NFP: 576017985
- Project Name: Performance Education: Virtual Performances Immersing Students in History
- Status: new grant
- Project Dates, locations, and number of participants: AFC USC implemented 6 of the promised 5 performances as the opportunity for an additional performance presented and AFC delivered.
Performances of “Conversations with Anne” (4)
- Venue: Anne Frank Center Summer Camp, Columbia, SC
Date: June 29, 2023
Number of virtual participants: 14
- Venue: Pine Grove YMCA Summer Camp, Columbia, SC
Date: July 17, 2023
Number of virtual participants: 17
- & 4.
Venue: Brennen YMCA Summer Camp, Columbia, SC
Date: July 20, 2023
Number of virtual participants: 40 (2 performances)
Performances of Letters from Anne and Martin (2)
- Venue: Richland County Library, Columbia, SC
Date: July 30, 2023
Number of virtual participants: 18
- Venue: AC Flora High School, Columbia, SC
Date: October 30, 2023
Number of virtual participants: 18
- Total Number of Participants/Audience: 107
- Describe any changes from your original proposal:
There were no changes from the original proposal in terms of format or program. However, AFC had the opportunity to implement an additional virtual performance, for a total of six virtual performances. Through the generosity of the Puffin West Foundation, AFC USC was able to bring these two unique and impactful virtual performances to groups of students that would not otherwise have had the opportunity to experience an educational art event such as these.
- Program Outcome and Challenges:
We base the success of our programs on audience participation and questions during our post-show Q&A sessions, as well as comments received on feedback cards that we ask audiences to fill out after the show. In a virtual space, we cannot hand out physical cards for feedback, but as we did in 2022, we adapted by having staff and students complete a Google Form following the performance. Where possible, we encouraged students in classrooms and at home to turn on their cameras and microphones after each performance so the actors and Anne Frank educators could interact face to face.
Performing virtually continues to be a challenge. We continued to incorporate a live element at the end of virtual performances where the actor playing Anne joined the students live over Zoom in character. We further took advantage of the virtual realm by having the actor playing Anne guide the students through a virtual tour of the Secret Annex as Anne.
AFC provided virtual audiences with support materials before viewing “Letters from Anne and Martin,” including the Reader’s Companion for the Diary, June 20, 1942 entry, A Call for Unity, and videos on Anne Frank and Dr. King. This practice has led to a more informed Q&A session after the performance which was an intended programmatic outcome.
Another challenge this year was the reduced number of requests for virtual performances. As the post-COVID world began transitioning back to in-person performances, fewer organizations were interested in virtual performances and fewer students attended each virtual performances now that in-person performances are back to pre-COVID levels. However, targeting underserved students made it easier to organize virtual performances since their associated organizations often lack funds to host in-person performances.
- Share a brief story of how this made an impact on your target audience:
The examples below show our impact at some of the performance sites:
Summer Program at the Anne Frank Center, Columbia, SC – “Conversations with Anne” June 29, 2023
“I think it helped the students better understand the tone and setting; the students were 6th-9th grade English Language Learners and underserved students.”
YMCA South Carolina – “Conversations with Anne” July 17 – 20, 2023
“The Q & A was awesome, especially the virtual tour of the annex. The kids enjoyed seeing the space and getting to ask questions.”
A.C. Flora High School – “Letters from Anne and Martin” October 30, 2023
“[We hosted this production] to show students a professional production presented virtually that showcases 2 powerful historical figures of the 20th century that fought for issues that are still relevant in contemporary society. We usually only have student productions, so it was exciting to see a professional live production. Students and teachers were equally impressed and intrigued. Several topics and issues will be relevant to discuss in future school productions.”
Richland Library – “Letters from Anne and Martin” July 30, 2023
“We are seeing incidents of antisemitism in our community. We believe that providing opportunities for the Jewish experience and history to be explored is tremendously important. We would like to continue programming that supports the mission of The Anne Frank Center as it aligns with our own.”
- Photo documentation:
