Cardboard Citizens

No summer plans? Sorted.

Join our free creative workshops - meet new people, try something different, and get creative.

May: Build your performance instincts with comedy actress Kat Bond through improv games and exercises designed to help you find your own unique funny.

June: Work with composer and DJ Conrad Kira to remix iconic film scenes and create your own soundscapes.

Open to all 18-30s — no experience needed.

📍 All sessions take place at Citz HQ (travel expenses covered)

Spaces are limited, so sign up now here: https://cardboardcitizens.org.uk/whats-on-filter/member-workshops-18-30s/

Former The Royal Court Theatre artistic director Vicky Featherstone and playwright Anoushka Warden have become board members of Cardboard Citizens.

Read more 👇

Fancy trying something creative this year? 

If you’re 18–30, you can join free creative workshops with Cardboard Citizens - from performance and singing to writing and music. Whether you’re brand new or already creating, there’s something for you.
 
Next week: We’re joined by HighRise, who’ve been bringing UK rap into theatre since 2014.

February: Work with Olivier & Offie-nominated director Toby Clarke as we take a play from page to stage, exploring text, naturalism, and performance in practice.

March: Poet Desree leads an energising, hands-on writing session inspired by Altar (Bad Betty Press), exploring lists as a powerful tool for imagery and storytelling.
 
Book your free spot via the link in bio.

Calling all Members!

You have until Monday 19th January to vote for your next Member Representative.

Please check the newsletter for more information on the candidates and how to cast your vote.

We have extended the deadline to apply for Member Representative until tomorrow, midday!

This is YOUR chance to advocate for the voice of the Membership at Cardboard Citizens, ensuring that the work of Citz remains current, relevant, and reflective of the needs of, and issues facing, people with experience of poverty and homelessness.

This is a paid opportunity, and successful Members will hold the position for a year.

To Apply:

Send a maximum three-minute video or voice note to Eniola, Digital Marketing Officer, at [email protected] by 17th December midday explaining to other Members:

Why you feel you’re a good candidate for the role

What you hope to achieve in your year as a Member Rep

Any relevant skills, knowledge and experience you have related to the role.

The videos will be posted on a private page on our website on the 19th December, and voting will be open to all Members until the 19th January.

If you have any questions or want to know more – Please email Rachel at [email protected].

Find out more: https://cardboardcitizens.org.uk/our-news/article/we-want-you-as-our-new-member-representative/

Good luck!

We've been nominated! 🎉

We’re thrilled to be shortlisted for the Community Award at The Stage Awards 2026.

This nomination reflects the work that happens day in, day out with our Members – including our year-round workshop programme, progression opportunities and Member support. It’s amazing to see this recognised alongside our public-facing work, like More Than One Story.

The Stage

And now, shortlist for the Community Award!

Congratulations to:
✨Arcola Theatre, London Participation department
✨ATG Entertainment's West End Creative Learning projects
✨Cardboard Citizens
✨Common/Wealth
✨Imaginate, Edinburgh for Creative Encounters
✨Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester for The Elders

Find out more about these community-led initiatives 👇

A huge thank you to everyone who donated to our Big Give Christmas Challenge this year!

Thanks to the generosity of 105 donors and our incredible match funders, we raised an amazing £69,560 via our Big Give page, exceeding our target of £60,000. We are also hugely grateful for the additional donations and match funds we have received directly!

This support has blown us away. We’re incredibly grateful to our community for continuing to champion our work, support our Members and help ensure every story is heard.

THANK YOU!

We want you as our new Member Representative!

This is a paid opportunity, and successful Members will hold the position for a year.

To apply, please send a maximum three-minute video or voice note to Eniola, Digital Marketing Officer, at [email protected] by 10th December midday, explaining to other Members:

1. Why you feel you’re a good candidate for the role
2. What you hope to achieve in your year as a Member Rep
3. Any relevant skills, knowledge and experience you have related to the role.

Read our blog post for more information:
https://cardboardcitizens.org.uk/our-news/article/we-want-you-as-our-new-member-representative/

🚨 Happening Tomorrow Evening! 🚨

Want to build confidence in writing and performing your own poems?

Join poet and performer Arji Manuelpillai for an exciting, hands-on session where we play with language, spark creativity, and bring poems to life through performance.

Discover how to:
✨ Have fun with words
✨ Write and share your own work
✨ Build confidence reading aloud
✨ Explore performance in a supportive space

No experience needed - just curiosity and openness!

📍 Open to Cardboard Citizens Members aged 16–30
🕕 6pm–9pm

Book your place now: https://cardboardcitizens.org.uk/whats-on/event/citz-taster-poetry-and-performance-with-arji-manuelpillai-2/

We’ve hit our Big Give target!

Thank you to everyone who’s donated - your generosity helps ensure every story is heard and creates new opportunities for people with lived experience.

But it’s not over yet.

The Big Give Christmas Challenge runs until midday tomorrow, so there’s still 24 hours to donate. And that’s not all… donations will continue to be matched by a generous supporter until then!

Our Membership programme also provides real-life performance experience. Meet Gloria, a longstanding Citz Member, who reflects on her proudest moment - performing at the Barbican in Cathy Come Home:

“When I performed the role of Mrs Allie in Cathy Come Home at the Barbican, I got a standing ovation, and the writer Ken Loach said he’d never known anything like it. I never felt so proud.”

Stories like Gloria’s are only possible because of our programmes - and your support keeps this vital work going.

Donate today: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000006Ur8HYAS