Applications Open for the Diane Simmons Mentorship Program at Hip Pocket Theatre
Hip Pocket Theatre, in conjunction with New York-based CultureHub, is proud to announce the continuation of The Diane Simons Mentorship Program, a collaborative mentorship program that will benefit Fort Worth-based high school and college students interested in technical theater.

This program will serve students from ages 17-22 who are interested in developing their skills in stage management, lighting design, costume design and a newly added puppetry design track. Each mentee will receive hands-on training from Fort Worth industry professionals on a mainstage show during Hip Pocket’s much awaited 50th Season, as well as a stipend for their work.

APPLICATION TIMELINE:
- Application Open: January 24, 2026
- Application Closed: February 14, 2026
- Initial Interviews: between February 15-28, 2026 based on student availability
- Decisions by: March 6th, 2026
TRACKS OFFERED
Stage Management – Gianina Lamberti-Stanfield (Mentor)
- Will shadow Gianina as Stage Manager throughout the entire rehearsal process and work as Assistant Stage Manager for a mainstage show.
- As ASM, they will be included in all rehearsal/show policies, procedures, and paperwork. They will learn what the distinguishing factors are for stage managing indoor and outdoor productions, and get hands-on experience in an outdoor theatrical setting.
*NEW* Puppetry Design – Basil Twist (Mentor)
- Will shadow and assist New York- based puppeteer and puppetry artist Basil Twist throughout the design process on the building, pulling, material sourcing and curating of all puppet elements
- Maintain and care for all puppetry elements for the duration of the show run.
- Will assume the role of Run Crew Member for the duration of the show run with a focus on puppetry elements.
Lighting Design – Nikki DeShea Smith (Mentor)
- Will shadow and assist Nikki throughout the design process including designing, hanging, programming cues.
- Will assume the role of Board Operator for the duration of the show run.
Costume Design – Susan Austin (Mentor)
- Will shadow Susan through the entire design process including vision boarding, sourcing, pulling altering and purchasing costumes/costume pieces.
- Will assume the role of Wardrobe Supervisor for the duration of the show run.

DATES AND REQUIREMENTS
1st Cohort Meeting (ALL TRACKS): Mid-May (Scheduled based on student availability)
Stage Management/Puppetry Design Track Dates:
- Production Meetings: Mondays at 6pm starting June 15, 2026
- Rehearsal Dates: June 22-July 2
- Tech Week: July 3-9
- Show Run: July 10-26 (Fri/Sat/Sun, 9PM performances)
Lighting Design/Costume Design Track Dates:
- Production Meetings: Mondays at 6pm starting July 6, 2026
- Rehearsal Dates: July 13-30
- Tech Week: July 31- Aug. 6
- Show Run: Aug. 7-30 ((Fri/Sat/Sun, 9PM performances)
Cohort Graduation (ALL TRACKS): Early September (Scheduled based on student availability)
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL MENTEES:
- Fall within the 17-22 age range.
- Attend all scheduled production meetings, tech rehearsals, show nights (if applicable to track), and strike of show.
- Be responsible for transportation to and from the theater.
Ready to apply? Click the link here!


