Local 9-year-old actress performs on stage, screen

LEMONT – Since signing with her first talent agency at age 7, Juliana Tomecki of Lemont has been in five plays, two films and one music video.

At age 9, she is performing as part of the children’s ensemble in “Whistle Down the Wind,” a musical that opens Friday, July 26, at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, 3801 S. Central Ave., Cicero.

Juliana has been singing and dancing for as long as she can remember.

“When I was a little girl, I loved to sing and watch movies,” she said.

She won a contract with her first agency by performing Demi Lovato’s “This is Me” at a talent competition.

Her first acting role was playing a popular girl in “Life During School Times.”

Other stage roles include playing a kidnapped child in “Dracula: The Musical” and a blind girl in “The Miracle Worker.”

To practice for her “Miracle Worker” role, she said she would walk around the house with her eyes closed or looking at the ceiling.

Juliana’s film work has included roles in short films, such as being part of a rich girl entourage in a movie called “The Hardknock Life.”

Although the experiences are different, she said she likes film and theater equally.

Juliana also has been involved with Allegro Music and Dance Academy in Lemont. Recently, she was part of a dance competition team that performed for a music video called “10,000 Angels” by singer-songwriter Matt Ryde.

Her mother, Margaret, proudly has watched Juliana throughout her fledgling performance career.

“I support her,” Margaret said. “I really enjoy going to watch her perform.”

Juliana has enjoyed her time in “Whistle Down the Wind.”

“I like that the play is very different than a lot of other plays,” she said. “It’s very creative.”

Juliana said she wants to keep acting for the rest of her life.

“I like to use my imagination and walk in someone else’s shoes,” she said.