THEATRE IN THE CLASSROOM

Educational touring shows that cover a wide variety of topics— a tool for curriculum enhancement and a unique opportunity for students to discover the world from other perspectives.

A poster with a green background and large text that reads "The Amazing Mr. Franklin." Below, dates are listed: March 16 - May 8, 2026. The poster features an abstract, geometric design with a stylized, detailed illustration of Benjamin Franklin's face within a triangular shape.

The Amazing Mr. Franklin!

Benjamin Franklin was the original super-genius superhero and he’s back for the reboot: The Amazing Mr. Franklin!In honor of America’s 250th birthday, Theatre in the Classroom is reviving this fan favorite play for its Spring 2026 tour. Not only will kids learn about Benjamin Franklin’s life and inventions, but they will also learn to ask, “What good shall I do this day?”

Written by Elizabeth Dowd, Phil Czekner, Andrew Hubatsek, Sophie Schulman, and Aaron White

Directed by Abigail Leffler

Quicker than lightning, more resourceful than a lending library, able to invent in the blink of an eye!

To book a show for your school or library, email TICbooking@bte.org.

Review and download the official study guide for the Theatre in the Classroom tour.

Study Guide

Download PDF
Read online

What To Expect from a TIC Performance:

  • Professional actors play multiple characters and create different locations and moods through the imaginative use of props and costumes;

  • Call and response student participation promotes basic group behavior skills, such as listening and observing;

  • A free study guide — available for download before the performance — allows teachers to maximize the educational value of the theatre experience by providing discussion ideas, related classroom activities, post-performance questions, and a well-researched bibliography to guide further study and lesson planning.

Cast

  • Aaron White

    (he/him/his)
    Aaron/Ben Franklin
    Ensemble Member
    Aaron returns to the roads of Pennsylvania to reprise the role that he portrayed 12 years ago. Perhaps more "Franklin-shaped" this time around, he is proud to portray a man whose contribution to our country's founding was rooted in curiosity, self-accountability, and his Morning Question: "What good can I do this day?"

  • James Ofalt

    (he/him/his)
    James
    Guest Artist
    James is delighted to be working with Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble once again. Previously at BTE, James directed their most recent production of The 39 Steps, the first show of BTE’s 48th season.

  • Hannah Nichols

    (she/her/hers)
    Hannah / Young Ben Franklin
    Guest Artist
    Hannah Grace Nichols is a singer, dancer, actress, choreographer, & cat mom. She loves to tell stories, be goofy, & have fun! Hence choosing theatre as a profession! Hannah’s soul home is Missoula, MT, but she currently lives on a narrowboat in London with her cat, Mr Mistoffelees.

Production Team

  • Abigail Leffler

    (she/her/hers)
    Director
    Ensemble Member

  • Gregor Gunelson

    (he/him/his)
    Props/Set Designer
    Ensemble Member

  • Heather Rummings

    (she/her/hers)
    Stage Manager
    Guest Artist

  • Jennifer Lippert

    (she/her/hers)
    Costume Designer
    Guest Artist

  • Emily Weisgerber

    (she/her/hers)
    Costume Shop Manager
    Ensemble Member

  • Sarah Elizabeth Yorke

    (she/her/hers)
    BTE Creative Producer
    Ensemble Member

Past Productions

A History of Theatre in the Classroom (Coming soon)
2025 TiC Production

Complete information about how to bring a TIC performance to your school or venue is available by contacting Education Director Abigail Leffler via email aleffler@bte.org.

Book A Show

More Information

Use our form below to get more information about our Theater in the Classroom Tour!