The Spotlight Series
The Spotlight Series delves into the inspiring world of Only Make Believe (OMB), a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing interactive theater to children's hospitals, special education schools, and care facilities
All Episodes
Stephanie Torns Brings Broadway to EPIC Players
We all love Broadway – the glitz, the glamour, the electric energy of those bright lights, and the jaw-dropping performances by some seriously talented people. But beyond all that sparkle, there's something more meaningful that connects us – the joy of witnessing authentic performances and seeing raw talent truly shine.
Aubrie Therrien Shatters Stereotypes and Offers More Opportunity to Neurodivergent Actors
In theater, balance is everything. From meeting the unique needs of performers to making sure mental health is a priority during rehearsals, the industry is always evolving. One of the biggest challenges is pushing back against the toxic idea of perfection and instead embracing the excitement of discovery.
EPIC Players and Their Spring Awakening
EPIC Players is redefining what inclusivity looks like in theater, creating a space where neurodivergent and disabled artists can truly shine. Since its founding in August 2016, this nonprofit has been all about Empower, Perform, Include, Create – staying true to the acronym in every sense.
Highlights from the 2023 Only Make Believe Gala
Throughout the year, week after week, the actors of Only Make Believe, along with the staff, create and perform interactive and engaging theater in children’s hospitals, special education schools, and care facilities.
Joe DiPietro, Playwright/Lyricist and Board Member with OMB
Only Make Believe started in New York City and has since opened an office Washington, DC with outreach in several other cities as well. And every November they have an all-star gala on Broadway to raise funds and awareness for the incredible work they do for children across the country.
Maria Peyramaure, Bilingual Actress with Only Make Believe
For our fifth episode, we will hear from Maria Peyramaure, a bilingual stage and screen actress and teaching artist. Growing up in Madrid, Spain and later on in Georgia, she eventually moved to New York City in 2005.
J. Harrison Ghee, Tony Award Winning Actor and Singer
For our fourth episode, we will hear from Tony Award winner J. Harrison Ghee. He will be performing at this year’s annual gala for Only Make Believe on November 6th. I first met and worked with J. in a production of Kinky Boots at The Muny in St. Louis.
David Shih, Actor and Voiceover Artist
For our third episode, we will hear from multi-talented actor and voiceover artist David Shih, who has been an actor and member of the Only Make Believe family since. He was most recently on Broadway with the amazing play Life of Pi, a visually stunning piece that was gone way too soon, in my humble opinion.
Diego Prieto & Brad Oscar, an Actor and Board Member with Only Make Believe
For our second episode, we will hear from theater husbands Diego Prieto and Brad Oscar. Diego is a long-time actor in the company and has brought theater to thousands of children, while Brad serves on the board of Only Make Believe and regularly performs in their annual galas.
Tamela Aldridge, Executive Artistic Director of Only Make Believe
In this first episode, we will hear from the Executive Artistic Director of Only Make Believe, Tamela Aldridge. She first started out as one of their actors, and she shares how theater has inspired her from a young age.
Welcome to The Spotlight Series Featuring Only Make Believe
The arts are not just important as a means of creativity and enjoyment, but they’re also a source of inspiration and at times even healing, and it is this guiding principle that led to the founding of Only Make Believe.
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