Beyond the Stage: The Anne & Emmett Curriculum

Transforming History into Conversation: A comprehensive educational guide exploring the intersection of the Holocaust and the American Civil Rights Movement.

At Bridge Theatre, we believe that the power of theatre extends far beyond the final curtain call. To coincide with our premiere of Anne & Emmett, we have developed a specialized educational curriculum designed for middle and high school students, educators, and community groups.

This curriculum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, providing a safe and structured framework to explore the lives of two of history’s most significant young voices: Anne Frank and Emmett Till. By examining their parallel journeys, students are invited to engage with the difficult but essential histories of the Holocaust and the American Civil Rights Movement.

What’s Included in the Curriculum?

Our guide moves beyond dates and facts to focus on the human experience, featuring:

• Comprehensive Biographies: Detailed life histories of the central figures in the play, including Anne Frank, Emmett Till, Mamie Till-Mobley, and Otto Frank.
• Standards Alignment: A full breakdown of how these lessons meet both Florida State and National educational standards.
• Vocabulary Development: A dedicated vocabulary sheet and worksheet to help students master the terminology of the era.
• Critical Thinking Tools: A “Compare and Contrast” module and a deep-dive Discussion Question bank.
• Post-Show Evaluation: A structured rubric for post-show discussions, along with a reflection and seminar guide to help students process their emotional and intellectual reactions.

Why This Matters

Learning about the Holocaust and the Civil Rights Movement is not just an academic exercise—it is a vital step in fostering empathy and understanding. By discussing these topics openly, we equip the next generation with the tools to recognize injustice and the courage to speak out against it.