OPEN READERS' THEATRE AUDITIONS: The Diary of Anne Frank

The Diary of Anne Frank

By Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett

Directed by Tate Haywood and Dominic Botta

Open Auditions: June 1 & 2

Rehearsal Timeframe: June

Evening Performances (7:00pm): June 27 & 28

Content Label: Anti-Semitism, discussions of death and Nazism, mild language  

This theatre is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to creating a welcoming place for actors of all backgrounds to explore their craft. We are eager to work with artists of color and other artists from marginalized communities. All auditions are free and open to the public. This audition is for an amateur, volunteer production. Theatre staff and volunteers do not discriminate on the basis of age, national origin, race, gender, ethnic background, ability, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or any protected class.

Auditions will be held in person. Auditions are only open to actors who are 18 and up.

These auditions are for a Readers’ Theatre show, performed with scripts in hand. No memorization is necessary. This is an amateur, unpaid performance opportunity.

SHOW SYNOPSIS

Few more poignant true stories emerged from World War II than the diary of young Anne Frank. Adapted by Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich, this eternally moving production shows in harrowing detail the twenty-five months that two Jewish families spent hiding from the Gestapo in an Amsterdam warehouse.

FROM THE DIRECTOR Tate Haywood & Dominic Botta

The story of Anne Frank is a compelling tale and I'm excited to be a part of giving audiences and actors a chance to explore this story through the lens of the world today. In the adaptation of her diary, Anne Frank speaks of many things easily relatable to us in the modern world. Relationships. Family. Growth. Living in hiding and fear from the Nazis during World War Two. I truly hope that this show can bring not only a fresh perspective on learning to be yourself under horrible conditions but also offer a provocative experience reflecting on how history can always repeat itself. Thank you! - Dominic Botta

I choose to take The Diary of Anne Frank in the form of Readers' Theatre because I want the audience to not be districted by large sets, costumes and props but be drawn into the words being said and the things being portrayed on stage. By doing this show in a small intimate setting I want not just the audience but the actors to really focus on the language, the words of the story, and how the characters and relationships develop throughout the show. - Tate Haywood 

PREPARATION NOTES

The audition will consist of cold readings from the script and theater games. No need to prepre anything 

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

All characters do not have a specific race or ethnic background; we're excited to see a diverse pool of actors audition for all roles. Ages listed are the approximate ages of the characters themselves. We invite actors 18 and up to audition for any role.ee

ANNE FRANK

Character Age: 13-16

Character Race: Any

Character Ethnicity: Any

Desired Actor Gender: Female-presenting.

Ability/movement/intimacy: On stage almost the whole show, Heavy amounts of speaking and movement. Stands on acting blocks and gets down on the floor. Has romantic scenes with the actor playing Peter.

Character: A young, bright, loud, fun-loving young girl, The play is all from her perspective. She remains optimistic throughout the months they are in hiding. Not only does she have to struggle with living in the annex, she deals with everything that comes with being a young girl.

MARGOT FRANK 

Character Age: 15-18

Character Race: Any

Character Ethnicity: Any

Desired Actor Gender: Female-presenting.

Ability/movement/intimacy: on stage a fair amount, stands, sits and walks. Will possibly have to help move props and small set pieces. 

Character: Quiet, timid and intelligent, struggles with the fact she is one of the reasons the family has gone into hiding. Throughout the show she goes from being a young teen to a young woman. 

OTTO FRANK 

Character Age: 30-60

Character Race: Any

Character Ethnicity: Any

Desired Actor Gender: Male-presenting 

Ability/movement/intimacy: On stage much of the show, stands, sits, walks. Will possibly have to carry small props. Has romantic moments with the actor playing Edith 

Character: Anne and Margot's father, and husband to Edith Frank. leader responsible for organizing life in the annex. Loyal, attentive, decision-maker, supports Anne’s ambitions. 

EDITH FRANK

Character Age: 30-60

Character Race: Any

Character Ethnicity: Any

Desired Actor Gender: Female-presenting 

Ability/movement/intimacy: On stage much of the show, Stands sits and walks, may have to run/speed walk. Has romantic moments with the actor playing frank

Character: The mother of Anne and Margot, and wife of Otto. She is sentimental and critical of Anne. She is reserved and traditional, She follows religious tradition. In act two she becomes fiercely protective

PETER VAN DAAN 

Character Age: 17-19

Character Race: Any

Character Ethnicity: Any

Desired Actor Gender: Male-presenting 

Ability/movement/intimacy: On stage much of the show, Stands, sits walks and possibly climbing on chairs/acting blocks. Has romantic scenes with the actor playing Anne.

Character: The son of Mr. and Mrs. van Daan. He's withdrawn,shy, and funny. He's attached to his cat Mouschi. Grows from introverted to an older boy who quite enjoys the company of the two girls. 

MRS VAN DAAN 

Character Age: 30-60

Character Race: Any

Character Ethnicity: Any

Desired Actor Gender: Female-presenting 

Ability/movement/intimacy: On stage much of the show, Stands, sits walks and possibly runs. Has romantic moments with the actor playing Mr. van Daan

Character: The wife of Mr. van Daan and mother of Peter. Loud, egotistical, bossy and sees herself as the “queen bee” of the annex. Sometimes depressed, manipulative and a flirt. 

MR VAN DAAN 

Character Age: 30-60

Character Race: Any

Character Ethnicity: Any

Desired Actor Gender: Male-presenting 

Ability/movement/intimacy: On stage much of the show, Stands, sits walks and possibly runs. Has romantic moments with the actor playing Mrs. van Daan

Character: The husband of Mrs. van Daan and father of Peter. Selfish, ungrateful and superficial. Critical of his son, and withdrawn from everyone. He causes the great fight of the annex 

DUSSEL

Character Age: 40-60

Character Race: Any

Character Ethnicity: Any

Desired Actor Gender: Male-presenting 

Ability/movement/intimacy: stands, sits, and walks. Possibly carries small props and helps move set pieces

Character: Old-fashioned dentist, horrified by the way Anne behaves, Who has not come to terms with the situation. Easily angered, whiny and a perfectionist 

MEIP/VOICE OF NAZI

Character Age: 25-40

Character Race: Any

Character Ethnicity: Any

Desired Actor Gender: Female-presenting 

Ability/movement/intimacy: stands, sits, and walks. Possibly carries small props and helps move set pieces, She is mentioned to be pregnant at the top of the show. 

Character: Employed by Mr. Frank and trusted to bring the families in the annex things from the outside world. Tried to keep everyone's spirits high 

MR KRALER/VOICE OF NAZI

Character Age: 35-45

Character Race: Any

Character Ethnicity: Any

Desired Actor Gender: Male-presenting 

Ability/movement/intimacy: stands, sits, and walks. Possibly carries small props and helps move set pieces.

Character: An employee of Mr. Frank's company, Helps Miep with bringing food and supplies, Trusted, sympathetic, kind-hearted and honest. Runs in company in Mr. Frank's name.