In this episode, we sit down with Tamela Aldridge, Executive Director of Only Make Believe (OMB) — a nonprofit bringing interactive theater to children in hospitals, care facilities, and special education programs.
Tamela shares how OMB sparks joy, restores autonomy, and builds social-emotional skills for children who often have little control over their circumstances. From the resilience shown during COVID-19, when OMB pivoted to reach hospitals nationwide, to the way performances uplift not just kids but families and medical staff, her stories highlight the transformative power of theater in healthcare.
Key takeaways:
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Theater can give children agency and choice in settings where control is scarce.
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Laughter and imagination become vital tools for healing and resilience.
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Interactive performances create ripples of impact — reaching parents, teachers, and even healthcare providers.
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OMB is expanding beyond NYC and DC, with ambitions to grow across the U.S. and globally.
🎥 Watch now to see how narrative and imagination are reshaping care for children and communities. https://youtu.be/whwhPPNVDrQ
