We were thrilled to welcome John Oliver back to our gala stage as host this year! His stalwart support for Only Make Believe is a true gift. 🎁
Before the show, John caught up with our own Alex Acosta on the red carpet to talk about the Power of Play and to share a special message with the children we serve.
Join us to say YES to daydreaming and YES to make believe at the link in bio. 🔗
#powerofplay #giveback #johnoliver #artmatters #kidsmatter
It’s Giving Tuesday, and we’re looking back at one of our favorite moments from this year. At our Broadway gala, we presented the Clay Stefanki Award to longtime OMB collaborators King Monroe and Shenoda Saeed. 🏆
In partnership with the Stefanki family, as well as tennis star Andy Roddick and model/actress Brooklyn Decker, the Clay Stefanki Award is presented annually to one or more inspiring children who exemplify the Only Make Believe values of inclusiveness, participation, openness, and play.
In this clip, NY1 legend Pat Kiernan interviews Shenoda before presenting him with the award. It was an electric moment in the theatre, and it highlights the magic of make believe: the opportunity for young people to imagine a world of limitless possibility. ✨
In the coming year we’ll bring the Power of Play to more children like Shenoda, but we need your help. Follow the link in our bio to give. 🔗
#givingtuesday #giveback #nycnonprofit #dcnonprofit #artsforkids
Thank you @deadline for sharing this important moment from our gala red carpet. We are deeply grateful for the support and passion of Dame Anna Wintour! ✨ #ombgala #powerofplay #annawintour
Fashion’s in the headlines lately! To celebrate the release of a certain anticipated sequel, we’re remembering last fall’s Only Make Believe Broadway gala, where we honored the icon: Anna Wintour. ✨
Here’s what she had to share on our gala stage: “Theatre is the most natural of art forms for a young person’s imagination and indeed for a young person’s hope. The children helped by Only Make Believe need joy. They need community. They need support. They need imagination. They need it now more than ever.”
That’s all. 💅🏼
#annawintour #devilwearsprada2 #styleicon #vogue #giveback
Join us on Give Greater DC today, May 12, to help us reach our goal of $6,000! 💙
Every dollar donated will help the OMB team continue to bring interactive theatre to children in DC-area hospitals, care facilities, and special education programs. ✨
Learn about how we make an impact in the DMV at the link in our bio. 🔗
#givegreaterdc #dcnonprofit #artsnonprofit #artsforkids #giveback
Adaptations are adjustments made by OMB actors to accommodate the needs of a particular audience. 🌟
Decisions regarding adaptations are made by Team Leaders (TLs) like @ravenlorraine . In this video, she’s instructing her team on how to create opportunities for engagement with an audience that skews young and may be hesitant to fully come onstage.
Raven is aware that some participants might be too shy to step right into the spotlight, so she’s creating a space where she’ll join children in the seating area. This provides support to those who otherwise may be overwhelmed by the action. ✨
#inclusionmatters #earlychildhood #inclusivetheatre #actorslife #teachingartist
It’s National Teacher Appreciation Day, and you don’t have to tell us twice! 👩🏾🏫🍎✏️
Only Make Believe’s programming simply couldn’t function in schools without the wholehearted buy-in of teachers and support staff. The support of trusted adults is essential to building community between students and the OMB acting team.
Here’s what a staff member at @ps347asl in Manhattan told us about the experience of partnering with OMB: “I’m so glad it’s time for Only Make Believe! I get so excited when I hear the trunk rolling down the hall towards my classroom!” 🤟🏼
When we all work together, amazing things can happen!
📸: @mlojackso
#teacherappreciation #spedteacher #paraprofessional #dcps #artsinschool
OMB actors are masters of their craft. We join our facility partners in expressing amazement at their ability to create moments in the spotlight for children with diverse needs and abilities! 🌟
These are some of the hardest working folks in the biz. Actions that they complete with seeming ease (knowing the exact right way to engage a particular child, for example) are actually the result of extensive training and meticulous work.
The result is an environment where young people who are often sidelined are centered and celebrated! ✨
#powerofplay #nyps #artinschools #teacher #testimonial
Thank you to Kathleen Turner and @paceuniversity for inviting OMB to share our unique methodology for sensory-friendly theatre! 🎭
Earlier this month, the Only Make Believe team guided Pace University theatre students through a memorable afternoon exploring the world of interactive performance. Students were introduced to the concept of collaborative storytelling as a tool for physical and emotional regulation.
The day culminated in a series of original scenes devised by Pace students using the OMB framework. We’re grateful to these actors for bringing their inner child to play! ✨
#paceuniversity #kathleenturner #actingstudents #theatremajor #actingworkshop
We believe in make believe 📣!
There is no better way to end the week than with another unforgettable performance from the amazing team at @onlymakebelieve ✨
Our students lit up watching their imaginations come to life 🙌 and taking their creative play to new heights 😁.
We were also so honored to welcome some of Only Make Believe’s board members to GBS for the occasion. Already counting down to the next one! 🎭
#gillenbrewerschool #gbslowerschool #nycschools #specialeducation #school
As we near the end of Autism Acceptance Month, we’re looking back with gratitude on this celebration of community! ♾️🌈
Our thanks to the folks who came out for our events this month with @autisticadultsnyc and @dcautismparents . Folks with Autism make our world brighter! ✨
#autismacceptance #neurospicy #volunteerappreciation #autisticadultsnyc #dcautismparents
Thank you to all those who joined us last week for Backspin and Boogie! We had a blast engaging in some (friendly) ping-pong competition and getting down on the dance floor. 🏓🕺🏽
It’s all in support of OMB’s mission of bringing theatre to children in hospitals, care facilities, and special education programs. We are grateful! ✨
#event #nycevent #nonprofit #giveback #artsorganization
