Micah Lynn Hanson was raised on North Idaho values as she grew up in Coeur d'Alene's French Gulch.

Homeschooled K-12, the now 33-year-old actress who plays a lead role in the new film "Disciples in the Moonlight" was always painfully shy.

"I loved watching people. I would make up their life stories in my head," Hanson said Thursday in a phone call with The Press.  

"I learned mannerisms," she said. "I started mimicking them."

Her creative observations and ability to repeat the movements of others developed into a passion for acting.

"When you’re an actor, you don't have to grow up," Hanson said. "You can play make-believe your whole life."

Hanson pursued that dream of the stage and screen when she left for Nashville in 2013. Her whole family still lives in Coeur d'Alene.

"God's been super good," Hanson said. "It's also been a safe environment. I've been connected with good people and been able to maintain my personal convictions and do the films I want to do."

She said she chose to build her career in the southeastern U.S. because of its wholesome TV and film opportunities.

"I am a person of faith," Hanson said. "I wanted options that my little brothers and my dad could watch and I could be proud of. I've gotten to do that and it's been incredible."

Hanson's recent credits include the TV series "Nashville" and she played the lead role of Alice in the Kendrick Brothers' film/miniseries "Like Arrows: The Art of Parenting."

As "Rachel" in "Disciples in the Moonlight," Hanson and her castmates explore the concept of the Bible being banned in the U.S.

"The heart behind the film is just, 'What if this did happen?'" Hanson said "It's meant to beg the question, 'How would you respond, or would it matter at all?'" 

She said it's not a conspiracy film, but rather one that reminds viewers of the freedoms they are afforded in America.

"My hope for this film is we would appreciate and be humbled by the freedoms we have and be inspired to live gratefully because of that," she said. "It's something that I believe in fighting for, and that's what America is built on, is those freedoms. I hope we don’t lose sight of that as a country."

Directed by Brett Varvel, the unrated film "Disciples" plays through Wednesday at Hayden Cinema, 300 Centa Drive, Hayden. Tickets are $8.50 or $6.50 for matinees.

Info: hdcmovies.com

    Hanson