HATTIESBURG — In a spacious common room inside the historic Hattiesburg Cultural Center, laughter echoes as a group of seniors huddle together, reading from scripts and exchanging inside jokes. 

They’re rehearsing for their next show — one they hope brings joy to an audience and has already brought new meaning to their own lives. 

At the heart of the rehearsal is Sherri Marengo, chair of the community theater division of the Mississippi Theatre Association and founder of the Legacy Actors Theatre Experience, or L.A.T.E. The group offers reader’s theater for older adults in the Pine Belt, giving participants a chance to perform without the pressure of memorizing lines or hitting marks. 

“We do this because we want to convey to our audience something that makes them feel good. They have fun. We have fun, and we all leave here feeling better,” said actor Steve Clyburn. 

How the legacy began 

L.A.T.E. was born from a gap in the local theater scene. After the long-running Just Over the Rainbow Theatre closed between 2017 and 2019, Marengo, a lifelong performer, saw a need. 

“As time went on, I was like, I can’t not do theater,” she said. “And there was no opportunity to do theater for senior adults. So, I said, okay, in 2019, let’s get a bunch of people together and see what happens.” 

She formed the group with inclusivity in mind, welcoming participants with mobility, memory or other physical challenges. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the need for connection became even more critical. L.A.T.E. continued offering a safe and creative space when isolation weighed heavily on many older adults. 

Laughter in every line 

Some of the actors have been with the group since it started, while others are just joining. Marengo said two new members signed on this week. The cast includes doctors, machinists, teachers, veterans and others who never expected to find themselves on stage. 

The group holds six-week sessions through the Hattiesburg Arts Council and occasionally partners with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Southern Mississippi. Rehearsals are lighthearted, and performances are often held during lunchtime for churches and senior communities. 

They joke that they “work for food.” Most shows are free, but the group asks for lunch — fried chicken is a favorite — and help covering royalty fees, usually around $45 to $60. 

Shows feature full props, costumes and unexpected touches like wigs, dresses, ski masks or even crowbars — depending on the skit. Marengo said accessibility is always top of mind.  The format and structure are flexible to include everyone who wants to participate. 

“My particular reason for loving this is we don’t have to memorize anything,” said actor Eric Weill. “We get to read the script, and you don’t have stage direction and all that stuff. It makes it real.” 

Though the tone is playful, the impact is real. The group regularly partners with local organizations to collect canned goods or other items in lieu of ticket prices. Holiday shows have helped support food banks and charities throughout the area. 

Marengo said they love sharing their hobby with others and often use it as a way to support other organizations in the community, especially during the holidays. In addition to partnering with food banks, the group has helped collect items for various causes by encouraging attendees to bring donations in place of tickets. While the shows remain free, the requested “charge” might be canned goods or other needed items depending on the partner organization. 

While the laughter on stage is contagious, the motivation behind L.A.T.E. is also deeply tied to a growing need for connection. 

Why connection matters 

More than 55 million Americans were age 65 or older as of the 2020 Census. Mississippi ranked 31st, with 16.9% of its population in that age group, but the numbers are rising fast. Between 2010 and 2021, the older adult population in Mississippi grew by nearly 30%, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health. 

In some counties, older adults make up nearly a quarter of the population. Rural areas tend to have higher concentrations, fewer health care providers and greater poverty rates among seniors. The 2023 Mississippi Healthy Aging Data Report highlights counties like Greene and Pearl River as high priority areas for service needs, while Forrest, Perry and George fall in the middle.

“You know, it’s just a way to stay busy, and it’s pleasant,” said actor Kathy Edwards. “These people are good to hang out with.” 

The National Institute on Aging reports that loneliness and social isolation are linked to serious health issues — including depression, heart disease, cognitive decline and a higher risk of early death. Emotional disconnection can trigger chronic stress responses in the body and limit the ability to fight off disease. 

Loneliness and isolation also increase the risk of dementia and make it harder for older adults to manage daily tasks like cooking, driving or taking medications. Marengo said she’s seen the toll isolation can take. 

“There was one lady that came in and she said, ‘Pardon my voice being scratchy — I haven’t actually talked to anybody in about three months,’” she said. 

The group’s impact extends beyond the stage. As their reach grows, so does the recognition. 

A growing legacy 

L.A.T.E. has won several awards from the Mississippi Theatre Association and was nominated for the Sales & Marketing Professionals’ statewide Pinnacle Awards. But the group isn’t focused on expanding. 

Marengo said they’ll keep doing shows for anyone who invites them — because the real goal is connection and fun. While the group is primarily for older adults, some shows include participants of all ages, including homeschooled children and local families. 

The next performance is set for May 13 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the Hattiesburg Cultural Center at 723 Main Street. Admission is free. 

As the lights come up and the jokes roll out, the performers of L.A.T.E. aren’t just entertaining an audience — they’re building something much deeper: community.