The Leenaards / La Manufacture Tremplin Prize aims to help young artists who have recently graduated from La Manufacture launch their careers. 

Established by the Leenaards Foundation in 2023, the Tremplin Prize is aimed at actors and dancers, set designers and directors who have recently graduated from La Manufacture. The scheme takes the form of support for an employment contract, covering a contribution towards salary costs (salaries + employer’s contributions) and expenses (transport, meals, accommodation) for the show or project in which the winner is engaged. 

Eligible graduates

Graduates of the Bachelor’s in Contemporary Dance and Bachelor’s in Theatre, as well as the Master’s in Theatre, may apply during the two years following the award of their degree.

Example: degree awarded in June 2026 (year N), applications possible in 2027 (N+1) and 2028 (N+2)

In the event of a pregnancy due before the end of year N+2, a one-year extension is granted to the artists concerned.

Types of engagements supported

•     Engagement as a performer
•     Engagement as a director or set designer (Master’s graduates)
•     Assistant role 

Selection criteria

The following criteria must be met:

•     Joint application by graduate and employer – production company
•     Compliance with the minimum wage and reimbursement of expenses as defined by the collective agreement for the sector in the country of employment (CHF 4,500.00 gross per month in Switzerland;
• Six performances are guaranteed upon submission of the application. The performances must take place within the year and a half following the award of the Prize. 

Prize Amount

The prizes are funded by the Leenaards Foundation. They amount to CHF 5,000 or CHF 10,000, depending on the project submitted. The total number of winners varies from year to year. The annual budget is CHF 40,000.

Only one prize of CHF 5,000 or CHF 10,000 per winner may be awarded, and multiple applications may be submitted during the eligibility period.

Submitting an application

The application file must include the following: 

• Artistic project (brief description and cast) 
• Provisional production budget for the project 
• Confirmed and proposed performance dates and venues 
• Joint letter of commitment specifying the planned period of collaboration and the terms of remuneration to be offered should the Tremplin Prize be awarded, signed by the graduate and the production organisation, or an employment contract 
• Where the production organisation is an independent company: a copy of the articles of association 

Call for Applications 2026

Applications are reviewed by the jury once a year, with a deadline for submission of applications of 31 August 2026 at the latest.

•  31 August 2026: deadline for applications for projects premiering between January 2026 and July 2028. Projects may already have commenced by the time the jury reviews the applications
• October 2026: announcement of the winners

Jury and deliberation

A jury, comprising members from both within and outside La Manufacture, is responsible for awarding the prizes. Selection is based on the applications submitted. The jury’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.

Submitting applications and enquiries

Applications should be sent to Marion Grossiord, Head of Communications & Partnerships, at .

Questions and information 

For any questions or further information, please contact the Communications and Partnerships department at

Image : Cosimo, de Jean-Yves Ruf – Cie L’Oiseau à Ressort, créé au Petit Théâtre, avec Luna Desmeules, lauréate du Prix Tremplin Leenaards / Manufacture 2024  | Photo @ Philippe Pache