Only Make Believe Celebrity Supporters & Events

Bringing theater to children in hospitals and long term care facilities throughout New York City.

Only Make Believe is a project of The James and Dena Hammerstein Foundation. Dena Hammerstein established Only Make Believe in memory of her husband James (son of Oscar Hammerstein), 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.