NEW YORK - Because these children can't always easily get to the theatre, the theatre comes to them.

These are professional actors. And this is an original show created by the non-profit "Only Make Believe."   

The organization brings interactive theatre to children with disabilities in hospitals and schools.

"It's really nice that they're able to be comfortable, they can shout out, they can run "on stage" they can be part of the show - it's giving them space to be creative, use their imagination, in a way that they would maybe feel embarrassed or uncomfortable doing in a more typical format," said Lacy Karl, part of the team that brings these shows to life.

Karl has volunteered with "Only Make Believe" since 2009. Her background in fashion design is what first drew her in - she started creating costumes for the actors and children.

She didn't even have much interest in theatre at first, but 10 years later, and that's all changed.

"I wasn't the kid in acting class, or that wanted to be. Like I am terrified to be on stage, that sounds like not anything I would ever want to do," Karl said.

As one of "Only Make Believe's" most dedicated volunteers, Karl serves as a member of the junior board, helps create awareness for the organization, and plans fundraising events.

She's also a "buddy" - she travels to each performance site, working with the actors and helps the children feel comfortable and involved.

"Buddies like Lacy go into the shows with our actors and lend a helping hand and give a little bit of extra attention to kids in the back who maybe wouldn't get that. So volunteers are the backbone to our organization," said Cary Simpson, Development Manager of "Only Make Believe".

Karl says for her, it's all about making new friends - and giving these kids the opportunity to explore a world of "make believe." 

"I've had a kid come up to me at the end of a show and say "thank you for being my friend." And I was like - I didn't even realize that they felt connected to me in that way. When they said that it was like oh! It did make a difference that I sat nextto you," Karl said.

So, for helping these children have a shot in the spotlight, Lacy Karl is our New Yorker of the Week.