WHAT IS IT?
The Cardboard Adventures Designer/Maker Award is an annual fund of £1,200, for one recipient a year, created to support UK-based early-career theatre designers and makers. The successful applicant will also have a the option of a years mentorship from Cardboard Adventures and our judging panel.
The fund is entirely self-funded by Cardboard Adventures. It is not supported by any publicly funded organisations or any other funding body.
WHAT THE
FUND IS FOR?
The £1,200 award is not project-contingent.
You do not need to propose an outcome, skill development or other project. If you are successful the money is yours to use in whatever way best supports you at this stage — whether making time to explore your craft or skills, or simply giving yourself a little breathing space to stay afloat and working in the industry.
WHO IT'S FOR?
This fund is open to designers and makers of physical objects working in theatre, including:
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Theatre designers (set and costume)
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Puppetry designers and makers
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Prop designers and makers
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Costume makers
This award is explicitly for freelance, self employed professionals working mainly in the UK theatre sector.
For the purposes of this award, early career means within three years of your first professional theatre credit.
Cardboard Adventures is a design led, and run, theatre company, we value all styles, types and variations of theatre making and makers. We are committed to supporting the future generations of storytellers and makers, if you are unsure whether your particular role is eligible for this fund then we encourage you to get in touch (or just apply, what’s the worst that could happen!)
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Applications will be shortlisted by myself, Sam Wilde, with the final recipient selected in collaboration with a small panel of working theatre professionals:
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Jesse Meadows (Wardrobe Ensemble)
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Oliver Hymans (Little Angel Theatre)
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Alex Berry (Set & Costume designer)
The award will be judged on:
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Commitment to your chosen discipline
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How significantly the fund feels it could support your stated aims
This is not about funding a project or buying an outcome. It’s about supporting people — whether that means enabling time to make, time to think, or time to rest... get a massage or something, treat yourself!
HOW TO APPLY
The application process is intentionally simple.
To apply, send an email to award@cardboardadventures.co.uk
including:
There is no interview, no extended application, and no expectation that this shouldn't take more than an hour to complete.
Deadline Dates
Application Deadline: 16th February 2026 23:59
Notification Deadline: 2nd March 2026
The wining recipient will be informed by email
Please ensure you have read all the detail above before applying!