022 and 2023 Anthem Awards as a Bronze Winner for Education, Arts, & Culture – Community Engagement.
Application Details and Deadlines
The applications for the 2026 program are open from September 15th to December 15th, 2025.
The application will include a few short essays, a brief introduction video, and an original piece of artwork.
There is a $25 application fee. If for any reason you are unable to afford the fee, or if it causes stress on family finances. If so, please contact us to receive a voucher. This application fee goes directly back into the program and helps keep the week-long experience free for students.
The Power of Finding Your Community
I can only speak from personal experience. When I attended college I finally found people who were just like me with the same interests and goal. I was much more willing to show up for myself. Sounds to me like Springboard to Action is the opportunity and growth we’d all like to give our students an opportunity to attain. For more information about the program, go to Springboard for Action.
I give drama teachers advise nearly weekly. If you have any questions or need some help, just email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com
