For one unforgettable morning, the sidewalk outside Rose State College’s Fine Arts Building became a Hollywood-style premiere as students, faculty, staff, and deadCenter Education employees gathered to welcome Allison on her Wish Day. Holding signs, they cheered as Allison and her family exited the limousine because today was a special day. It was Wish Day.
Allison dreams of becoming an actress, and she wished to appear in a movie. The Make-A-Wish Oklahoma chapter learned that deadCenter Education was filming a short film at Rose State.
Executive Director of deadCenter Film, Amy Janes, stated, “Welcoming Allison to our deadCenter University film camp at Rose State was an incredible honor. Watching her step onto the set and fulfill her dream of becoming an actor was deeply meaningful to everyone involved. Her joy and enthusiasm inspired our students and crew, and we are grateful to Make-A-Wish for allowing us to help bring this special dream to life. Allison will always be part of the deadCenter family.”
deadCenter Education and RSC Film Studies hosted a weeklong film camp for high school students, during which participants created a short film. A crew of professional filmmakers taught the students every aspect of movie production.
The campers and staff eagerly welcomed Allison to the set on the second day of camp.
After Allison walked the red carpet and posed for photos, the crew whisked her away for hair and makeup. The makeup artist styled her hair and makeup before the crew took her to the set in the Humanities Building.
Allison filmed with the crew for a few hours, learning all aspects of moviemaking and experiencing what it is like to perform in front of a camera. She delivered a few lines alongside the main character in the short film.
Director of Education + Outreach at deadCenter Film, Victor Caballero, stated, “Watching Allison step onto a film set, become a character, and experience the magic of filmmaking reminded all of us why we do this work. We didn’t just make a short film; we helped create a memory that will last a lifetime. We’re incredibly grateful to Make-A-Wish for trusting us with such a meaningful opportunity and to Rose State College for helping bring it to life. It was an honor for deadCenter Film to play a small part in Allison’s journey, and it’s a moment our team will never forget.”
Rose State College Film Studies and Digital Media Adjunct Professor, John Marshall, stated, “Last week, Allison starred in a special cameo for Dead Center University’s film camp hosted by Rose State College Film Studies and Digital Media department, bringing joy to a short film created by 18 high school students and 12 professional filmmakers. While learning the entire filmmaking process from directing to editing, the students worked on a 5-minute story about an older Hispanic man returning to college, seamlessly incorporating Allison’s Make-A-Wish cameo into one of the key classroom scenes. The project concluded with a surprise ending that truly brought the entire story together, making it an especially rewarding experience for everyone involved.”
According to Make-A-Wish President and CEO Deborah McAuliffe Senner, “Our mission states, together we grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illness, and Ali’s wish last week on the Rose State campus was no exception. Every wish is beautiful, but when the community comes together to be a part of the wish, it makes it even more special and memorable for the child and the family.”
Make A Wish Oklahoma Wish Coordinator, Daisha Broom, stated, “Our Wish Kid and aspiring actress Ali had the opportunity to step into the spotlight and experience the magic of the entertainment world firsthand through the power of her wish! Throughout her wish experience, she enjoyed meeting the crew of a short film, making unforgettable memories on set, delivering a line in a scene with the protagonist of the film, and being surrounded by an incredibly kind and supportive community. We wish to thank our friends at Rose State and the wonderful team at deadCenter University who helped bring her dream to life, coming together to make her feel like a true star from the red carpet to the set. Though Ali is shy, her passion, talent, and enthusiasm shined every moment during her wish! And after seeing her in action and the connections she made through this wish, we have a feeling this won’t be the last time she steals the show. Keep an eye out— you’ll have a chance to see Ali on the big screen in June 2027 at deadCenter University’s film festival!”