A Spring of Mind the Gap Readings & Reunions

NYTW’s intergenerational theatre program, Mind the Gap, has been connecting teens and elders through the power of storytelling for over sixteen years. Over the course of several weeks, participants interview one another in intergenerational conversations, getting to hear stories from each other’s lives, as well as their dreams, fears, and ways of seeing the world. From these exchanges, each participant writes a short play inspired by what they learn from their partner, and these plays are performed by professional actors on a day of public readings.

In March, the audience watching the twelve plays created by this year’s Winter-Spring 2026 cohort experienced a wave of emotions. The intentional, precise writing of each participant seamlessly moved viewers from light-hearted humor to thought-provoking reflection, from laughter to tears. Each play felt like an iceberg—clearly beneath the surface of the dialogue sat the hours of meaningful conversations between each intergenerational pair.

By completing the program, the participants now join a group of over 400 alumni who have experienced the program across its almost two-decade-long history.

The group at the 2026 reunion, representing 14 years of MTG history

And just a couple months after their program concluded, these Mind the Gappers joined their fellow alumni for a Mind the Gap Reunion this May. Once a season, NYTW Education & Engagement hosts an event for Mind the Gap alumni to reconnect, then see a show at the Workshop. This year, the group gathered for a potluck before seeing The Unexpected 3rd, a fitting selection given the show’s reflection about aging and life.

Alumni in attendance represented fourteen years of Mind the Gap history, with a handful of participants from the most recent cohort this spring, as well as a teen alumnus (now in her thirties!) from 2012, the third year of the program. The group shared their favorite Mind the Gap memories, discussed how their different generations are perceived, and participated in intergenerational interviews about impactful, unforgettable moments in their lives.

Catalina Guzman-Charleston (right) in conversation with Kathryn Grody

After a few more bites and conversations, the group headed over to NYTW to see the play. Following the performance, teen Catalina Guzman-Charleston—an alumnus of this Spring’s cohort of Mind the Gap, as well as three-time participant in our Youth Artistic Instigators program—moderated a talkback following the show. Catalina and writer/performer Kathryn Grody shared the stage, discussing Kathryn’s inspirations to create this piece and the play’s message.

The connections and joy that have come from this season of Mind the Gap readings and gatherings will only continue to deepen into the future, as the community grows and thrives each year.

If you’re interested in participating in the magic of Mind the Gap, or know someone who might be a good fit for the program, applications are now open until May 29th at 5pm ET for our Summer 2026 cohort. More information can be found here.

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Categories: 2025/26 Season, Education, and Mind The Gap. Tags: Education, Marty Chandler, Mind The Gap, and The Unexpected 3rd.