You may know the story of “Midnight Girl”: a short film set in 1981, weaving together themes of family, identity and resilience in a small town. You may know the character, Stevie — the fiery young woman caught between fractured parents and a changing world. But what you may not know is the deeper journey behind the role — the quiet, personal story that shaped the actress who brought Stevie to life.
Mimi Mason, playing Stevie, didn’t just portray that fire — she embodied it through every take. The film, a tightly wound 15-minute short directed by her aunt, Kerri Randles, unspooled Stevie’s struggle: a turbulent home after her parents’ breakup, a mother’s new partner and waves of prejudice riding under the surface.
But behind that camera was a personal echo. “It was my first film and legitimate acting job,” Mimi recalls. And yet, thanks to her aunt’s lens, it was also the safest place she’d ever encountered — a platform for genuine emotion. “Off set she would connect with me about my personal experiences and help me relate it to my character,” said Mimi, crediting Kerri for helping Stevie’s pain feel real.
Stevie’s ambition — so familiar to Mimi — sparked early on. She understood Stevie’s hunger not just to survive but to rise. And the rift with her father? A crack in the character that matched cracks in real life. “Just felt so legitimate to me,” she admits.
On set, Mimi discovered another world: one of lights, camera mechanics and crew whispers of her future greatness. “They told me I had natural talent and they could see me having an acting career … I think about those words daily.” It was an affirmation that shifted everything.
They wrapped, but the story didn’t end. Having moved to Carmel in kindergarten, Mimi has taken classes, workshops, community theater and auditions. Most importantly, she signed with an agent in L.A. and a local agent. “Moving to Carmel was one of the best things that’s ever happened to me,” she says, thankful for a nurturing creative home.
Her aspirations? Netflix features. Streaming series. The full spectrum of storytelling. “I know that’s really reaching for the stars,” she laughs, “but hopefully one day I get that opportunity.”
She also harbors another gift: writing. Her journals brim with narrative seeds, letters folded in corners, character fragments — and a love of letters grounded in real connection. Producing or directing someday? The spark is there.
But here’s where the story really begins: in a 15-minute short, $40,000 budget, 1981 America backdrop — painting a girl fighting race, family and her own fire. And in the eye of that storm, a young actress named Mimi Mason found not just a character, but herself.
So what’s next? For Stevie, the journey wraps in the credits. For Mimi, it’s just beginning. She’s learning the craft. She’s chasing the dream. And she’s doing it with voices of support — crew, aunt and the vibrant Carmel community.
No matter where you begin — or how small the stage may seem — places like Carmel have a way of nurturing big dreams. With its thriving creative spirit, local theaters, workshops and a community that champions the arts, it’s the kind of place where hidden passions can come alive. Whether it’s acting, writing, filmmaking or any form of expression calling to you, there’s space here to explore, grow and leap. Because the journey is yours to create — and there’s never been a better time, or a better place, to begin.
And now, in a roundabout way, that’s exactly what Mimi Mason is doing — and you can do the same.
Connect With Carmel Creatives
Whether you’re dreaming of the stage, screen or scriptwriting desk, Carmel is bursting with opportunities to help you grow your craft:
The Center for the Performing Arts
Home to the Tarkington Theater and the Palladium, offering performances, workshops and youth programs.
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation — Arts & Theater Classes
Acting, improv and playwriting classes for all ages and levels.
Actors Workshop of Indiana
Classes, scene study and audition prep for building confidence and technique.
CarmelFest Community Stage & Events
Annual showcases for artists to perform and connect in the local arts scene.
Carmel Public Library — Creative Writing Programs
Writing groups, author talks and journaling workshops.
