The SIT-UP Awards & The International Fringe Encore Series: Edinburgh Prize

The SIT-UP Awards have been given since 2018 to recognize productions at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival that seek to have a social impact by motivating a change in behavior and perception of their audiences through both the production itself and activities pre and post show.

The Award is decided by a panel of judges based partly on the application but also on the quality of the show itself which is expected to reach a high standard. A critical part of the judging is the team’s plans for achieving the change beyond, as well as with, the production.

The Award consists of several parts;

·       A spot at the SoHo Playhouse’s prestigious International Fringe Encore Series in February or March 2026 including a cash prize of £5,000 towards expenses.

·       Venue, Accommodations, Press Representative, Social Media Team, Technical Support, Advertising, Promotions and 50% of Box Office Revenue from SoHo Playhouse during their time in New York.

·       An additional cash prize will be given to the winner to achieve change through engagement with audiences and wider society both in New York and other locations.

·       No need for a work VISA in order to perform during the International Fringe Encore Series.

The Award will be announced at the end of the Festival and will be presented at the prestigious List Awards Ceremony.

To be eligible for consideration, the production company must meet the following criteria;

·       A professional company

·       Company must be available to accept the spot at the SoHo Playhouse International Fringe Encore Series in New York City planned for February/March 2026, and not subject to any international touring restrictions

·       Be performing in Edinburgh for a minimum of two weeks during the 2025 Fringe festival 

·       Have a production that addresses an issue with universal, and international, appeal (e.g such as abuse, misogyny, environment etc.) 

·       A company who believes achieving change should be integral to their company’s ethos

·       A company with a history of (or firm plans to) work with a relevant charity or campaigning organization

Applications for consideration for the SIT-UP Award
https://www.situpawards.org/
Applications close on 25 July 2025
Further information and previous winners can be found on the website