LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A Louisville theatre group, called Young Hearts Theatre, could be the only one of its kind in the area. The non-profit is made up of retired professional or nonprofessional performers. Right now, they are gearing up for their next production, Once Upon A Summer, which features summertime songs from the late 50’s and 60’s.

“And I truly believe we are the only ones at least I know of that do this,” said Jane Burke about the group comprised only of those aged 60 and up. Burke has been in this theatre group for four years. Now, she is directing her first show for Young Hearts Theatre, which is Once Upon A Summer. Burke also wrote the play and works with a musical director on the songs.

Every year, the group puts on two free major productions and small mini-performances in the community, such as at nursing homes. At 66 years young, Janet Peak has performed with the non-profit for 3.5 years and is one of the cast members in Once Upon a Summer.

“Well I retired at 62, but my body and my mind were not ready to retire,” Peak said. She currently serves as President of the Board for the non-profit, her first year in the role.

Peak appreciates that this theatre group caters to seniors 60 and up. They have rehearsals twice per week, and their shows are always during the day. Peak doesn’t like to drive at night so the daytime schedule works great for her so she can stay active in the community.

“It’s just a way to connect because when you’re not in the workforce anymore, it’s hard to be part of a group or a community, and everybody here we’re like family,” Peak said.

For its members, Director Burke says Young Hearts, does exactly that.

“It really gets your mind sharp. It helps to keep Mr. Dementia away from you,” Burke said.

Once Upon A Summer! opens at the Ursuline Arts Center in Louisville on April 2 and runs until April 5. The show is at 2 p.m. ET so all can enjoy, and since 1979, when the donation-based group was founded, they’ve never charged admission to a performance. For full details, check out the event's Facebook page.