Book By: Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett
The Diary of Anne Frank is not simply a story about hiding; it is a story about living. Set within the cramped, hidden rooms of the Secret Annex during World War II, the play follows eight ordinary people forced into extraordinary circumstances. Cut off from the outside world and bound together by fear, they struggle with hunger, boredom, conflict, hope, and the quiet ache of waiting. Tempers flare. Friendships deepen. Laughter breaks through at unexpected moments. Life, in all its complexity, insists on continuing. At the heart of the story is Anne: a bright, curious, fiercely alive young girl who refuses to let the darkness around her extinguish her belief in people or her hunger for the world beyond the walls. Through her eyes, we witness not only the terror of persecution, but also the small joys that make survival possible: shared meals, whispered dreams, budding love, and the courage to imagine a future. This adaptation brings forward the tenderness, humor, and emotional truth of those years in hiding, reminding us that even in the most desperate times, humanity endures. The Diary of Anne Frank is ultimately a play about resilience, compassion, and the stubborn, necessary act of hope.
Audition Dates:
July 25th & 26thShow Dates:
October 16-18 and 23-25
Character Descriptions:
Anne Frank (Female, 13-15) - Vibrant, imaginative, talkative, and deeply introspective. Must be able to carry emotional arcs from childish curiosity to tragic maturity. As part of Anne’s emotional journey, the role includes a brief, innocent moment of staged intimacy that reflects adolescent affection rather than romance. This moment will be fully choreographed and rehearsed with clear boundaries and professionalism.
Otto Frank (Male, 40s-50s) - Anne’s father. Calm, wise, and quietly dignified. The moral center of the play.
Edith Frank (Female, 40s-50s) - Anne’s mother. Worn down by anxiety and longing. Gentle but stern, struggles to connect with Anne.
Margot Frank (Female, 16-18) - Anne’s older sister. Reserved, well-behaved, and dutiful. Acts as a foil to Anne’s emotional energy.
Peter Van Dann (Male, 15-18) - Shy, awkward, becomes Anne’s confidant and love interest. Develops confidence as the story progresses. The role includes a brief, innocent moment of staged intimacy that serves the story’s emotional truth. This moment will be fully choreographed and rehearsed with clear boundaries and professionalism.
Mr. Van Dann (Male, 40s-50s) - Grumpy and impatient. Finds pressure of confinement hard to bear. Vulnerable despite bravado.
Mrs. Van Dann (Female, 40s-50s) - Vain, flirtatious, and melodramatic. Both comic relief and tragically out of place.
Mr. Dussel (Male, 50s-60s) - A late arrival to the Annex. A fussy, finicky dentist who clashed with the Franks and Anne in particular.
Miep Gies (Female, 20s-30s) - The Frank family’s brave helper. Kind, resourceful, and deeply human.
Mr. Kraler (Male, 30s-50s) - A businessman helping the families. Nervous and cautious: a quiet hero.
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (GOODRICH, HACKETT) is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (www.dramatists.com)
Production Team
Director/Set Designer:
Meredith Gaines
Lighting Designer:
Kenneth Grenier
Sound Designer:
Travis Gaines
NOTES ABOUT AUDITIONS:
* Attend either day
* Please bring your calendar with you to note schedule conflicts!
* Please arrive between 12:30 and 1:00pm to fill out paperwork. Auditions start at 1:00pm SHARP
* No appointment necessary
* Wear clothes and shoes you can move in/are comfortable in
* No need to bring prepared material; readings from the script will be used.
NOTES ABOUT REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:
* Details TBA