Applications
The Sit-Up Awards, presented at the Edinburgh Fringe, support theatre productions in their pursuit of significant social impact. Each year, over 300 plays at the Edinburgh Fringe tackle social issues, from inequality and justice to the environment and mental health. The Sit-Up Awards aim to enhance the impact that these productions can have on audience engagement and real-world behaviour change.
The influence of theatre extends beyond the performance itself. When a production connects deeply with its audience, it can inspire reflection, dialogue, and social transformation. The awards’ objective is to support companies that not only raise awareness but also aim to shift audience perspectives and inspire lasting change.
Our goal is to identify and celebrate a production that places social intent and audience impact at the heart of its creative purpose.
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The winner of the 2026 Sit-Up Award will receive:
A £1,000 prize.
The winner will be shortlisted for the Encore series at SoHo Playhouse in New York City in January 2027.
Additional mentoring and strategic guidance from Sit-Up to help maximise engagement and deepen audience connection after Edinburgh.
To apply for the Sit-Up Award please follow the application process below.
Please read all eligibility criteria before completing your application and ensure that you can comply.
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We encourage all theatre companies to actively engage with audiences around the social issues or themes explored in their show.
A best practice approach may include:
Before the performance
Spread the word: Use marketing materials—flyers, your website, social media, and posters—to communicate the social issue your show explores clearly. Where appropriate, include content warnings for sensitive or graphic material.
At the performance
Inform: Share resources directing audiences to relevant charities, campaigns, or ways to take action. Include these on posters, in programmes, or on a handout to make it easy for audiences to get involved or seek support.
After the performance
Keep the conversation going: Host Q&As, panel discussions, or informal conversations with audiences to continue exploring the themes and encourage participation in follow-up actions.
For further information and questions, please contact us at hello@situpawards.org
We ask you to support the Sit-Up Awards’ Code of Best Practice and share with us how you are actively engaging audiences and what methods are most effective.
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The Sit-Up Award will be given to companies that meet the following criteria:
A professional theatre company.
Performing in Edinburgh for a minimum of two weeks during the 2026 Fringe Festival.
A production that addresses a pressing social issue with universal resonance (e.g. inequality, misogyny, environment, mental health etc.).
A company committed to achieving change as part of its ethos.
A company with a history of, or intent to, collaborate with a relevant charity or campaigning organisation.
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Entries are accepted through both recommendations and direct applications. The judging panel will assess each production based on artistic merit and potential for meaningful societal impact.
We recognise that we are setting a high standard in our effort to identify truly impactful work that changes audiences and communities alike.
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The closing date for all applications is 19th July 2026
The Sit-Up Award winner will be announced on 28th August 2026.
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Applications are submitted via a Google Form. The information provided will be used solely for the Sit-Up Award selection process.
To assist in preparing your information before completing the online form, the following key questions are included:
About you
Your name
Your email address
Your phone number
Your company name
Website and/or social media links
About the production
Show title
Venue and dates at the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe
Brief description of your show (max 100 words)
Number of cast members
Length of performance
Details of any pre-Edinburgh 2026 runs (if applicable)
About the social issue
What social issue does your production address?
What change do you hope to inspire in your audience or community?
How will you engage audiences before, during, and after performances?
Are you collaborating with a charity or campaigning organisation? (please name)
Declaration
By submitting this application, you confirm that:
You are applying for the 2026 Sit-Up Award.
You are committed to actively engaging with your audiences around the social issue in your show.
You will include post-show talks, Q&As, or related audience engagement activities as part of your approach.
Be sure to have read the above information before starting the application process.
Closing date for applications is 19th July 2026
Enquiries: hello@situpawards.org