Only Make Believe

Over the last three weeks we've been working with the incredible interns at BroadFutures, Inc. to use theatre arts as a way to unlock professional and life skills. We've introduced participants to the core tenets of Only Make Believe, provided tools for coping with nerves, introduced improv as a way to sharpen active listening, engaged with the body and breath to create a grounding practice, built personalized mantras, and more. Interns who described themselves as "nervous," "drowning," and "anxious" on their first day with us reported during our final session that they felt "peaceful," "calm," and "focused." That's the Power of Play. Thank you for your incredible partnership, BroadFutures! #creativedrama #professionaldevelopment #theatreatwork #internship #inclusiveinternship #inclusionmatters

#NationalVolunteerMonth is right around the corner! How is your company giving back this year? Visit https://lnkd.in/eDZD_Kni to book a #CorporateVolunteer event with Only Make Believe! #CSR #SocialImpact #Volunteerism

In 2024 we gave a trial performance for students at Garfield Elementary School in DC. We were amazed to find that some of them already knew the theme song and remembered participating in our pandemic workshops several years before! We're delighted to now be reunited with these stars for a full cycle in their new and improved space. It's incredible to see how much they remember, even after all this time. That's the power of make believe! Thanks to Advisory Board Member and Garfield Special Education Teacher Megan Callahan for making this partnership happen. We love using our imaginations with these fantastic students! #dcpublicschools #artinschool #artmatters #inclusionmatters #sped #spedteacher

We’re honored to announce that we’ve received a grant from NYC Department of Cultural Affairs’ FY2025 Cultural Development Fund (CDF)! We’re proud to be among 1,078 organizations receiving over $59 million through the CDF (the largest ever city allocation for the program). This investment in our work will help us bring OMB shows to children in hospitals, care facilities, and special education settings across the five boroughs. #NYCulture #artsorganization #culturaldevelopment #artsmatter

Last month we had the pleasure of performing with the Bayonne Division of Recreation in Bayonne, NJ. What a stunning space and a warm welcome! Thanks to Pete Amadeo in Bayonne, and to Mary Kate Sharp from Children's Specialized Hospital, who connected us. We look forward to growing this partnership. #bayonnenj #communitypartner #artsnonprofit #artmatters #artmatters

Last week we were fortunate to gather with dear friends (old and new) in D.C. to share Only Make Believe's commitment to the power of play! Special thanks to Sarah Rosand, National Board Member and DC Regional Board Chair, for hosting this incredible evening. We were also joined by representatives from our partner facilities, including Children's National Hospital, who shared firsthand the positive impact of Only Make Believe on the children they serve. The work we do enables young people to engage with the world around them in a profound and unique way. This work has an impact that lasts a lifetime. The future of OMB is bright! We look forward to spreading the magic of make believe far and wide in 2025. #powerofplay #nonprofit #dcevent #dcboard #dcgivesback

Today is the United Nations’ International Day of Education, and we're reflecting on the incredible teachers and professional who have partnered with us to make magic with the children we serve. Our educator partners work with us to create opportunities for impactful learning with the young people we serve, and we're so grateful. Thank you for believing in make believe! #internationaldayofeducation #unitednations #artsineducation #educatorappreciation

“Our ignorance and discomfort around disability and disfigurement has to end now. We have to normalize it and continue to expose ourselves to it and our children, encourage acceptance.” - Sebastian Stan Thank you, Sebastian Stan, for using YOUR moment to advocate for the disabled and visibly different communities. More non disabled people talking about disability rights in 2025 please ????

We're growing our reach. Thanks to Bloomberg Philanthropies for supporting Only Make Believe through their #DigitalAccelerator, allowing us to improve our technology infrastructure so we can spread the magic of make believe to those who need it. #bloomberg #digitalaccelerator #bloombergtechfellow #grant #grantrecipient

Jude Law has been a longtime supporter of Only Make Believe, and we were overjoyed to welcome him at a show earlier this year. Here he is sharing his reflection on the experience. As Jude so eloquently states, OMB provides children with an opportunity to be fully themselves. Our performers strive to create moments for every child to feel seen and celebrated. That's the magic of make believe. #giveback #judelaw #artmatters #artsinschools