Theatre & Film

Amanda Sutherland | Theatre & Film Maker | Tasmania

I love discovering how stories come to life.

Sometimes that means steppiing into a character’s shoes. Other times, it means creating a costume, building a prop, designing lighting or sound, or working behind the scenes the bring a production together.

I’m a Tasmanian theatre and film make with experience across performance, design and production. I enjoy exploring the different ways a story can be told and discovering what I can contribute along the way.

Whether I;m on stage, in front of a camera or behind the scenes, there’s one question that keeps coming back to me: How does this help tell the story?

  • Amanda Sutherland as Kath walking across the stage carrying red bags while Elliot Howe as Len stands beside a table covered with banana props.
    Kath’s Off, Amanda Sutherland and Elliot Howe, 2026. Photograph by Rebecca Jee/UTAS.
  • Amanda Sutherland as Kath holding a broom while facing Elliot Howe as Len across a wooden table in The Banana Bender.
    Len’s Home, Amanda Sutherland and Elliot Howe, 2026. Photograph by Rebecca Jee/UTAS.
  • Amanda Sutherland as Ruth talking with Elliot Howe as Len across a wooden table, with banana props and bottles visible on stage in The Banana Bender.
    Ruth and Len, Amanda Sutherland and Elliot Howe, 2026. Photograph by Rebecca Jee/UTAS.
  • Amanda Sutherland as Ruth sitting beside Elliot Howe as Len on a raised stage platform during a rooftop scene in The Banana Bender.
    Ruth and Len on Len’s Roof, Amanda Sutherland and Elliot Howe, 2026. Photograph by Rebecca Jee/UTAS.
  • Amanda Sutherland as Ruth raising her hand and looking into the distance while Elliot Howe as Len sits beside her during The Banana Bender.
    Ruth Has Dreams, Amanda Sutherland and Elliot Howe, 2026. Photograph by Rebecca Jee/UTAS.
  • Amanda Sutherland as Ruth and Elliot Howe as Len raising drinking glasses across a wooden table during The Banana Bender.
    Ruth and Len Share a Toast, Amanda Sutherland and Elliot Howe, 2026. Photograph by Rebecca Jee/UTAS.
  • Amanda Sutherland as Ruth drinking from a glass while Elliot Howe as Len sits beside her at a table during The Banana Bender.
    Ruth and Len Have a Drink, Amanda Sutherland and Elliot Howe, 2026. Photograph by Rebecca Jee/UTAS.
  • Amanda Sutherland as Ruth aiming a long yellow theatrical prop while Elliot Howe as Len reacts in the background during The Banana Bender.
    Ruth Takes a Shot at Len, Amanda Sutherland and Elliot Howe, 2026. Photograph by Rebecca Jee/UTAS.
  • Kath at the Table – The Banana Bender
    Kath at the Table, Amanda Sutherland, 2026. Photograph by Rebecca Jee/UTAS.
  • Elliot Howe as Len and Amanda Sutherland as Kath seated at a wooden table surrounded by yellow banana props during The Banana Bender.
    Kath and Len – The Mosquito Scene, Amanda Sutherland and Elliot Howe, 2026. Photograph by Rebecca Jee/UTAS.
  • Amanda Sutherland as Kath standing beside Elliot Howe as Len, offering him a small prop during a scene from The Banana Bender.
    Kath and Len – Character Interaction, Amanda Sutherland and Elliot Howe, 2026. Photograph by Rebecca Jee/UTAS.
  • Amanda Sutherland as Kath in The Banana Bender, examining a green prop at a table surrounded by yellow banana props.
    Kath Examines a Prop, Amanda Sutherland, 2026. Photograph by Rebecca Jee/UTAS.

The Banana Bender (2026)

In The Banana Bender, a University of Tasmania theatre production, I had the opportunity to explore two very different characters, Kath and Ruth, performing alongside Elliot Howe as Len. Alongside acting, I created costumes and props for the production, including the distinctive banana props featured throughout these photographs.

The experience gave me an opportunity to concentrate on character development while continuing to explore how the practical elements of a production contribute to telling the story.

Photography: Rebecca Jee/UTAS.

Finding My Place in Storytelling

My journey into theatre began with a love of creativity and the discovery of a community where people with different sills and experiences could come together to make something.

Over the years, I’ve worked as an actor, director, producer, costume designer, prop maker, and sound and lighting practitioner. I’ve also welcomed audiences, supported performers and helped productions run behind the scenes.

For me, one of the wonderful things about theatre is that no two productions are quite the same. Each brings new people, new challenges and opportunities to learn.

My work has taken me from running Just Imagine Youth Drama School, where I taught performers and produced close to 30 productions, to working working with local theatre companies, independent filmmakers and fellow creatives. I’m continuing to develop my practice through a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Theatre and Performance, at the University of Tasmania.

Amanda Sutherland - Performer - Alone Together Cast & Crew
Amanda Sutherland – Performer – Alone Together Cast & Crew

Performance – Exploring Character and Story

Acting gives me the opportunity to explore lives and experiences beyond my own. I enjoy discovering what motivates a character, how they might move or speak, and what lies beneath the words they say. Sometimes those discoveries begin with research. Others emerge unexpectedly during rehearsals or through working with the director and fellow performers.

In the 2026 University of Tasmania production of The Banana Bender, I performed Kath and Ruth. Having the opportunity to concentratemore closely on these characters encouraged me to trust my instincts and explore their emotional journeys.

Earlier that year, I performed as Argyle in Faux Fur, a devised theatre production in which I also contributed to writing, sound, lighting and costume. My performance experience also includes Cinderella, A Day in the Park, independent short films and television background work, including Deadloch and Ground up. I enjoy both stage and screen performance, particularly the opportunity to work collaboratively and discover something new about a character.

Amanda Sutherland as extra in Deadloch
Amanda Sutherland as extra in Deadloch
Amanda Sutherland as an Extra in Ground UP
Amanda Sutherland as an Extra in Ground UP
Amanda Sutherland as the Zombie Mother in the Break Up
Amanda Sutherland as the Zombie Mother in The Break UP

Behind the Scenes – Helping Stories Take Shape

Some of my favourite creative challenges happen away from the spotlight. A costume can reveal something about a character before they speak. A carefully timed sound can change the atmosphere of a scene. Lighting can draw attention to a moment, create tension or help an audience understand where they are. And sometimes a prop needs to do something completely unexpected.

I’ve worked across costume design and construction, props, set and art department work, lighting, sound, directing and production management. My experience in different departments helps me understand how the individual elements of a production work together. I enjoy researching unfamiliar
techniques, experimenting with materials and collaborating with others to find practical solutions.

Costume and Prop Making

For Cinderella (2023), I was the lead costume designer and constructed an illuminated transformation costume that allowed Cinderella to change from rags to her ballgown onstage. For The Banana Bender (2026), I created costumes and a collection of unusual props, including bananas, peas and crayfish. These projects combined practical problem-solving with opportunities to experiment and discover new ways of making things.

Costumes – Cinderella Transformation Dress

Lighting and Sound

I’ve worked in sound and lighting design and operation for productions including Faux Fur, The Odyssey and A Tender Thing. My work on A Tender Thing with Tasmanian Theatre Company included lighting design and operation, sound operation and participation in the production’s mini tour of Northern Tasmania.

Through my university studies and production experience, I’ve developed my technical skills, including working with ETC Eos lighting systems and QLab. I enjoy discovering how technical choices can support the performers and help an audience experience the story.

  • Close-up of a performer in a white dress reading a paper while seated on a bed under soft stage lighting in A Tender Thing (2025).
    Focused Character Lighting, A Tender Thing, 2025. Lighting design and operation: Amanda Sutherland. Tasmanian Theatre Company.
  • Wide stage view of A Tender Thing (2025), with a performer in white seated beside a bed beneath blue and amber theatre lights.
    Stage Lighting Design, A Tender Thing, 2025. Lighting design and operation: Amanda Sutherland. Tasmanian Theatre Company. – Photo: Luca Schild Photography
  • Two performers dressed in white sit together on the edge of a bed under cool stage lighting in A Tender Thing (2025).
    Intimate Scene, A Tender Thing, 2025. Lighting design and operation: Amanda Sutherland. Tasmanian Theatre Company.
  • Two masked performers in white costumes illuminated against a dark stage in A Tender Thing, a 2025 Tasmanian Theatre Company production.
    Masked Performers, A Tender Thing, 2025. Lighting design and operation: Amanda Sutherland. Tasmanian Theatre Company. Photos: Luca Schild Photography

Film and Screen Production

My screen experience includes acting, background performance, production management, art department work, camera operation, editing and sound.
I’ve participated in filmmaking challenges with Apple Box Studios, including Date Me (2026), where I contributed as a producer, performer, co-writer and across camera, editing and sound. I’ve also worked on The Graduation, Springder and Super Scoop, with further screen work including The Naughty List Bureau, which is awaiting release.

In 2026, I filmed and edited Connected Futures: Building Drought Resilience Through Local Stories for the Northern Midlands Business Association. I particularly enjoy the collaborative and practical nature of filmmaking, where a creative idea becomes something people can see and experience.

Selected Theatre and Film Projects

The Banana Bender (2026) — University of Tasmania
Actor: Kath and Ruth; costumes; props.

Faux Fur (2026) — University of Tasmania
Actor: Argyle; co-writer; sound and lighting design; costume.

Cinderella (2023) — Star Rae Productions
Actor: Baroness Cirohsis De La Foie; lead costume designer; illuminated transformation costume.

A Tender Thing (2025) — Tasmanian Theatre Company
Sound operator; lighting design and operation; Northern Tasmania mini tour.

Date Me (2026) — Apple Box Studios 48 Hour Challenge
Producer; actor: Mrs Dean; co-writer; shared camera, editing and sound.

Connected Futures (2026) — Northern Midlands Business Association
Filming and editing for Building Drought Resilience Through Local Stories

Continuing to Discover and Create

One of the most valuable things I’ve learned through my creative practice is that I don’t need to do everything myself. Working across different areas of theatre has given me an appreciation for the knowledge and skills other people bring to a production. I’m learning to make space for collaboration, trust the creative process and recognise the value of my own contribution. Studying Theatre and Performance at the University of Tasmania continues to challenge the way I think about storytelling and gives me opportunities to experiment with new approaches. I’m particularly interested in continuing to develop my work in performance, props, costume, art department, lighting and sound, and exploring further opportunities in film and television.

Professional Experience and CVs

My experience spans live performance, screen acting, design, technical theatre, production and creative collaboration. Download a CV suited to your enquiry:

Performance CV: stage and screen acting credits, performance experience and relevant skills.
Skills-Based CV: props, costumes, lighting, sound, art department, filmmaking and production experience.
Complete Theatre & Film CV: comprehensive credits across performance, design and production

Let’s Create Something

I’m always interested in discovering new creative projects and opportunities to collaborate. Whether
you’re looking for a performer, someone to help bring a production to life behind the scenes, or a
creative collaborator, I’d love to hear about what you’re working on.
Acting representation: Tasmanian Talent Agency — admin@tastalent.com
Other professional enquiries: amanda@amandasutherland.com.au | 0422 303 527
You can also explore my painting, photography and other creative work through my Creative Practice
page.

Questions visitors may ask

What type of theatre and film work does Amanda Sutherland do?
Amanda works across acting, costume and prop making, lighting and sound, directing, producing and
screen production.
Where is Amanda Sutherland based?
Amanda is based in Northern Tasmania and has worked on local theatre, film and television
productions.
How can I contact Amanda Sutherland for a production?
Acting enquiries can be directed to Tasmanian Talent Agency. Other theatre, film and creative enquiries
can be sent directly to Amanda

Selected Areas of Practice

PerformanceTechnical TheatreCreative Practice
ActingLighting DesignCostume Construction
Character WorkSound DesignProp Making
Community PerformanceTechnical OperationProducing
Street PerformanceDevisingArts Facilitation
Background ActingCollaboration

Professional Links

Casting Networks

View Casting Network Profile

IMDb

View IMDb Profile

Get in Touch

If you would like to discuss a performance, creative project or collaboration, I would be glad to hear from you.

Contact Amanda