Biography
Starting at an early age, Craig always new that he wanted to be a full time Entertainer. He saw that he could not only enjoy what he was doing, but he also saw that he had the chance to impact other peoples life with his ability to entertain them. From that moment on, Craig decided that being a full time entertainer was his only option.
At the age of 16, Craig decided that he needed to learn as much as he could in relation to entertainment. He started to learn Puppetry at the famous " Puppets in the Park " on the Gold Coast in Australia under the helm of Gerta Pinter. This experience lead him to see some of the best mime artists in the world, including the Great Marcel Marceau and the amazing talents of Philippe Genty. After seeing a local Magician he was also taken with the Magic bug and started to learn all he could.
He also went to famed Australian Actress Elizabeth Ryan (Famous for her early radio and screen work in Australia)for personal acting coaching.
This lead to a string of Amateur Theatre Performances all over the Gold Coast, appearing for noted companies 'Spotlight Theatre Company' 'Tugun Theatre Company' 'Javenbah Theatre Company' ' Gold Coast Little Theatre' and the traveling 'Comedy Players' This lead Craig to his first professional engagement of playing 'Simple Simon' in the pantomime 'Jack in the Beanstalk'
In his early twenties whilst learning his craft he did all sorts of jobs to pay the bills. He worked as a Cleaner, a Door to Door Orange Juice Salesman, A Spruiker, A Newspaper Salesman, A Truck Counter ( Loads delivered to a work site, A Maintenance Man, and even a Mop Salesman.
In 1990 he successfully auditioned for Paul Sharratt for his new live performance Christmas Production "The Glory of Christmas" of which he played the principal character of King Herod. It was on this production that Paul mentioned to Craig that he thought that I would be suitable for the new theme park opening on the Gold Coast " Warner Bro's Movie World " as a magical entertainer.
With this information in hand and a contact that Paul had given him, he went to meet with the entertainment manager. When he arrived, he was accosted by the then retail supervisor "Dean Lyons' and was asked if he wanted to join the retail team as they had a Magic Shop and needed a magician to demonstrate their effects for sale. This started close to a three year employment run as their Magician in the Magic Shop.
Always investing in his magic ability, he now started to perform with illusions. This lead to Craig being contacted by the producers of the movie Street Fighter (1994), of which he supplied his illusions for the film. He also acted as a magic advisor for the film helping the cast with their performance of the magic scenes.
Following this success he then appeared as the opening act for Pat Boone for his 1994 Australian concerts held at "Twin Town Services Club" Craig was soon receiving offers from all over the world to perform his illusion show. However due to personal reasons he decided to stay home and again learn more of his acting craft.
This lead to a very successful 3 year stint as "Pirate Pete" for local water park "Wet'n'Wild Water World". Here Craig presented 3 shows a day, A Pirate Show, A Magic Show, and the host of a Sped Slide Stunt Show - as well as creating numerous roving characters. Most of the time Craig was on a 7 day week.
In 1997 Craig felt that he was burned out, he retired from entertainment and worked as a Car Park attendant - this lasted all of 2 years before he once again went into the world of entertainment.
Upon his announcement of his return, offers came in thick and fast form the corporate circuit of everything from close-up magic to show hosting and character performance.
It was this time that he wanted to learn all he could about Balloon Twisting and Film Making. At this time he started his own company "World Stage Promotions Pty Ltd" and started to appear locally as his Balloon Character " Happy Sunshine The Balloon Man"
This lead to resident performances for fast food restaurants "McDonald's" Hungry Jacks" and "Pizza Hut" he also started to work for local radio station "Hot Tomato" of which he remained for 8 years not only supplying his services as a Balloon Twister and Magician, he also supplied Face Painters and other roving entertainment professionals.
Craig then joined a local film making group (S.T.A.R.S) and was warmly received. The founder of this group Nerida Marshall introduced him to fellow film maker Rob Cleave which resulted in Craig playing the role of the "Sheriff" in _Hot Rod Girls From Hell (2005) - Craig was back in the world of which he loved most - acting.
A String of TVCs quickly followed as well as roles in feature film and television.
Craig's ability to play great characters are his trademark. This can be seen in performances such as Girl Clock! (2010), God Bless Daddy (2010), Still Waters (2011) Phoenix Rising Welcome to the Lucky Country (2016) Beyond Redemption: Space Captain (2014) Frenzy (2015)
In 2015 Craig was asked by Lynton V. Harris to appear alongside Tony Bonner in a film for a scare attraction on the Gold Coast for theme park Dreamworld
This lead to being cast in Garrison7: The Road To Garrison 7(2015) and appearances on _Juiced TV(2015)_ as a Magician and the yearly Christmas edition as Santa
In 2016 Craig appeared in a number of short films based around his very hectic public performance schedule and as 2017 starts he is in talks with Angel Studios to appear in their next project
At just 45 Craig is a ' in demand ' actor and is enjoying his ability to transform the performances of his character
When not in front of the cameras, he is very busy with performance duties of his performance and promotional business "World Stage Promotions"
