Puppeteer, Puppetry Director & Performing Artist
Stage Film & TV Animatronics & Suit 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 develop ideas in collaboration with creative teams, advising on the most effective and practical puppetry approaches for performance.
Workshops
I workshop concepts developed in pre-production, exploring how they can be adapted for theatre, film, or television.
Collaboration & execution
Following the workshop and rehearsal process, I collaborate with fellow creatives to deliver the strongest possible performance for each project.
Some Styles Of Puppetry I do:
Bunraku-style
Inspired by traditional Japanese Bunraku, this form of puppetry places the operator in full view, creating a powerful connection between performer and character. It is particularly effective in theatrical storytelling and ensemble performance.
Animatronics & Suit
Animatronics are mechatronic puppets commonly used to bring large-scale or highly detailed characters to life. They are widely used across film, television, and themed experiences, and can be combined with full-body suit performance for expressive, immersive results.
Hand & rod puppets
Hand and rod puppets are the most recognisable form of puppetry, offering versatility, immediacy, and strong audience engagement. They are well suited to live performance, screen work, and interactive storytelling.
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
Motion Capture test
ABOUT KAILAH
ABOUT KAILAH CABANAS
Hi, I’m Kailah!
Puppeteer, Puppetry Director & Performing Artist for Stage and Screen.
I’m a Sydney-based puppeteer, puppetry director, and performing artist working across theatre, film, and television.
I specialise in puppetry and physical performance, creating original, engaging work for diverse audiences. My background in dance and acting naturally led me to puppetry, where I found a medium that combines performance, design, and imagination.
I love collaborating with like-minded creatives who are passionate about imaginative storytelling and 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 then worked with Monkey Baa Theatre Company as their resident puppetry Director.
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
I've worked alongside Weta Workshop as a puppeteer on the horror film "Sting" directed by Kiah Roache -Turner. (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 life.