The SIT-UP Awards were first launched at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe to recognise Social Impact Theatre. This means theatre that tangibly affects people’s lives or brings about change in society.

Every year, there are fantastic plays that delicately and powerfully tell stories about important social issues. Unfortunately the momentum usually ends once the audience leaves the auditorium. When we surveyed production companies, we found that most did not engage with their audiences beyond the production itself. There are many ways this can be done such as by providing a flyer, getting your audience to make a social pledge, holding a post-show discussion or linking with a charity to provide educational materials.

So we decided to provide help and support to theatre makers to amplify and extend the reach of their work before, during, and after their productions. This has involved facilitating post show discussions, linking companies and charities, funding information sheets for audiences, buying tickets for those affected to see shows and more.

• Theatre Companies and venues widening the social impact of the issues addressed in their work
• Theatre Companies and venues ensuring adequate trigger information is provided prior to a show
• Theatre Companies and venues to engage with audiences after shows with imapct to provide a Q&A, or links to and information about relevant support organisations
• Charities believing in the power of theatre to raise awareness and engage new supporters
• Audiences empowered to act on their emotional engagement and take responsibility

We have put together various case studies and resources inspired by previous award winners and those shortlisted for the awards. There is also analysis of the topics covered by shows at prefious Fringe Festivals.

Before your show

• Think about how your play can achieve impact by collaborating with your audience
• Partner with a charity to ascertain facts and help in the creative process
• Consider a specific audience fundraise e.g. fund a lobbying campaign
• Seek out and bolster an existing campaign, raising awareness and support of it with the play
• Include people affected by the issues in the creative process
• Invite decision makers and/ or those affected by the issues to view the performance
• Engage with your audience waiting in the queue, e.g. a question / online survey

Immediately after your show

• Circulate an issue fact sheet or “how to help” leaflet e.g. donate, sign a petition, volunteer or learn
• Hold a post show Q&As or discussions, including a call to action
• Get audience feedback or comments
• Ask your audience to make a donation or make a social pledge

After

• Actors become advocates, speaking at events or performing rehearsed readings
• Taking your production into schools
• Work on a strategy to ensure the play has longer term impact
• Show the play to policy-makers

These are the previous winners, follow the links for more details and information on other awards we have given to outstanding shows.

2022 - The Beatles Were A Boyband - F-Bomb Theatre

2019 - Who Cares - LUNG and The Lowry in partnership with Gaddum

2018 - Dangerous Giant Animals - Christina Murdock

We prioritise UK-based, professional and semi-professional companies.

We want to know;

• What you want to achieve.
  We’ve found that applications with tangible goals related to specific issues are more successful.
• How you are going to achieve it.
  What tangible action do you take to engage an audience about an issue?
• Are you working with a charity?
  If yes, why this specific charity? If not, why?
• What are your future plans for the production?
• What would the money go towards?
  Please note that we are unlikely to only fund fees for the artists and/or touring costs. The award has been used as match funding for Arts Council England and Creative Scotland funding bids but our focus is on audience engagement and social impact.

Complete an application form!