Hello Friend,

Our upcoming production of The Diary of Anne Frank has been well over a year in the making. I know the timing rather viscerally, with the marking of my daughter’s first year of life (she’s 11 months.)  I recall the “cover” for my surprise baby “sprinkle” at the office was a planning meeting for the surround programming and intersections of this production. From early in last season to now, we have had very curious, honest, challenging, soul-searching, and affirming discussions drawing on the insights and expertise of community members, faith-leaders, scholars, cultural directors, artists, and our own staff and company about identity, about representation, about inclusion, about exclusion, about intentional invitations, about the many possible points of entry to and points of departure from the contents of young Anne’s diary.

In this process, we wondered just how this persecuted 13-year old’s voice would resonate in our present moment. Through these intensive, and often ongoing conversations, we have learned about the needs and wishes of many neighbors and community partners. We have also learned more about ourselves and each other – the individuals on our staff, in our company, and on the team for Anne Frank­. In fact, two individuals, each grandchildren of Holocaust survivors, felt compelled to share their personal stories because of the nature of these conversations and our approach to this production. All of these conversations directly inform the shaping of this production. What we have learned has inspired the scope and content of our expanded surround programming as well.

We also recognize this is the beginning. We look forward to continuing these conversations and invite you to lend your voice in whatever way feels most meaningful to you throughout the run and beyond.    

Be well,

Marcie Bramucci,
Director of Community Investment

Residency Spotlight:
Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU)

Our second intensive residency with the Child and Career Development Center at CCIU just ended last month. Throughout December and January, we engaged several groups of students with a range of needs - over 60 students total, ages 6-16 - in a myriad of creative and social exercises. Interim Producer for Arts Discovery Programs Devon Laudenslager led each class through fun-filled, Panto-themed sessions, from group breathing exercises and warm-up games (practicing focus and eye contact) to recreating the story of Aladdin and making magic lamps!

From our residencies with the Pathway School and General Wayne Elementary, we know theatre can be a vehicle to teach social communication and other soft skills, and teachers involved with this residency saw the difference: one commented, "The students really lit up and were engaged in the lessons... it was great to see them be so creative." Another elaborated, "The program provided our special education students with hands on, sensory based opportunities to explore their own space while relating to a story and its characters. They were motivated to participate, and were engaged in every new activity presented.  Thank you for a truly meaningful experience!" The teachers also credited Devon's dynamic personality, which made it easy for the students to learn from the behavior that she modeled. We hope to return again next season.

Devon leads a group of eager students in our residency with CCIU this winter.