South Australian artist Claude Creighton has been named the 2025 recipient of the Catapult + Adelaide Fringe Mentorship, a prestigious opportunity that pairs them with one of the leading figures in Australian puppetry and visual theatre—Steve Howarth, founding member of Erth Visual & Physical Inc.
This unique program, supported by Guildhouse in collaboration with the Adelaide Fringe Foundation – Arts Unlimited, gives mid-career and emerging artists the chance to grow their practice through immersive mentorship experiences.
For Claude, it’s a chance to dive deep into the world of experimental theatre and advanced puppet-making.
This mentorship allows me to develop new puppet-making and experimental theatre skills through hands-on learning at Erth Visual & Physical in Greater Sydney.
“It supports the creation of Smoko, a performance featuring puppetry made in collaboration with a Territorian artist and enables me to bring new techniques back to WHEAT Collective to help grow South Australia’s puppetry sector. Without Guildhouse, this opportunity to learn, connect and expand my practice would not have been possible.”
A career-defining opportunity with global impact
Known for its awe-inspiring visual theatre and large-scale puppetry, Erth Visual & Physical Inc has gained international acclaim. Working alongside Steve Howarth, Claude will gain direct insight into a company whose innovative work has captivated audiences around the globe.
“Catapult is about creating opportunities for artists to take bold steps in their practice,” says Beth Neate, CEO of Guildhouse.
This mentorship is part of Catapult, a broader program that provides South Australian artists with funding and tailored support to develop their creative skills and artistic voice. Artists are encouraged to explore new directions through research, collaboration, and hands-on experience.
Supporting the growth of puppetry in South Australia
Claude’s project Smoko is set to become a standout performance piece that not only showcases innovative puppetry but also highlights collaboration with remote and regional artists. The skills and techniques gained during this mentorship will directly contribute to the continued growth and development of South Australia’s puppetry sector—especially through Claude’s work with the WHEAT Collective, a group focused on regional and community-based performance.
