Meet Kaylani Mimms: Finding Her Courage as Miss Honey

When Kaylani Mimms attended ArtXecute’s six-week summer workshop, she was curious about acting and ready to try something new. That curiosity led to an audition—and an opportunity she hadn’t expected: playing Miss Honey in ArtXecute’s production of Matilda the Musical.

“To be honest, I did not believe that I would be chosen for the role,” Kaylani shares. “I did not feel like I did my best at the audition, but when my mom told me that I got the part I was overjoyed.”

At 16, Kaylani is stepping into her first theatre production. Although she performed in ballet recitals when she was younger, learning lines, rehearsing songs, and tackling choreography have brought new challenges. She describes the experience as exciting, overwhelming, fun—and sometimes a little scary.

Through it all, she has found encouragement.

“I have received so much support and the cast has felt like family.”

A Heart for Miss Honey

Miss Honey’s compassion is what Kaylani admires most about the character. Despite her difficult childhood, Miss Honey chooses to treat others with kindness and gives Matilda the love and encouragement she needs.

Kaylani recognizes some of herself in that caring spirit. She enjoys helping others, encouraging the people around her, and making a positive difference in children’s lives. She also relates to Miss Honey’s struggle to speak up for herself.

That connection shapes how she sees the relationship at the heart of the story.

“Miss Honey gives Matilda sincere love and encouragement, and Matilda gives Miss Honey courage to stand up for herself.”

For Kaylani, their bond is built on mutual understanding and respect—something she hopes audiences will recognize when they watch the show.

“Why Not Me?”

Playing Miss Honey is also helping Kaylani see her own possibilities more clearly.

“Sometimes it is hard for me to see myself achieving greatness, because I can be my own worst critic,” she says. “But then I remind myself, why not me??”

Taking on the role has become a reminder that she can work through challenges, believe in herself, and resist the temptation to count herself out.

Some of her favorite rehearsal moments come from watching the younger cast members do the same. She loves seeing their excitement as they sing their favorite songs and admires the effort they put into learning.

Outside rehearsals, Kaylani enjoys drawing, reading, playing piano, and spending time with her family. Inside rehearsals, she is looking forward to helping audiences experience the cast’s hard work, the lively choreography, and the developing friendship between Matilda and Miss Honey.

Kindness That Makes a Difference

Kaylani hopes audiences leave with more than memories of an entertaining performance. She wants the story to remind them that someone nearby may be facing a difficult situation—and that a small act of kindness can matter.

“You can be the person, at the right place, at the right time, to speak an encouraging word or simply to show kindness.”

It’s a thoughtful message from a young performer discovering her courage while bringing Miss Honey’s compassion to the stage.

Come see Kaylani Mimms as Miss Honey in ArtXecute’s production of Matilda the Musical. Tickets are available at goldsboroparamount.com.

Kaylani Mimms makes her theatre debut as Miss Honey in ArtXecute’s Matilda the Musical, discovering her own courage while bringing the beloved teacher’s kindness to the stage.