Mentoring-Coaching-Advice
Puppetry is an intriguing Art form - part sculpture, part performance, it sits somewhere between the visual and the theatrical, where objects, movement and story meet. Discovering how the elements of this ancient craft can blend with modern technologies and contemporary narratives when devising a show is quite exhilarating.. but it can also be challenging. We have too many ideas, too many options and too many directions to go in all at once.
That’s where I can help. Having worked with a wide range of makers, performers and directors and with over 30 years of experience behind me, I now offer mentoring and coaching for artists who want to explore their own creative path and discover what contemporary puppetry and micro cinema can do for them. We can talk online or work more closely with a series of face-to-face meetings or even bespoke workshops. There’s always a surprising amount we can discover about narratives, performance techniques, construction materials or the best type of camera for the job.
If this sounds like the kind of creative conversation you’re looking for for your next project, whether it’s for kids, adults, for theatre, gig, exhibition or online, then get in touch - I’d love to hear what you’re working on.
Testimonials from previous Mentorships 2024/25
- Emilie Largier, Hors-champ (UK, FR, DK)
'Gavin is a very inspiring artist who I had the pleasure to work with during various residencies in Norway and Italy and then recently when he provided mentoring support on my debut show Les Nuits Troubles. Our conversations are always rich in ideas and useful advice and his passion is contagious!'
- Paulina Szczęsna, theatre maker and performer (Warsaw, Poland)
'I attended Gavin's workshop, Darker Side of Puppetry. This magical, inspiring workshop resulted in Gavin being invited to provide creative and directing support for a performance I was working on. Gavin helped me in the process with precision, great empathy and unparalleled professionalism, asking questions and suggesting ideas and solutions. I wholeheartedly recommend working with Gavin for his professionalism, expertise and good energy.
I would like to add that I consider him a unique artist with a very beautiful creative language.'
- Raven Kaliana, Director, Puppet (R)Evolution (UK)
'Can highly recommend Gavin's online mentorship sessions on Microcinema - what a fascinating new realm to explore! He was incredibly knowledgeable about the technical requirements, and framed various provocations for exploring different aspects of the medium. I felt energised, motivated, and inspired by our meetings - which involved creating some experimental films, and supported me to clarify how I might apply the technique within my productions.'
- Edgars Niklasons, Third Figure Theatre (Latvia)
'As a theatre maker working in the field of contemporary puppetry and visual theatre, I have been mentored by Gavin over the past year and a half. With his many years of experience in such a specific and nuanced genre including puppetry, visual theatre, and microcinema, Gavin brings a rare depth of knowledge and sensitivity to every exchange.
In my company’s new project, When the Earth Gave Way, Gavin has been a guiding force in shaping and developing a unique technique with string puppets - life-size marionettes suspended from the ceiling and animated by performers standing on the ground. He offers both precise technical support, grounded in the physical principles of movement and thoughtful dramaturgical feedback, helping to ensure that each artistic choice truly serves the story. What I value most is Gavin’s profound understanding of puppetry as a living language - I often feel as though I’m discovering puppetry for the first time again. Not because I understand it less, but because each encounter reveals new, exciting ways to think about this genre and to bring those discoveries to life in practice.'