On May 22, the New York-based Only Make Believe organization visits Paramount Club to introduce members to its mission and work. But what members may not realize is that the nonprofit arts organization, which was established in 1999, has a long legacy in — and deep ties to — New York theater history.
At its core, Only Make Believe creates interactive shows for and with children in hospitals, special education schools, and care facilities. Bringing professional actors into the mix, the shows encourage the children to explore imagination, critical thinking and emotional expression by embracing “the magic of theater” and taking part in various performances, song and dance. In addition to in-person shows, Only Make Believe also offers virtual interactive options, which allow children to participate either on or off camera via streaming devices and to call and text with the performers during the show, allowing them to move the story along and be an integral part of the show from wherever they are.
Only Make Believe was born in Rusk Institute’s Pediatric Unit at NYU Langone Medical Center, a project of The James and Dena Hammerstein Foundation. The idea was inspired by Dena’s husband James (son of theater legend Oscar Hammerstein) and his own passion for and dedication to theater. Over the years the program has grown to include an office in DC and has reached over 45 facilities and units in the New York metro area and more than 15 in and around Washington D.C., allowing upwards of 90,000 children to star in their shows.
Join Only Make Believe on May 22 from 5:30 – 6:45 pm in the Club Training Room to learn more about the charity and its work while creating props and costumes for an upcoming performance.
