Mission
Only Make Believe (OMB) creates interactive theatre with children in hospitals, special education schools, and care facilities. Inspiring joy and imagination, our professional actors engage children with medically fragile conditions and developmental disabilities, fostering social and emotional growth.
OMB is dedicated to the principle that engaging a child’s imagination is a vital part of learning and developing life skills. Our programming empowers children to explore their imagination, engage in critical thinking, and discover the fun-filled experience of expressing emotions through interactive theatre.
VALUES
Only Make Believe's work is guided and informed by our beliefs and commitments to:
• Inclusiveness - we respect all people, value diversity and are committed to equity.
• Quality - we value excellence, and strive for continuous improvement in artistic programming and in governance & operations
• Participation - we value and welcome the perspective of all organizations and communities in which we engage
• Openness - we are committed to a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and accountability
• Play – We embrace personal connections to foster an environment of creativity, fun and limitless possibilities
VISION
Our vision is to provide joy, inspiration, and empowerment to as many children with medically fragile conditions and disabilities as possible.
History
The Only Make Believe program debuted in October 1999 at Rusk Institute's Pediatric Unit, NYU Langone Medical Center, as a project of The James and Dena Hammerstein Foundation. Dena Hammerstein established Only Make Believe in memory of her husband James (son of theater legend Oscar Hammerstein), for his dedication to the theater and her own passionate love for children in need.
The concept of Only Make Believe developed out of Dena's desire to introduce children living with chronic illnesses and disabilities to the magical world of theater. Since trips to the theater proved to be too overwhelming for many of the children, Dena decided to bring the theater to them, helping to create a unique version of live theater in which each child plays an integral part in the production. With support and kindness from our supporters, Dena’s dream, in honor of her husband’s legacy, is now bringing live theatre to children in hospitals and care facilities in both New York and Washington D.C.
In 2019, Only Make Believe celebrated its 20th Anniversary having reached a total of 45 facilities/units in the New York metro area as well as 15 in and around Washington D.C. In all, more than 90,000 children have starred in over 5,000 shows.
In 2020, Founder Dena Hammerstein retired after more than two decades of service to the organization. Her heartfelt support leaves an indelible mark on the organization.
“It has been the utmost privilege to serve as Founder and OMB Board Member for the last 21 years.
My deepest gratitude to each and everyone who has supported our original mission of bringing joy and laughter to children in hospitals.
Thanks to you all, a dream became a reality - Do know I will always remember your commitment and devotion to the children, who shall remain in my heart forever. As Shakespeare so aptly wrote, "parting is such sweet sorrow..."
-Dena Hammerstein