'Only Make Believe' brings theater to Bronx children

A nonprofit organization is bringing theater to children around the city who might have a hard time getting to a Broadway show.

News 12 Staff

Sep 11, 2019, 11:38 AM

Updated 1,696 days ago

Share:

A nonprofit organization is bringing theater to children around the city who might have a hard time getting to a Broadway show.
For six weeks, the Only Make Believe program will be with children at the Henry Ittleson Center in Riverdale.

The children involved may have disabilities or a chronic illness, but organizers say when they enter the land of Only Make Believe, they are whoever they want to be.

“Not seeing their illness, their disability. They just need you to see them,” says Tamela Aldridge, Only Make Believe executive director.

Three instructors will be with the children each step of the way, engaging them on this journey.

"I can see the recognition in their eyes in the moments we're with them, and that’s the most powerful thing; I've seen how storytelling can help someone heal. Because they're forgetting their particular challenge or struggle," says Craig Anthony Bannister, an Only Make Believe actor for the last 13 years.

In the coming weeks, the children will be on a journey experiencing original storylines and characters.

"We believe that engaging the imagination is vital to healing because it promotes positive energy outlook and actually gives you tools that you can use for when you're having those difficult days," says Aldridge.
Ending their first week, reaching up to grab a big star, mushing it together and tucking it into their hearts for next week and whenever they need it.


More from News 12
1:46
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

1:44
Temps below average for the weekend with possible showers

Temps below average for the weekend with possible showers

0:20
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:58
Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

1:56
JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

2:39
Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

0:20
Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

0:25
Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

2:19
Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

0:19
Man wanted for stealing package worth $6,000 from East Northport home

Man wanted for stealing package worth $6,000 from East Northport home

0:59
New York to raise minimum award for tuition assistance program, expand eligibility

New York to raise minimum award for tuition assistance program, expand eligibility

1:44
The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

2:11
Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

9 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

9 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

0:35
Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:22
Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts