SCREEN & STAGE INDUSTRY CREATOR, PERFORMING ARTIST, PUPPETRY SPECIALIST FOR
Stage Plays Film & TV Animatronics Motion Capture
I’VE WORKED WITH
TESTIMONIALS
“A top level circus performer who also happens to have the acting chops of a Brando.”
"Kailah brings to mind the amazing cross-poppination work of Andy Serkis and Doug Jones. She's a top level circus performer who also happens to have the acting chops of a Brando. Plus, she has the patience and experience to understand the delicate tiny details that need to go into making prosthetic and motion capture performance work.
Performers with that many skill sets, and then those firing at the highest level with them, are incredibly rare. And if that wasn't enough, Kailah is also such a pleasure to work with. Always surprising. Always adding more than you could have ever hoped. Always the biggest smile on set in the morning."
Christopher Weekes
Writer, Director, Producer
“She’s the individual producers & castmates dream of.”
"Kailah Cabanas is the consummate professional any production would want. I first met Kailah in February of 2014 when I taught a master class in monitor puppeteering. Her enthusiasm was only matched by the eddy she showed in not only honing the skills I was teaching but the fun needed to do it. Since then Kailah has gone on to excel in so many areas, including the tour of Cirque du Soleil's "Toruk the first flight." Kailah Cabanas is the individual producers & castmates dream of."
Noel Macneal
Puppeteer & Director
“ Kailah was an integrated component in the team and helped create a memorable character for the director and audience.”
"Building a giant spider for an Australia horror film directed by Kiah Roache-Turner but then getting to work with a bunch awesome puppeteers to bring it to life is the cherry on top. Kailah joined a team of three to help puppeteer the gangly legs of this monstrous arachnid. Working alongside the other two puppeteers to imbue life into an otherwise static object. Puppeteering is a combined endeavour requiring (in this case) three people to rub their tummy and pat their heads in perfect sync. Kailah was an integrated component in the team and helped create a memorable character for the director and audience. Cheers to you.”
Richard Taylor
Co-Owner of Weta Workshop
What I do
Creative Development
I create and develop ideas with other departments. I advise what would be the most effective methods in terms of performance and practicality.
Workshops
I workshop ideas that was used in the creative development to see if they can be adapted for Theatre, Film or TV.
Collaboration & execution
After the workshop & rehearsal period, I collaborate with other creatives to execute the best performance for the project.
Some Styles Of Puppetry I do:
Bunraku-style
Bunraku is a form of traditional Japanese puppet theatre founded in Osaka in the beginning of the 17th century. It visibly shows the operator and is popular for Theatre performance.
Animatronics & Suit
An animatronic is a mechatronic puppet. They are a modern variant of the automaton and are often used for the portrayal of characters in films, games and in theme park attractions and can also be combined with a full body suit.
Hand & rod puppets
Hand Puppets come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but these are the typical “puppet” people associate with puppetry.
Puppetry Specialist
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Performer
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Creator
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Puppetry Specialist 〜 Performer 〜 Creator 〜
DEMO REELS
Performance Demo Reels
Puppetry & Suit performance Reel
Artist: Oliver Cronin
Music video: Hello, Goodbe
War Horse
Fight scene rehearsal
Motion Capture test
ABOUT KAILAH
ABOUT KAILAH CABANAS
Hi, I’m Kailah!
I'm a Storyteller, Screen/Stage Industry Creator and performing artist specialising in puppetry.
I am a Sydney-based storyteller & performing artist. I am passionate about creating and performing original and engaging stories for diverse audiences. I was a trained dancer and actor who then fell in love with Puppetry and physical performance. I have extensive experience across Theatre, Film & Television and enjoy working with other creative like-minded people, who are passionate about creating original content.
Sounds like you? Let’s chat!
Past Projects
Fresh out of drama school with a background in acting and dance, I was employed as a puppeteer on the children's television show "The Amazing house." I Played the sassy red head "Fi-bi" on season 2.
Show
The Amazing House
Having found a new love of puppetry, I toured nationally with the award winning theatre spectacular "War Horse." I was the head puppeteer for the two leading horses - Joey and Topthorne, and also the comedic scene stealer "Goose."
Show
War Horse
After sinking my teeth into big puppets, I frequently worked with Monkey Baa Theatre Company on creative developments. As a Creative, Puppetry Director & Performer.
Show
Creative development with Bankstown West Primary School Students
Wanting to explore film I found myself in a large fury monster suit, playing "Martha" in the short film "Martha the Monster," by See Pictures written and directed by the talented Christopher Weekes. I was able to use all elements of puppetry, suit work and motion capture.
Show
Martha the Monster (Me in the monster suit)
Shortly after finding my monster feet I ran away with the Circus, in Cirque du Soleil's "Toruk the first flight" based off James Cameron's Avatar. I puppeteered large scale creatures both hand and full body and also played an aerial flying Na'vi that liked to play the drums upside down. I toured internationally with Cirque du Soleil for three years and have now resided back home in Sydney Australia.
Show
Toruk The First Flight, Cirque du Soleil
Since being back in Australia I dove deeper into film. I became a puppetry director and head puppeteer for Causeway Film's"Blaze" Directed by Archibald Prize winner Del Kathryn Barton. The puppet was a whopping 9 foot tall dragon named Zephyr, it combined rod, hand, animatronics and six puppeteer's to bring to life.
Show
Blaze
Recently, I've worked alongside Weta Workshop as a puppeteer on a new horror film called "Sting" directed by Kiah Roache -Turner, to be released in cinemas in 2024.
Sharing puppetry with the world is my passion, and showcasing it in a way that brings awe and wonder is my goal.
Show
Sting
FAQ
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Yes! If you're wanting to learn more about puppetry and would like to organize a workshop or a private session, I can create and tailor a workshop based on your needs.
I cover the fundamentals of puppetry along with how to make your own paper person!
Get in touch to discuss your needs.
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Unfortunately not, however I can refer you to a talented maker, Kay Yasugi. Details below.
Pupperoos: Quality Puppet Shows, Workshops and Educational Resources
Mob: 0405 335 228
Email: info@pupperoos.com
Digital Seagull: Professional Puppetry and Digital Media
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Let’s chat! Drop me a message and I’ll get in touch as soon as I can.
Drop me a line & lets chat!
Have a question or a project you’d like to collaborate on? I’d love to chat to see how we can bring your vision to live.