Theatre in the Classroom

Over its 45 year history, TIC shows have covered a wide variety of topics including inventors and their inventions, ancient myths, space travel, history, adaptations of world folk literature and more! Two generations of teachers have found the shows to be a tool for curriculum enhancement and a unique opportunity for students to discover the world from other perspectives.

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!

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?”

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

  • 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.

What to expect with a Theater in the Classroom performance:

The Amazing Mr. Franklin Cast

  • Aaron White

    (he/him/his)
    BTE Resident Artist
    Aaron/Ben Franklin

    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)
    BTE Guest Artist
    James

    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)
    BTE Guest Artist
    Hannah / Young Ben Franklin

    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.

The Amazing Mr. Franklin Production Team

  • Abigail Leffler

    (she/her/hers)
    Director and BTE Education Director

  • Gregor Gunelson

    (he/him/his)
    Props/Set Designer and BTE Scenic Shop & Facilities Manager

  • Heather Rummings

    (she/her/hers)
    Stage Manager

  • Jennifer Lippert

    (she/her/hers)
    Costume Designer

  • Emily Weisgerber

    (she/her/hers)
    Costume Shop Manager

  • Sarah Elizabeth Yorke

    (she/her/hers)
    BTE Creative Producer

Past Productions

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

Study Guide

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

Read online
Download PDF

Book A Show

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.


More Information

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