Little Miss Perfect

Little Miss Perfect (2019)
Written, directed, and performed by Iris Simone (previously Kayla Roberts) and Karys Hilton.

Little Miss Perfect is a stage play I created during my senior year of high school. It represents one of my earliest attempts at building a full narrative for live performance. I wrote the script, directed the production, and starred in the lead role. This project introduced me to the process of shaping story, character, and emotion across multiple creative positions.

The play follows a young couple working in the world of local theatre. One partner is an actress striving for perfection in her craft, while the other is a director trying to build his own small theater company. As they chase their artistic ambitions, they begin to confront the pressure, insecurity, and expectations that come with performing for others.

Through their relationship, the play explores themes of perfectionism, ambition, identity, and the emotional strain of trying to live up to an image of success.

A woman smiling and holding a shopping bag with flowers, wearing a red outfit and surrounded by people in an indoor sports arena or theater.

My Role

I created the concept for Little Miss Perfect and co-wrote the script with Karys. I also served as the co-director, guiding rehearsals, shaping the pacing, and leading table reads. This was the first year back to in-person performance after COVID, and unexpected cast changes required me to adapt quickly. When one of the lead actors tested positive for COVID, I stepped into the role. When the second lead actor got sick, my co-director filled in as well.

Despite the challenges, I managed the full directing process and helped carry the production from script to performance. I balanced creative decisions, actor support, and on-the-spot problem solving while maintaining the tone and emotional arc of the play. This project gave me early experience in directing live performance, collaborating under pressure, and keeping a production moving even when circumstances shifted.

Event hall with a stage, red curtains, and tables and chairs set up for a meeting or presentation.
A woman with a smile, wearing a yellow shirt with the word "HIFFELPIUF" on it, sitting in a theater or studio with chairs, a water cooler, sofa, and stage set in the background.
A group of students on stage wearing masks, holding papers, and posing for a photo in front of a red curtain.
Two women are standing on a stage, one holding a microphone and looking down, the other smiling and clapping, surrounded by a group of people.
Young woman with black hair, wearing a grey 'Friends' shirt and grey cardigan, displaying a skeptical or confused facial expression against a black background.
Two women on a stage, one in a red dress smiling and waving, the other in a ruffled red dress, holding a microphone and reaching out to the woman waving.
A woman and a girl are on a stage with red curtains. The woman is standing, looking down, with her hands raised near her ears, wearing a white blouse and black pants. The girl is sitting on a chair, looking up at her, wearing a white top and a black
Two women having an intense conversation on a gray couch, with one woman standing and leaning forward, while the other woman is sitting with her head in her hand. There are pillows and notebooks on the couch, and a wooden door and black curtains in t
Two women are on stage having a conversation; one is holding a microphone and wearing a red dress, the other is gesturing and holding a small device, wearing a red dress with ruffles. Several people stand behind them.
Students wearing masks sitting on stage with black curtains, some holding books, with two students walking and chatting in front.
Two women are on a stage with a desk, surrounded by chairs, notebooks, papers, and drinks. One woman is sitting on the desk, eating, while the other is writing at the desk. The background has a white wall with red and gold squares, a calendar, blue s