VIDEO: ‘Born To Stand Out’: 8-Year-Old Performer Finding Her Spotlight On Long Island

MELVILLE, NY — At just 8 years old, Mireilla O’Donnell is already building an impressive resume on Long Island stages — from playing Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three to preparing for a runway modeling showcase and a role in Fiddler on the Roof — all while balancing third grade, piano lessons, and even running a small craft business.

Mireilla first became interested in acting at around age four. She enrolled in classes at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson, where her teacher, Gina Lardy, recognized her natural ability and encouraged her passion for performing.

“She fell in love with it,” said her mother, Ellen O’Donnell. “She had an amazing teacher who really saw something in my daughter and inspired her to love acting and really get into it. She was obsessed with dancing for a while, but then acting became her priority.”

At first, Ellen assumed her admiration might come from natural parental enthusiasm, but feedback from others confirmed Mireilla had a noticeable stage presence. People often commented that they couldn’t take their eyes off her when she performed.

“She still dances, but acting just came so naturally to her,” Ellen said. “At first, I thought maybe it was just ‘mom goggles’ — you know, I think she’s amazing because she’s my daughter. But little by little, people started saying, ‘No, there’s really something there.’”

Modeling is a newer activity, beginning about a year ago after Mireilla joined Tower Talent in Melville, a full-service development center and marketing firm for aspiring actors, models, and performers of all ages.

Ellen initially had doubts about modeling, but she said the program changed her perspective. Modeling classes focus on confidence, public speaking, respect for others, and self-expression.

“For us in this community, especially on Long Island, there’s not a lot out there for kids who are creative,” said Mireilla’s performance teacher, Amanda Carson. “We all embrace sports and things like that, which is also fantastic. But for performers, for young performers specifically, we want to be able to provide a place that can feel like a home for them.”

Ellen said Carson has remarked that Mireilla’s confidence cannot be taught. When Mireilla walks the runway, she fully commits to the performance with poses, facial expressions, and strong stage presence. Ellen has watched Mireilla and the other girls grow significantly in confidence, learning to carry themselves proudly and present themselves to others.

“As a parent who has a child who's interested in acting and singing, unless you come from the industry, you are a little bit lost as to where to go and what to do,” said Plainview mother Josephine Hoch, whose 12-year-old daughter Nina has participated in Tower’s classes for the past year. “They give you all the tools, the support and encouragement, the portfolio, and you also meet fellow parents who have the same experiences.”

Ellen said Mireilla has always been encouraged to embrace her individuality. She wore large bows and dramatic outfits to school, and some classmates teased her. But Mireilla stayed confident and unapologetically herself.

“We’ve always taught her that she’s born to stand out,” Ellen said. “Some kids made fun of the bows, but we always told her to be herself.”

Mireilla is currently in third grade in the Comsewogue School District in Port Jefferson. Ellen said she is a strong student who manages schoolwork easily, often completing assignments during car rides to rehearsals.

“Her teachers say she helps other students understand their work instead of just giving them the answers,” Ellen said. “She was also elected to the student council and helps support troops with candy collections and prepares donations for animal shelters.”

Mireilla has quite a few dreams, and at her young age, she has envisioned being a teacher, actor, singer, horseback rider, and piano player. Along with her love of reading, writing, and performing, she also started a craft business with her father to raise money to buy a harp.

“I started it because I’m raising money to buy a harp so I can learn how to play it,” Mireilla said.

Mireilla recently reached a major milestone performing in 26 shows as Tiny Tim in Theatre Three’s production of A Christmas Carol. Ellen said Mireilla loved performing so much that she was disappointed on days she didn’t have rehearsal.

One memorable moment occurred when Mireilla performed with a 104-degree fever but still delivered what Ellen described as one of her best performances.

Mireilla was recently cast as Bielke, the youngest daughter, in Lighthouse Repertory Theatre’s production of Fiddler on the Roof in St. James. Rehearsals take place several times a week. Mireilla said she is excited to perform in a new theater and learn a new character.

She is especially looking forward to the singing and dancing involved in the show.

“The biggest thing is letting kids enjoy it,” Ellen said. “Sometimes parents get upset if kids forget lines or make mistakes. That’s not what it should be about. There’s also a lot of rejection in auditions. Kids need to understand that sometimes the audition itself is the job. Getting the role is just a bonus.”

Mireilla currently has a GoFundMe in order to raise money for an acting competition she has coming up.

When asked what advice she would give to other children interested in performing arts, Mireilla kept it simple.

“Be yourself and have fun,” she said.