Balancing Academics, performing Arts, and a Passion for Acting: The Inspiring Story of Leland Mergillano

How did your upbringing and your mom’s influence as a piano player shape your love for music?Music has been instilled in me since I was a baby, my mom played classical music close to me since I was born. I grew up with it, so my love for it comes from my infancy/childhood. Can you tell us about your experience performing onstage and how it has contributed to your growth as an artist?I began my journey at a young age with piano lessons and performing onstage. Then came choir, theatre, and learned to play the ukulele, Tahitian drumming, and harmonica. Performing with choir at Disney Springs (previously named Downtown Disney) retirement facilities, various festivals, and venues was amazing! Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces brought me so much joy. I continue to perform in theatre and play music in my spare time! What sparked your interest in learning to play the ukulele, Tahitian drumming, and harmonica?My mom is a Tahitian dancer, and my sister followed her footsteps. We love the Polynesian culture. I learned Tahitian drumming and ukulele from a legendary performer and have learned so much from him. I loved performing at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and various events in Florida. As for the harmonica, I just remember seeing a video about it online, and learned to play it on my own. I like to play it for fun!

What have been some of your favorite performances at festivals, venues, and resorts in Florida?I always loved watching shows at the Dr. Phillips center, so I got to give them a shoutout. Theatre Winter Haven never fails to put on an amazing show, and I try to go to every single performance they have! Hoike Orlando is always a favorite yearly event growing up.How do you balance your commitments as a junior in high school, a dual-enrolled college student, and your acting career?All of my schoolwork is online, I manage time to help me stay organized by creating planner for deadlines, exams, and a separate schedule for my career. Creating schedules and priorities helps me work around plans that may conflict with my school.What draws you to musical theatre productions and what aspects do you enjoy the most about them?Being on stage is what began my acting journey. The thrill of seeing the live audiences and their reactions has always been exciting for me. The rush of set changes, using props, cast friends, I love everything about it.

Can you share any memorable experiences or challenges you’ve faced while filming movies or commercials?Every set I am onset, there’s always great memories created. Recently, I was a part of a movie in West Virginia, what stood out about this project is that my great friends, Ty Howard and Bronson Howard, wrote and directed the film. I am beyond proud of them. Getting to work on this amazing project with my talented friends was a very fun experience and I’ll never forget it!How has watching your fellow actor friends grow alongside you inspired and motivated you in your acting journey?Watching my actor friends grow, I can’t help but reminisce on memories from when we first started. I love seeing their growth and will always be so proud of them. In a sense, we all share the same goal, so seeing each other creates that motivation. What do you hope to achieve in your acting career in terms of making a positive impact on people’s lives?Everything! Getting to make people smile, bringing people together in one place- the arts are fundamental to our humanity.Can you tell us more about your project to support senior citizens with tech needs and why it is important to you?It first started when my grandpa approached me in the kitchen asking for help on his phone and his laptop. I helped him resolve it and he was so happy. I thought it was a simple issue. I realized that there could be many senior citizens who have the same issues, but do not have the help that they need. Therefore, I started this project so that seniors can enjoy technology like we can!

How do you use your platform to raise awareness about life-threatening food allergies?
Which of your projects, such as F Plus or The Pages of My Heart, have been particularly meaningful to you and why?Every 3 minutes, a severe food allergy sends someone to the hospital. Utilizing my platform to raise awareness and help educate viewers on the gravity of life-threatening food allergies and preventive measures.Which of your projects, such as F Plus or The Pages of My Heart, have been particularly meaningful to you and why?All my projects have amazing to work on. Recently, I was honored with the opportunity to be a part of a Vietnam war documentary based off of Vietnam Veteran, Hal Croft. He was on set, and it was such a unique and humbling experience to work on, hearing his stories about the war was emotional to hear. I can’t wait to watch the finished product!What role does faith play in your life and how does it influence your dedication to your craft??I have been blessed to have been brought up with Christian values. Keeping my faith first plays a huge role in my life. Staying dedicated to my craft especially when you don’t get the job or callback—faith and gratitude is key, knowing it’s meant for someone else.
Growing spiritually in my faith is one of the best feelings.

How do you maintain focus on your craft and continue to learn and grow as an actor? Motive. Looking at different actors and their talents can also give me insight on how I can improve my craft. For me, that motive comes from the joy of acting.Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of your acting career?I’d like to keep doing what I love and do it for a long time. One day, I’d like to work on a set like Warner Brother studios. I went on a tour there and the dream only got bigger!

Thank you for having me and for your time, I really appreciate it!