Playbill has partnered with Inspired to create and amplify stories of inspiration that advocate for access to arts and cultural experiences for young people across the country. The following article is written by the team at Situation Project and adapted from their online publication Inspired. Click here to learn more.
“When you see the impact it has on young people, you do everything you can in your power to make sure it keeps going,” says Tamela Aldridge, Executive Director of Only Make Believe (OMB). For 25 years, OMB has been bringing the transformative power of theatre to children who need it most. Founded by Dena Hammerstein in 1999, the organization has reached over 100,000 children in New York City, Washington, D.C., and beyond, offering joy and creative expression to kids in hospitals, care facilities, and special education programs. As the organization prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a gala event, it reflects on its journey, its impact, and its future.
Only Make Believe: Bringing Theatre to Those Who Need It Most
Only Make Believe creates and performs interactive theatre for children facing medical and developmental challenges. The organization’s performances are designed with the specific needs of these children in mind, using sensory-based theater to foster social and emotional learning. “We’re very intentional and thoughtful in how we create this interactive, sensory-based theatre,” shared Aldridge. “It helps promote the growth of their social and emotional learning skills.”
OMB’s work is made possible through partnerships with various corporate sponsors, who support the organization through volunteer efforts. These partnerships enable OMB to bring magic to children who might not otherwise have access to such experiences. “Our corporate partners allow us to bring these events and this magic to the children,” shared Gabriella Guimaraes, OMB’s Corporate Partnerships Manager. “They support us through funding and volunteer events where they help create costumes and props for the shows, making a direct impact on the kids’ experience.”
Celebrating a Milestone: The 25th Anniversary Gala
This year marks a significant milestone for Only Make Believe as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The upcoming gala is not just a celebration of the past 25 years, but also a chance to honor the organization’s founder, Dena Hammerstein. “We’re honoring our founder this year, who started this journey in 1999 with the simple yet profound idea of bringing joy to children in need,” said Chris Wilson, Director of Programming and Communications. “Dena was the driving force behind many of our scripts and performances, often writing them herself. It’s amazing to see how her vision has grown.”
The gala will bring together supporters, partners, and friends of OMB, many of whom have been involved with the organization since its inception. “It’s a way for us to showcase what we’ve been doing and why it’s so important,” added Aldridge. “We’re opening our doors and saying, ‘This is what we’ve achieved, and it’s all thanks to your support.’”
The Impact of Theatre on Children’s Lives
The impact of OMB’s work goes beyond entertainment. By providing children with a creative outlet, the organization helps them build critical life skills and cope with the challenges they face. “Theatre empowers children, allowing them to express themselves and build social-emotional skills in a fun and engaging way,” Wilson noted. “We’ve seen children make tremendous progress, from being hesitant and withdrawn to actively participating in performances and finding joy in the experience.”
Through its interactive performances, OMB helps children develop confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging. “Every child has something unique to offer, and our programs give them the freedom to express that in whatever way they choose,” added Aldridge. “Whether it’s through a monologue, dance, or simply watching and engaging, every form of participation is valuable.”
A Call to Support Only Make Believe
As Only Make Believe looks to the future, it continues to expand its reach, both in-person and virtually, to bring the magic of theater to even more children across the country. The organization’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility has been a cornerstone of its work, allowing it to serve a diverse range of children with varying needs. “We’re not limited by geography anymore,” said Aldridge. “With our virtual programs, we’re reaching kids in 16 different states, and we’re constantly growing.”
The upcoming gala is an opportunity for supporters to contribute to this vital work and help OMB continue to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. “We want to serve as many children as possible, and with your support, we can keep expanding our programs and reaching new communities,” she concluded.
Join Only Make Believe in celebrating 25 years of joy, creativity, and impact. Learn more about the gala and how you can support their mission by visiting their website today.
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