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.

This program is named after the late Hip Pocket Theatre co-founder Diane Simons, who mentored generations of young theatre artists throughout her more than 40-year career as an educator, costume designer and theatre producer. Her generous spirit fuels our desire to welcome our 2026 cohort.

We hope to continue this special program into the future.