Then and Now was a research-based playmaking project in which students interviewed elders and transformed oral histories into scenes, monologues, digital storybooks, and portraits. Guided by a professional playwright and teaching artist, Anel Carmona, students developed skills in theme identification, scriptwriting, acting, basic directing, and peer critique. Collaboration with the art department culminated in a multimedia digital storybook that wove together writing, imagery, and photography, honoring the cultural narratives of JKO families. A culminating celebration united the JKO community in an intergenerational sharing of stories and artistic work.

The program was supported by the NYC Public Schools Arts Office Arts Partnership Grant, expanding access to arts learning for students with disabilities, English as a New Language learners, and general education students, with additional partnership support from Roundabout Theatre Company Education.