Conejo Players Newsletter

June 2014

Upcoming Auditions

Coming Up in 2014

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The Conejo Players proudly announces auditions for

Directed by Rachael Weinberg Pugh
Produced by Patrick Rogers

AUDITION DATES & TIMES:

July 6, 7, & 8
Sunday, Monday, & Tuesday at 7:00 PM

AUDITION LOCATION:

The Conejo Players Theatre

351 South Moorpark Road

Thousand Oaks, CA 91361-1008

PERFORMANCE DATES:

August 29th through September 20th

Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays at 8:00 PM

Sundays at 2:00 PM

No conflicts accepted for Performance Dates

or the week before Opening

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

Please be prepared to read from the script. Audition sides will be provided. Please bring a list of any possible rehearsal conflicts. Any conflicts must be discussed and approved with the Director before casting decisions are made. No performance conflicts will be accepted. ALL ROLES OPEN. No appointment necessary. Open Call Auditions. There is NO PAY.

PLOT SUMMARY:

The Diary of Anne Frank is the dramatic true story of eight peoples' time in hiding in Amsterdam during World War II, as told through the eyes and words of the eloquent and buoyant Anne. The play begins the morning the Franks go into hiding and it chronicles the next two years' events in the tiny annex. Through the journey taken by these people, we experience hope, despair, and everything in between. It is a story of humanity -- the best, and the worst...

Visit www.conejoplayers.org for more details.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Email your questions to the producer, Patrick Rogers, at yonkersboy@aol.com or call (805) 795-3266

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

ANNE FRANK: (13-15)

Anne is extraordinary in her hope, passion, and belief in the good in the world. At the start of the show she is innocent, precocious, and does not hesitate to speak her mind. As she matures through her time in hiding, she becomes introspective, compassionate, and -- ultimately -- eager and hopeful for a more accepting future for everyone. She does not feel close to her mother, but idolizes her father. She is compelled to write, documenting every moment and feeling experienced in the annex.

OTTO FRANK: (50-55)

Anne's father; very much the patriarch of the Annex. He leads with love and strength in all he does. Unlike young Anne, Otto is even tempered and strives for peace in every situation. At 53 years old, he has the resilience of a younger man but the experience to recognize the reality of the world around him.

EDITH FRANK: (40-45)

Anne's mother; reserved and soft-spoken. Constantly worried about her family and their fate. Closer with her older daughter, Margot, she longs for a deeper connection with Anne. Although quiet, she has a bit of Anne's fortitude and -- when pushed -- will make her mind known.

MARGOT FRANK: (16-18)

Anne's older sister; quiet like her mother. More mature and intellectual than her sister. Margot feels alone and unsure of her place in the annex. She is reserved and respectful of others. Very close with her mother -- and although they are opposites, she loves and admires her little sister. She longs for a deeper connections to others, but does not know how to achieve them.

MR. VAN DAAN: (40-50)

The head of the Van Daans. Struggling to find his place as "second in command," he is intelligent and pragmatic -- if a bit harsh. He wishes to make his wife happy (but on his terms), and wants to teach his son to be more outgoing and to toughen him up during their time in the annex. He's grateful to Otto for welcoming his family into the Annex without question.

MRS. VAN DAAN: (40-50)

Not ready to give up her lifestyle, Mrs. Van Daan tries to view the annex as simply a new locale, rather than a necessity for survival. She can be a flirt and Anne even goes so far as to call her frivolous. She clings to her fur coast like one clings to their very identity. She hides her fear of the unknown by worrying about trite things such as Anne and Peter's growing friendship -- of which she is jealous.

PETER VAN DAAN: (16-18)

The Van Daans' only son. At the beginning of the play, he is annoyed with Anne -- but later confesses to admiring her spirit. They become good friends during their time in hiding. He is trying to find his place -- not only in the annex, but in the world; he's not sure of who he will become or if he will be given the chance to find out. He has a good heart and is protective of those he loves.

MIEP GIES: (30-35)

A kind, Dutch secretary from the office of Otto Frank. She helps hide the Franks, Van Daans, and Mr. Dussel. Miep is their connection to the outside world as she keeps them informed and stocked with food, books, and the occasional treat. She is kind and worried but determined to protect them. It is Miep who would find Anne's diary and save it until after the war, delivering it to Otto upon his return.

MR. KRALER: (40-45)

Otto Frank's business partner. He helps to hide the members of the annex. Like Miep, he never questions his obligations to the Franks and to doing what is right. A dignified man, he is at a loss for the world around him.

MR. DUSSEL: (50-55)

A fussy dentist. He is the only one in the annex without family, having left behind his live-in girlfriend who is Christian. More than anyone in the annex, he puts himself first at every turn. He has little patience for his roommate, Anne, and is skeptical of everyone's future.

NAZI OFFICER and Two DUTCH COLLABORATORS:

(Male, any age)

Although these three men do not come in until the end of the show, they are exceedingly important roles. The men who play these parts will be given a very flexible rehearsal schedule, but time will be spent on character development and scene breakdowns.

To promote education in the Conejo Valley, Conejo Players Theatre is offering a number of workshops for those interested in learning about music, set design, sound, and several other theatrical topics. We look forward to seeing you at a workshop in the future!

At The Conejo Players, we present our workshops for a very low, non-refundable registration fee of $5 per workshop. Workshops vary in age ranges, so please check the requirements for each class prior to registration.

Improv Workshop with Jeremy Zeller

July 12th from 1pm to 4pm

Experience the power of play, and the fun of improvisational comedy, in a fun and safe environment with Conejo Players Theatre's new Improv courses, taught by Clean Up Comedy actor (and CPT Board member) Jeremy Zeller. This workshop is a complete beginner's training program, providing students with a strong foundation in improvisation that promotes creativity and personal growth. Jeremy has toured the country as part of Clean Up Comedy, a local comedy troupe specializing in family-friendly improv and sketch comedy. You will learn how improv can help you on stage (and off!); come out of your shell; think on your feet; and be more creative. Sign up today!

NOTE: This workshop is for ages 15 and up.

Set Design Workshop with John Eslick

July 26th from 10am to 3pm

A well thought-out set design can enhance the storytelling of the theatrical production -- whether it's a bare stage, a simple three-wall room, or an elaborate multi-section spectacular. This class will go over the process of how to make a set unique and practical to each show. We'll also cover types of materials, budgeting, and scheduling, among many other things. Best of all, you'll learn how to have fun and be creative!

NOTE: This workshop is for ages 16 and up.

Stay tuned for additional workshops to be announced! Want to see a particular workshop in the future? Email workshops@conejoplayers.org and let us know.

(click anywhere on the invitation to purchase your tickets)

Conejo Players Theatre Donations

The Conejo Players Theatre welcomes donations of any size. Conejo Players, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit tax exempt public benefit organization so your contribution is 100% tax deductible. Please consider making a donation at this time. Thank you very much for your patronage and support!

The Conejo Players

351 S. Moorpark Road

Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

(805) 495-3715