For Teachers

Educators from K-12 and higher-education are invited to engage with AFP programming throughout the academic year. 

Silhouette of a large tree with detailed branches and leaves, set against a black background.

The Anne Frank Project is a program of Buffalo State University.

“In an age where algorithmic digitized narratives saturate our screens, it is a breath of fresh air and powerful reminder to experience storytelling on a local, tangible, and accessible level. My students walked away from the Anne Frank Project empowered, energized, and believing above all else that, yes, their story matters.”

Elmwood Village Charter School Teacher

The Anne Frank Project provides compelling, courageous theatre productions for students, by students, dealing with today’s most pressing social and personal issues.

Our theatre performances are 100% written, created, and performed by Buffalo State University students. These plays focus on the most pressing issues facing young people today often ignored in traditional education environments: mental health, isolation, family dynamics, personal identity, depression, body image, and overcoming obstacles are examples of issues from recent plays. We tell stories about characters who wrestle with these conflicts and explore possible solutions during interactive workshops immediately following each performance.  

Our performances are supported by our Story-Based Learning curriculum, which engages participants in the theme of the play, practicing tools and vocabulary for community building, conflict management, and identity exploration. We believe positive social change only happens when people dare to stand up and tell their stories, like Anne Frank and her diary that has reached millions of people and has been translated into multiple languages.

Our plays have been toured to over 50 local schools, have been performed during Buffalo State University campus events, and have been seen by thousands of students, teachers, and community members.

While each play is unique, we introduce each one the same way: “You matter. Your story matters. We, the Anne Frank Project, are here to help you tell your story, because if you don’t, someone else will, and they’re going to get it wrong.”

A play performed for students by the Anne Frank Project
A play performed for students by the Anne Frank Project
A play performed for students by the Anne Frank Project
A play performed for students by the Anne Frank Project
A play performed for students by the Anne Frank Project
A play performed for students by the Anne Frank Project
A play performed for students by the Anne Frank Project
A play performed for students by the Anne Frank Project

PLAYS

The Anne Frank Project makes their original scripts available as tools for teachers to use in the classroom or for performances in their schools to empower student story-building.

All performances are developed and performed by students in the THA 470 Story Building course at SUNY Buffalo State University, taught by AFP faculty and staff. The course is a designated Civic and Community Engagement course. We are proud to partner with Buffalo State's Theater Department to teach students how to devise new plays and engage them in community-building efforts on and off campus.

Play Scripts

Testimonials

  • "Having this production and the process explained to students and the relevance to the performers makes everyone hang on every line. The presentation was moving and thought-provoking. All teachers and students particularly learn from the break out sessions with the students afterwards; allowing the audience to become part of the story."

    New Visions Education Pathways Academy Instructor

  • "It was amazing how engulfed the students were with the program. They couldn't keep their eyes off the actors. The interactive piece engaged each student. Students were able to openly and clearly explain what the performance conveyed"

    Geraldine Velez-Lopez, Assistant Principal
    Highgate Heights Elementary School #80

  • "The assertion that all our voices matter, and that the story of "us" is worth sharing with our school community and beyond, is a message that our children need to hear, see, and feel. Many of our children have untapped creativity and potential, and seeing young adults perform so dynamically on our stage may have inspired some of them to pursue a future in Theater or the Arts. Thank you for continuing to support our future leaders and for sharing such a worthy message with our children."

    Ella Dunne, Principal
    Riverside High School

  • "I love everything about the program, and it amazes me that each year the theme of the performance is spot on to the lives my students are living."

    School Counselor
    Harvey Austin School #97

  • "I love watching my students' faces for the 'A HA' moment when they see and feel the message. AFP gives my students the opportunity to not only share their stories but feel compassion and empathy for each other. That is a lesson that is not easily teachable but so amazing when you witness it!"

    School Counselor, Lovejoy Discovery
    (The Boy in Jaguar Play Tour)

DIVEDEEPER

The Anne Frank Project provides additional story-based learning opportunities for you and your students.

Holocaust survivor Sophia Veffer giving a presentation with the Anne Frank Project

SOPHIA’S LEGACY

Exposes working educators to the multiple lessons from the Holocaust and other Genocides and provides tools to bring these lessons into their schools and classrooms.

LEARN MORE >

Students at the Anne Frank Project Social Justice Festival

SOCIAL JUSTICE FESTIVAL

Three days of workshops, performances, and art that teaches tools and vocabulary to improve the world. Free and open to the community.

LEARN MORE >

Teachers taking part in the social justice fellows program through the Anne Frank Project

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional development in the Anne Frank Project’s Story-Based Learning curriculum that shows how to apply the practice in lessons and classroom culture.

LEARN MORE >