GAAR-The Mirror "Diary of Anne Frank" play
Hello Friends and lovers of theater!
The Mirror Theater is proud to present "The Diary of Anne Frank" a play by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. GAAR/The Mirror first opened it's doors in 1989 when Geraldine Page was it's artist in residence. Today twenty two years later it is going strong. Brian Cox recently became Co-Artistic Director with Sabra Jones, after directing his play "Sinners" by Israeli playwright, Joshua Sobol, which starred Nicole Ansari and Arash Moktar. The Mirror take pride in choosing plays that not only entertain but educate it's audience. For instance, "Sinners" is a play that talks about a difficult subject, that of the stoning of women in Iran. After it's Vermont run it opened at the New Repertory Theater in Boston. It received rave reviews and transferred to London last year. The other success was "Miranda" by Bernard Pomerance (Elephant Man) which was work shopped as part of New Theater New Works and went on to have a full production in 2019 at the Highland Center for The Arts. "Miranda" spoke about the early relations between the Powhatan Nation and the early Colonialists. It received rave reviews and was recognized as the first play to feature Indigenous actors and Indigenous life back in Colonial times. "To Kill A Mockingbird" spoke about the system of apartheid that was in place in Alabama.
It's latest production, "The Diary of Anne Frank" is not only a time honored classic, but a testimonial of real events that took place. What is unique about it is it is written by Anne Frank, who was only thirteen year old. It is the only book written by a thirteen year old that has been a best seller for over fifty years. Books are like time capsules and helpful for future generations to receive hope and inspiration. At this precise moment, most of the world's children have experienced lockdown, due to a pandemic. In Anne's case she was in lock down because of Nazi occupation. The experience of lockdown remains largely the same, except for the need to remain silent. Most of New York banged pots and pans at the end of each day, which clearly never happened here. But nevertheless, the experience of putting your life on pause and having to make do with whatever you had in the house, is now a common experience. Also the experience of being cooped up with loved ones is also something we can relate to. Sabra Jones, Artistic Director of the Mirror workshopped this play a couple of years ago with some young actors that she knew. The reception to the workshop was very positive and a few board members committed to making the play a reality. Two years later it is coming back as a full production. This is coming at a time when all theaters have been dark for a year and most of the actors in the United States have forgotten what it is like to perform in front of a live audience. Also it comes at a time where the supply of the vaccines has made it possible for a lot of actors to resume their work on Broadway and Off Broadway, as per Equity's new edict. Based on recent edict from Equity, vaccinated actors can go back to work! So not a moment too soon! Of course we rely on the loyalty of our audiences over the years. We also appreciate that is an act of bravery to be in an audience too now, which is why we will do our best to stream the play in the Autumn as well for those who can't make it to the theater.
We are asking that those people who would like to watch the play in the autumn join our fundraising drive now, to allow us to have the resources to do this in the Autumn. Anyone who donates for this run will be included in our credits in the Autumn. Anyone who donates $50 will be listed as a friend of the Mirror and receive a Playbill program signed by the cast. Anyone who donates $100 will get listed as a member and have their name listed in the Playbill program. Anyone who donates $500 will be listed as a Honorary Member and get a pair of tickets for future performances. Anyone who donates $5000 will be invited to join the Producers Circle and membership of the Mirror Theater, invited to first night party and 10 tickets for any future productions . The Mirror members get to choose future plays. The Mirror Theater is a 501c3 there fore all donations are 100 percent tax deductible. We are all extremely grateful for any contribution. No contribution is too little.
We are also a theater that prides ourselves on being inclusive and keeping our doors open to new actors. So anyone who wants to submit headshots and reels please feel free to submit them to [email redacted]. I will try to bring you in for future auditions. Obviously the resume and reel must speak for itself!
Dear Friends and Theater Lovers,
I am writing to you to ask you to join us in our effort to help secure the funding for our upcoming production of "Diary of Anne Frank," by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. The play will be put on at the Townhouse in Hardwick, Vermont. This will be the first time in over a year that these actors have stepped foot on a stage. Sabra Jones who is the Artistic Director with Golden Globe winner, Brian Cox, will direct our latest production. It will be our first full production since Covid. Last year we did two Zoom play readings of Tony Award winning writer, Bernard Pomerance's plays: "Melons" and "Hands of Light." They reached over 100,000 people and raised some money for the Navajo community and Aware. Thank you to all of those who participated. We are eternally grateful for your generosity coming forward when the Navajo community needed it most.
"The Diary of Anne Frank" is well known as a book, but not known at all as a play. We are excited to be sharing this play with you and the world. Our plan is to stream it on September 1 and 2 for those who did not make it to Vermont and to commemorate the end of the war. It will be by donation only to help support our theater and allow it to continue.
For those of you who can't attend but want to donate $17 in memory of all those who lost their lives during the Holocaust please indicate that when you make the donation. For those who can donate $100, we will add you to our playbill in our "Friends of the Mirror Theater" list, which will be online and on paper on the days. Those who are able to donate $500 can become honorary members of the Mirror this year and receive early notification about upcoming productions, also submit audition tapes in advance of upcoming productions. For $1000 or more we will agree to a pair of tickets and invitation to any premieres we are hosting for upcoming plays.
For the first week of fundraising, Sabra Jones will also offer a 20 pack of private coaching to be used over 2022. Sabra has coached some extraordinary people such as: Mary Stuart Masterson, Steve Buscemi, Geraldine Page and many more. She was formerly married to John Strasberg and used to help run the Actors Studio. She recently coached Will Mossek, who is acting as Peter Van Dan,. He needed help with an audition for"Son of The South," which Sabra helped him to nail and get. Speaking as a Casting Director, I thoroughly recommend Sabra as a tutor for anyone considering taking their acting to the next level.
For any inquiries please reach out to [email redacted]
We hope to see many of you up at the Townhouse, Hardwick, Vermont, Aug 20-22nd, 2021.
A Heartfelt Thanks from The Mirror Theater. Stay safe!
Eve Pomerance, CSA
Casting Director/ Producer
Mirror Theater Mission:
As you know, Geraldine Page and Sabra Jones once created beauty on stage. Then many other luminaries have joined our ranks including Marla Shaffel, Kathryn Meisle and most recently Brian Cox, who is now the Co-Artistic Director. They have made it their mission to develop new talent in Vermont. The Mirror has been going strong since 1989!
You can make a difference by donating today to The Mirror Theater, Ltd..
The Mission Of The Mirror Theater, Ltd. Is To Present Plays Of All Genres Including New Ones In Alternating Repertory With Stars Of International Distinction. The Mission Also Involved Educational Activities Involving Teaching Of The Art Form. Teaching And Developing Play Structure And Presenting Under Our Umbrella Related Art Forms Such As Dance And Music. As A Program Of The Mirror Theater The Greensboro Arts Alliance Also Involves Regularly Gifted Amateur Actors And Artist In Our Programs As A Gesture Of Inclusivity.
