The cast of “Southern Exposure” this year included more than 60 years of combined Little Theatre experience.

The young show-stealers haven’t even been alive for a third of that time.

Community theater — something Natchez is lucky to have — often comes with repeat performers and years of experience.

These mainstays on the stage are what make annual performances like “Southern Exposure” tick. Actors often play the same role for years at a time. They know the lines by heart and have time to perfect the details.

The experts are then well equipped to pass on knowledge to the newer performers. And the cycle goes on.

If the Little Theatre can hang on to three of its current young stars, well, let’s just say the theater might not be so little for long.

Chanda Douglas, a senior at Natchez High; Nicole Ballard, an NHS junior; and Landon Henry, a Cathedral senior, made the stage glow during Sunday’s matinee.

The high school trio plays three leading roles. Chanda is Australia, maid to the once-rich, still hoop-skirted, Natchez bourgeoisie.

Nicole is Carol Randall, daughter of the Natchez elite and soon-to-be married.

And Landon is Jonathan Douglas, Yankee and general troublemaker.

If you’ve never seen the show — which is a shame if you live in Natchez — “Southern Exposure” is a humorous take on our annual Pilgrimage.

Douglas, a northern author set on writing books about the backwards Southern ways, sweet talks his way into the antebellum home of a single, older woman facing financial troubles.

Miss Penelope Mayweather is constantly worried about what people would say if they knew Douglas was in her home.

But in the end, Douglas steals the heart of Carol Randall, sending her family into a tailspin.

Chanda, Landon and Nicole have a long list of Little Theatre productions under their own belts, but their talent is still precocious.

I met Nicole three years ago during the Robert Lewis Middle School production of H.M.S. Pinafore.

She had the lead, the bubbling personality and the actress aspirations at age 14.

Chanda has been active in music and arts at NHS, and is always a smiling face and a helpful comment.

Landon recently earned his Eagle Scout, showing that he’s involved in more than just the limelight.

These three students are more than just stars on our little stage, they are stars in our community, stars in the schools.

Being a part of the Little Theatre takes time, work and energy. These students are juggling school, life and a considerable amount of lines to learn.

“Southern Exposure” has come to a close for this season. But Landon is set to perform in the upcoming “Chicago.” Nicole and Chanda will be on stage again soon as well.

Take this chance to see them shine and support local theater at the same time.

For now, Natchez and its tourists are their audiences.

Tomorrow, the world!

Julie Finley is the managing editor of The Natchez Democrat. She can be reached at 601-445-3551 or Julie.finley@natchezdemocrat.com.