Resources

Theatre's impact goes beyond live performances, influencing audiences and society. The Sit-Up Awards aim to inspire Fringe productions to deeply engage with their audiences and drive societal change.

Our goal is to support shows that not only raise awareness but also encourage audience action and contribute to collective transformation. Recent years have highlighted the urgent need to address social issues. Many audience members are motivated to act but unsure how.

You're staging a production about a social issue because you want to spark real change. Audiences are hungry for information on how they can make a difference. Seeing your production is just the beginning - true change happens through their actions afterward.

Your production is the start of a journey - one of awareness, impact, participation, and activism. Get creative and empower your audiences to take action!

Below is a step-by-step guide with tools and information to help you maximise audience engagement and galvanise your audience to participate in effective societal change.

  • So you’ve got a production for the fringe, what’s next?

    1. Be clear on the social issue you are addressing

    2. Identify key potential actions for your audience

    3. Create a QR code for your marketing materials and show programme.

      When scanned with a smartphone camera, it will instantly direct your audience to a webpage of your choice.

      You can generate a free QR code here: https://qrfy.com/

    4. Reach out to a charity or organisation whose campaign aligns with your social issue. Could you work collaboratively?

    Working in a collaborative way with like-minded charities or organisations can enable all parties to reach a wider audience through their respective networks. 

    Their support can drive publicity and increase audiences.

    Tips for your charity collaboration letter:

    • Give details about your theatre company 

    • Describe in brief about your production and social issue

    • Mention the reason for the appeal of the partnership

    Letter Templates:

    Charity collaboration letter - short

    Charity collaboration letter - long

  • Before the show

    Often, audiences are queuing for up to 30 minutes before watching your performance.

    Here are some ideas about what to get them to do whilst they’re in the queue:

    1. Create a QR code linking to current information regarding the social issue you are addressing

    2. Display links to statistics and impactful information to get them thinking about the upcoming show

    3. Display board or pre-show exhibition, potentially interactive

    4. Be creative!


    During the show

    Display QR codes on your programme that link audience members to a more explicit call to action.

    Examples of what a QR code could link to:

    1. Write to their local MP here: https://www.writetothem.com

      Here is a template MP letter

    2. Get them to sign a petition. Link to create your petition here: change.org

    3. Donating to a specific fundraising event or charity

    4. Answer questions with regards to the performance and/or performance impact

    5. Signing up to your mailing list

    6. Simply signposting them to further information 


    After the show

    1. Specifically go on stage and ask people to do something!

    2. Be available to talk to audiences after your show

    3. Place donation buckets at the exit/s

    4. Liaise with the venue to offer a space for post-performance discussion.

      Hosting a post-show discussion lets the audience meet your company, ask questions and discuss/debate the issues while the play and their emotions are still fresh.

    1. Audience members who have signed up to your mailing list could receive more information about what they can actively do.

      This could include monthly check-ins and/or challenges for them to personally engage and act upon the social issue

    2. Further collaboration with a campaigning charity

    3. Audience members who have signed up to your mailing list can be sent a survey to fill out, giving you feedback to your productions impact

    4. Contact schools and theatres in your local area to tour your production, expanding the impact