Seattle, WA
$150 = chats. $500-$1k + travel for away perf.
Travels up to 200 miles
WHY Ben is coming back... and why what he was still influences.
Ben DVD Promo
Ben TV Interview (University of South Dakota)
A longer interview (part 1 of 3 available)
Ben Franklin at ACT Theatre, Seattle WA
Ben Franklin at Seattle's ACT Theatre
Ben Post Card Image
Ben performing ad for the UW
Ben with a Pen - very dangerous;-)
Shakespeare renewed
GR in Recording Studio
Speaking either AS Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, or as the actor/performer speaking ABOUT Ben Franklin - the program can be an Historically accurate journey through time, letting the audience question and be entertained by this most approachable of Colonial characters... or hear the success story from the Presenter's (GregRobin Smith) perspective.
2 reviews
Danny S.
May 27, 2025My event (a bachelor party) was definitely unusual for this for of entertainment but it was made very enjoyable by the excellent performance! Ben Franklin came impressively informed and regaled our party with excellent story telling and convivial conversation that felt true to the legacy of Dr. Franklin.
Hired as: Arts/Entertainment Speaker
Benjamin Franklin - LIVE!
It was a pleasure and a delight presenting a surprisingly popular event. I was particularly enamored over how many of the THOUSANDS of comments from the video posting of the event that reflected on the deeper aspects of the gathering - that being respect for your friend, listening to his wishes, and thinking above the 'normal'. Well played, gentlemen!
The Host communicated frequently and clearly. I would be honored to do any such event again for any and all of these noble-minded Citizens.
Theresa A. P.
July 7, 2023It was like walking back in time. It was fascinating to hear all the happenings of that time in a first-person persona. I learned something new and so did our residents. They were engaged, asking questions and pulled into the character "Ben." We give him 5 stars.
Hired as: Arts/Entertainment Speaker
Price range: $150 = chats. $500-$1k + travel for away perf.
Languages: English
Gig length: 30 - 90 minutes
Unions: AGVA (American Guild Of Variety Artists)
An audience wants to be treated with respect, and with a unique experience. Being able to hear from, and ask questions of, a persona as big, as important, and bursting with so many ideas such as Dr Franklin, is a hit from every aspect. His TIMES were important and unprecedented, as was his personal success. He helped found lending libraries, fire departments, scientific and cultural service organizations. He improved the postal service and weather prediction. He helped map the Gulf Stream and created paper money near impossible to counterfeit. With all this success, and all his fame, his most driving influence was not the acquisition of wealth or power, but to master the art of helping his fellow creature.
First, the Audience hears a biographical arc of Ben's life, in his own words and thoughts (focus can certainly be given to any topic the Host wishes to bring to the fore). Then it's the Audience's turn, asking Ben any question they wish - involving Ben's time, or their own.
The event is rewarding and engaging and people leave feeling a bit like they actually had a conversation with this first friend of the American Experiment.
DINNER WITH FRANKLIN?!?!? Another version of my performance is for you to host a dinner with Ben as the guest of honor. You gather a dozen or so friends and we sit, eat, and discuss the politics of the day, or inventions, or travels... over a fine meal.
Let's discuss the possibilities!
GregRobin Smith (as Dr Benjamin Franklin) has entertained and educated the public since 2001. Schools, Churches, a Presidential Library and two Presidential Inaugurations have all been visited by our most approachable Founding Grandfather.
Fundraisers and Consciousness Raising events, school programs, celebrations and promotional events. Key note speaking. Memorial and Business meetings all have played host to Dr Franklin.
GregRobin is a member of AGVA (The American Guild of Variety Artists) and has been recognized for his historically accurate, interactive and engaging performances.
My Chautauqua can be performed most anywhere. A backdrop is requested, but not required. Sound, Lighting is simple and only needed to be seen and heard. A Chair and a Lectern (or a small table) is all I need. It is best if the chair is an older looking one - high backed and leather lookling
Thursday
Retirement Community Event
2:30pm - 3:30pm
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Bothell, WA
Monday
Retirement Community Event
2:30pm - 3:30pm
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Bothell, WA
Sunday
Bachelor Party
6:00pm - 7:00pm
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Seattle, WA
Thursday
Personal Occasion
2:00pm - 3:00pm
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Port Orchard, WA
Thursday
Cultural Event
2:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Tacoma, WA
Friday
Weekly/Recurring Performance
3:30pm - 4:30pm
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Seattle, WA
Thomas Jefferson by Dr Clay Jenkinson
Lights so I can be seen. House to half for the performance. A mic for the Audience to ask questions. A stuffed chair. A small table. A room to change and prepare. Video to record the performance.
Arts/Entertainment Speaker