SPRINGBOARD is our free training programme that aims to find, shape, inspire, champion and sustain the next generation of performers from underrepresented backgrounds.
Applications are now CLOSED to join the 2026 cohort of SPRINGBOARD. Click here to find out more.
This groundbreaking programme is a performance pathway into employment designed specifically to support young people aged 18-25yrs who live in West London, have zero to little formal drama training and are currently underrepresented in theatre.
Each year, 10 new trainees are enrolled in the programme, benefitting from a bursary that will support them while they take part in a wide range of development initiatives including performances, workshops, masterclasses, artist development and opportunities both on and off the stage.
Trainees receive hundreds of engagement opportunities over their attachment to the Lyric. They learn from leading industry practitioners in masterclasses led by Main House directors; Lyric Artistic Associates Nina Steiger, Tinuke Craig, Tanika Gupta, Philip McMahon and Good Teeth; and the Lyric’s Associate Director Nicholai La Barrie and Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan.
Our SPRINGBOARD trainees for 2026 are:
Zoe Agbonkonkon
Levi Birde
Hannah Bouckaert
Alex Dunn
Denzel Flanders
Rushali Lakhani
Esther Masengu
Salma Muse
Lauryn Perkins-Monney
Callan Ridgwell
SPRINGBOARD is kindly supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, The Emmanuel Kaye Foundation and John Lyon’s Charity.
WATCH two of our 2025 SPRINGBOARD trainees, Rebecca and Haven, in ‘See’
‘See’, written by Eleanor Tindall, was performed by Rebecca Wahu and Haven Samuel as part of the SPRINGBOARD programme. The piece was filmed and directed by Charlie Frances of AKTA Photography.
To watch our other trainees’ performances, click here.