The Spotlight Series

Broadway Podcast Network
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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. With over two decades of heartwarming service in New York City, OMB has extended its reach nationwide, and host Patrick Oliver Jones is here to shed light on their incredible journey. Since 2010, Patrick has worn many hats within the organization over the years, having served as a volunteer, media consultant, gala assistant, and even a short time as a part-time staff member. And in each episode, he sits down with the remarkable individuals who drive and support OMB, from the dedicated staff and board members leading the charge to the talented actors who bring joy to children in hospitals and who perform in their annual galas. So join us for an intimate and behind-the-scenes glimpse into the profound impact that OMB makes in the lives of children and discover heartwarming stories and incredible moments that define this nonprofit's exceptional mission.

Episodios

  1. Stephanie Torns Brings Broadway to EPIC Players

    16/10/2024

    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.  Stephanie Torns is the perfect example of that. You might know her from her standout roles in the Broadway hits Wicked and Waitress, She's shown incredible dedication and stamina, bringing some of our favorite characters to life night after night. But Stephanie's impact goes way beyond just the stage. Recently, she’s taken on a new role with EPIC Players, a theater company with a heart – they’re all about empowering neurodivergent performers. Stephanie's now on the board of directors, helping bridge the Broadway community with EPIC, and fostering some incredible collaborations. For her, it’s more than just a professional role – it’s a personal mission. In today’s episode, we’ll dive into how Stephanie found her way to EPIC Players, why supporting the neurodivergent community is so close to her heart, and the joy she’s discovered in this inclusive space. Plus, we’ll chat about her time on Broadway, what it’s really like to play roles as intense as Elphaba, and how those experiences are shaping the work she's doing with EPIC. Donate to support EPIC’s paid employment initiatives and free programming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min
  2. Aubrie Therrien Shatters Stereotypes and Offers More Opportunity to Neurodivergent Actors

    09/10/2024

    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. This is exactly what EPIC Players is all about. Founded by Aubrie Therrien, who was named "New Yorker of the Week" in 2016 for her incredible work, EPIC Players is a neurodivergent theater company with a clear mission: to create professional opportunities for artists with disabilities and give them the tools and support they need to thrive. They're also tackling the stereotypes that often get in the way of access and opportunity. Earlier this year, EPIC put on a production of the Duncan Sheik musical Spring Awakening, and I actually did a special episode all about that show. If you missed it, you can listen to it here. Donate to support EPIC’s paid employment initiatives and free programming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min
  3. EPIC Players and Their Spring Awakening

    14/05/2024

    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. Their mission? To break down barriers and ensure that everyone has the chance to build a professional career in the arts. But EPIC isn't just about putting on productions – they’re leading a movement. Through their mainstage shows, musical cabarets, original works, and skills-based classes, they're changing the conversation about employment for people with developmental disabilities. In a world where only 32% of working-age individuals with disabilities have jobs, EPIC Players is working hard to change those numbers. The entertainment industry has its own set of challenges. Just 2% of characters are written as having disabilities, and 94% of those roles are still played by able-bodied or neurotypical actors. EPIC Players is on a mission to flip the script. Their hashtag, #changethestats, isn’t just a catchphrase – it’s a rallying cry for better representation. At its core, EPIC is about making sure neurodiverse communities have a platform to be seen and heard. With at least two professional productions each year on some of New York City’s most iconic stages – like The Flea, The Sheen Center, and HERE Arts Center – EPIC’s performances are celebrated for their authenticity and emotional depth. Their latest production, Spring Awakening, is a perfect example. With music by Duncan Sheik and eight Tony Awards to its name, this show explores the messy journey of adolescence – desire, insecurity, attraction, and everything in between. What makes EPIC's version so unique is that it’s brought to life by their neurodivergent performers, adding a whole new layer of depth and meaning. It’s not just a retelling; it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusive storytelling. And be sure to stay tuned for Season 2 of The Spotlight Series this fall, where we’ll be highlighting EPIC Players and the incredible work they’re doing on and off the stage. --- Music: "Divergence" by Filo Starquez is licensed under a Creative Commons License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/ https://hypeddit.com/filostarquez/divergence-1 Support by RFM - NCM: https://bit.ly/2xGHypM Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    19 min
  4. Highlights from the 2023 Only Make Believe Gala

    08/11/2023

    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. It allows these children which medically fragile conditions to truly be the star of the show. But one night each year is set aside to celebrate the work that they do as well as continue to raise funds for this wonderful organization in their annual gala. And this final episode of the season will take you onto the red carpet as I got to speak with some of the presenters, performers, and honorees: Justin Guarini Alicia Quarles Brooke Shields Brad Oscar Natasha Yvette Williams Alyssa May Gold Caesar Samayoa Ellen Adair A. J. Shively Melinda Doolittle J. Harrison Ghee Orpeh --- To learn more about Only Make Believe and how you can be a part of their mission to help children, please visit their website for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min
  5. Joe DiPietro, Playwright/Lyricist and Board Member with OMB

    01/11/2023

    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. For our sixth episode, I’m bringing you a conversation from my other podcast, Why I’ll Never Make It. Joe DiPietro is has been with OMB since its inception, serving on the board board of directors and has also been the director of that annual gala. Joe is certainly no stranger to theater, having been writing for the stage since 1991. His musicals and plays have received multiple awards and nominations on and off-Broadway, namely Memphis starring Montego Glover and the longest-running revue in New York history, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. In addition to his connection with Only Make Believe, we’ll talk about his first introduction to theater and then later on about his frist Broadway show All Shook Up. --- To learn more about the Only Make Believe gala and how you can be a part of their mission to help children, then please visit their website for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    22 min
  6. Maria Peyramaure, Bilingual Actress with Only Make Believe

    25/10/2023

    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. After years of establishing herself here, she eventually learned about Only make Believe and joined the acting company in 2018. We’ll talk about her work between theater and on-camera as well as get a behind the scenes look at interactive theater sessions at the various facilities and what it means to the children. --- To learn more about Only Make Believe and how you can be a part of their mission to help children, then please visit their website for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    30 min
  7. J. Harrison Ghee, Tony Award Winning Actor and Singer

    18/10/2023

    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. It was a fantastic production and J. definitely stole the show as Lola. We discuss that role as well as his award-winning turn in Some Like It Hot, and talk about the community that theater brings to all actors, especially those looking for a place to belong and be their best selves. --- To learn more about Only Make Believe and how you can be a part of their mission to help children, then please visit their website for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min
  8. David Shih, Actor and Voiceover Artist

    11/10/2023

    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. David has also performed off-Broadway in shows like KPOP (Ars Nova), Awake and Sing (The Public), and Somebody’s Daughter (2nd Stage). We’ll also get into his on-camera work in TV and film as well as what it takes to bring characters to life with just his voice and how that imagination is at play as an actor with Only Make Believe as well. --- To learn more about Only Make Believe and how you can support them and be a part of their mission to help children, then please visit their website for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    33 min
  9. Diego Prieto & Brad Oscar, an Actor and Board Member with Only Make Believe

    04/10/2023

    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. We talk about how it was the stage that brought them together, what led each of them to come to New York, and how OMB has affected both of their lives in profound ways. It’s a wonderful example of how imagination inspires us to not only better our own lives but the lives of those around us as well. --- To learn more about Only Make Believe and how you can support them and be a part of their mission to help children, then please visit their website for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min
  10. Tamela Aldridge, Executive Artistic Director of Only Make Believe

    27/09/2023

    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. Tamela went on to become OMB’s first regional director in Washington, DC. Now she heads up the entire organization with a spirit of empathy and energy that will continue to further the reach and growth of OMB for years to come. --- To learn more about Only Make Believe and how you can support them and be a part of their mission to help children, then please visit their website for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    50 min
  11. Welcome to The Spotlight Series Featuring Only Make Believe

    26/09/2023

    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. And in this first season of The Spotlight Series, we’ll be talking with those who work for and support this important organization that brings interactive theater to children. It was established by Dena Hammerstein back in 1999, in memory of her husband James, son of theater legend Oscar Hammerstein, for his dedication to the theater and her own passionate love for children in need. Well, in the 24 years since, they have brought professional actors to more than 45 facilities in New York City, as well as 15 in and around Washington, DC—where more than 90,000 children have starred in over 5000 shows. I’m Patrick Oliver Jones, a volunteer and supporter with Only Make Believe since 2010, and in this first season, you’ll hear from those on staff and some of the actors in the OMB company as well as some of the Tony-nominated performers at their annual gala on Broadway. With the help and contributions of the Broadway Podcast Network, my hope is that through The Spotlight Series you’ll learn more about these amazing children and discover the meaningful impact of Only Make Believe in their lives. Here is how you can help Only Make Believe as they bring the magic of theater to children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    3 min
  • 11 episodios

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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. With over two decades of heartwarming service in New York City, OMB has extended its reach nationwide, and host Patrick Oliver Jones is here to shed light on their incredible journey. Since 2010, Patrick has worn many hats within the organization over the years, having served as a volunteer, media consultant, gala assistant, and even a short time as a part-time staff member. And in each episode, he sits down with the remarkable individuals who drive and support OMB, from the dedicated staff and board members leading the charge to the talented actors who bring joy to children in hospitals and who perform in their annual galas. So join us for an intimate and behind-the-scenes glimpse into the profound impact that OMB makes in the lives of children and discover heartwarming stories and incredible moments that define this nonprofit's exceptional mission.

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