Catapult Artist Intensive
The Catapult: For Artists of all Disciplines
January 22 - 24, January 25-27 and January 29 - 31, 2027
The Catapult returns, now with three professional development intensives! Each of these 3-day experiences is designed to advance the form and expand understanding of the field of puppetry in the United States. During the weekend intensives, artists of all disciplines are taken on a three-day, curated, guided experience of festival programming. Join an intimate cohort, escorted by a professional leader, for discussions, backstage access to the shows, and more.
New this year– The Festival introduces the Mid-Week Workshop Intensive, which offers 3 full days of workshops with Festival Artists. In the evenings, your cohort will attend Festival programming. Learn more and register below!
What to Expect from Catapult 2027:
- Join a small, intimate cohort led by a professional leader
- Local transportation from event to event with your cohort
- Some meals included in registration
- Limited capacity; Half scholarships available (see below to apply)
- Hotel is not included in the price, but a hotel discount is available at the Festival’s partner hotel with discount code
Session-Specific Features:
Weekend intensives: Session 1 (Jan 22-24) or Session 3 (Jan 29-31):
- Three-day, curated, guided experience of the 2026 Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival programming
- Discussions, backstage access, and symposiums
- Tickets for at least eight performances
Mid-Week Workshop Intensive: Session 2 (Jan 25-27)
- 18-hours of workshop time with Festival Artists
- Tickets for at least two Festival Events
If ticket are sold out at the links above, please email info@chicagopuppetfest.org to be added to the waitlist.
Program Details
Ages: 18 and up
Who: Artists from any discipline and those seeking to deepen their puppetry experience
Location & Transportation: Cohort travels together to venues throughout Chicago. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to/from airport as needed.
Cost: $635 ($605 for past participants who register before Sept. 1)
50% deposit due upon registration, remaining balance due before January 6, 2027
Scholarships: Limited half scholarships available upon request, BIPOC encouraged to apply. Priority deadline for scholarship application is November 1, 2026. Apply here
Lodging: Hotel discount code available to participants so they can get a low rate which they book and pay for themselves. For more information please email info@chicagopuppetfest.org
Please Note: These program requires a good amount of travel from place to place and/or physical involvement, including stepping up into a passenger van and walking place to place. If you have accessibility or mobility needs, please reach out to us at info@chicagopuppetfest.org to discuss how we can accommodate and support your participation.
Schedule: Session 1
Opening Weekend Shows
Afternoon of Friday, January 22, 2027 through evening of Sunday, January 24
Full Schedule will be posted once the Festival lineup is announced!
Schedule: Session 2
Mid-week Workshop Intensive
Morning of Monday, January 25, 2027 through evening of Wednesday, January 27
Full Schedule will be posted once the Festival lineup is announced!
Schedule: Session 3
Closing Weekend Shows
Afternoon of Friday, January 29, 2027 through evening of Sunday, January 31
Full Schedule will be posted once the Festival lineup is announced!