Anne Frank Acting Assignment

Grade 8 English

The Diary of Anne Frank

Acting Assignment

In a group of your choice, you get to perform a scene from the play The Diary of Anne Frank.

Step One: Form a group. Maximum group size: 6 (and that’s almost too many)

Step Two: Choose a scene or section to perform.

Try to give each person at least 15 lines (but that’s an average; some will have more, some less). A “line” is a turn spent speaking, no matter how many sentences it is.

The group you choose will determine your scene…or the scene you choose will determine your group.

There is not way to make sharing the lines exactly fair. Some people will have less memorizing and speaking to do; some people will have more. USE YOUR GROUP MEMBERS’ STRENGTHS when choosing what to perform.

You can change male characters into female, or female into male, but boys may not dress up as girls, or vice-versa. You can also combine some parts, or cut small lines. See me for suggestions about how to make a scene come out right for your group.

Some suggested scenes from the play that would make good performances:

In Act 1, Scene 2: Anne and Peter Remove Their Yellow Stars

Anne, Peter

In Act 1, Scene 3: After Anne Spills the Milk

Anne, Margot, Mrs. Frank

In Act 1, Scene 3: Anne Shows Mr. Dussel His Room

Anne, Mr. Dussel

In Act 1, Scene 4: Anne Has a Nightmare

Mrs. Frank, Anne, Mr. Frank, Margot

In Act 2, Scene 1: Anne and Peter Grow Closer

Anne, Peter

In Act 2, Scene 2: Anne and Peter Have a Date

Anne, Peter

In Act 1, Scene 3: Mrs. Quack Quack

Anne, Peter, Mrs. Van Daan, Mrs. Frank, Mr. Frank

Step Three: Fill out a Planning Form (opposite side). Hand one copy in to me.

Step Four: Rehearse in your seats, reading and planning. MEMORIZE YOUR LINES!

Step Five: Rehearse out of your seats, practicing movement.

I’ll give you some time and space in class for this.

Step Six: Perform on the day you are assigned.

You’ll be graded on: Seriousness of purpose Line memorization

Props/costumes Use of rehearsal time

Line delivery

(This does not mean acting skill, but it does mean saying your lines with correct emphasis and understanding.)

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Grade 8 English The Diary of Anne Frank

Acting Scenes

(Write one neat copy for me. Everyone else take notes on their copies for yourselves.)

We are performing this scene:__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

(Write the Act #, Scene #, your starting point, and ending point.

Example: Act 1, Scene 3, from Anne: You’re going to share your room with me to Anne: Thank you, Mr. Dussel)

Our Group Members:

_____________________ …will perform this part… _____________________

Read your scene carefully!

We will need these props (next to each one, put the name of the person who’ll bring it):

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

Remember also to plan your costumes; discuss where you’ll find the right clothes. You do not have to dress like authentic 1940’s Holland…but you should try. No GAP sweatshirts, red Nike shoes, etc.

Now, be determined to get SERIOUS about your scene.

Turn in one copy of this paper to me, and then begin reading your scene around your table. As you read:

gradually teach yourself to say the lines well
discuss ideas that occur to you about how you will act the scene
start trying to memorize your lines; it’s never too soon