A new star steps forward on the local stage this weekend as Sacred Hearts Academy senior Mahea Sims-Tulba, daughter of multifaceted local comedian Augie T, appears as Deloris Van Cartier in the school’s fall production of “Sister Act.”

The show is the Broadway musical version of the 1992 film in which Van Cartier, a Las Vegas lounge singer, is hidden in a convent after witnessing a murder. (Whoopi Goldberg originated the role of Deloris in the film.)

It’s Sims-Tulba’s first time in a leading role, but she is no stranger to the spotlight. In 2013 she responded to being bullied by creating B.R.A.V.E. Hawaii (“Be Respectful and Value Everyone”), a nonprofit organization that works to reduce bullying among children and teens; she also wrote and illustrated a book on the subject, “It’s Okay to Be Different” (visit bravehawaii.org).

In 2015 she appeared in the title role of Jeff Katts’ indie film short “Jackie Claxton: The Prevention.” Sims-Tulba currently holds the title of Miss Teen Hawaii United States 2017 and, as her schedule permits, appears as a host of OC 16’s “Brown Bags to Stardom” talent show.

Sims-Tulba, 17, was poised, professional and very much at ease throughout a telephone interview on a Friday afternoon, moments after she got out of school.

Question: You had major supporting roles in high school productions of “Hairspray” and “The Wizard of Oz.” Tell me about being the star of the show.

Answer: I always wondered how hard it was for the girl who got the lead role. Now I understand. There’s so much more stuff to rehearse and a lot to remember — but it’s really fun.

Q: Did you watch the 1992 film for ideas in developing the character of Deloris, or did the director, Kyle Kukuno, want you to develop the character independently?

A: Mr. K. told us to watch the film. He also told us to give it our own little spin on it, so I did watch the film and I also watched some other productions of “Sister Act” done by other people. I took some of the tropes that those people did and then put my own spin on it as well.

Q: “Hairspray” has several very strong social messages. “The Wizard of Oz” has some messages but is much more subtle. Does the audience learn anything from “Sister Act,” or is it an escape from real-world problems?

A: It teaches a lesson about family and unity and loyalty. Deloris learns that the sisters in the convent are her family. At first she doesn’t want to be there, but after she’s forced to leave the convent, she realizes that the sisters are her family. She needs to be there for them, and they will be there for her.

Q: Filmmaker Brian Kohne is well known for including local celebrities in his films, and I heard that you have a role in his recently released “tropical noir” film, “Kuleana.” What should we watch for?

A: It’s a very minor role. I play the daughter of a woman who can’t speak English.

Q: What are your plans after you graduate from Sacred Hearts next year?

A: My mom wants me to take a semester off from college so we can go and do some travel because we don’t have time to go on trips for ourselves. After that I’m looking at going to the University of Hawaii for a tourism and transportation major. I also want to study in Korea.