Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 2 pm
Printer, Scientist, Inventor, Author, Ambassador, Postmaster, Philanthropist, Patriot: Benjamin Franklin has even been called “the First American.” In this original, interactive one-man show, award-winning actor / playwright / historian J.T. Turner portrays one of the world's greatest statesmen and authors, Benjamin Franklin, as he weaves together history, civics, science, and humor by recounting the story of his life. Dr. Franklin discusses his challenging youth in Boston, his days as a printer and writer in Philadelphia, and his adventures as an inventor, philanthropist, diplomat, and hero of the American Revolution.
About J.T. Turner
J.T. Turner (SAG-AFTRA, AEA) is an award-winning stage, screen and audio actor, teaching artist and speaker. He has toured theaters, museums, schools, universities, historical sites, libraries, and senior centers all over the North America with his original one-man shows, including: "Robert Frost, Light and Dark," “The Adventures of Benjamin Franklin", “Shakespeare’s Ghost,” "A Visit with C.S. Lewis", "Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol", “John Muir: Father of America’s Parks,” “Washington Irving in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, “A Visit with John Steinbeck,” and “Fitzgerald & Gatsby,” as well as storytelling, mindful movement, and theater education programs.
J.T.’s original play “Within These Walls” was featured at the Smithsonian Museum of American History and awarded an Essex National Heritage Pioneer in Partneships Award. His Mill Talk: The Charles Dickens Lectures” was commissioned by The Lowell Institute & Charles River Museum of Industry, and he has served as an on-camera historical consultant on The Travel Channel. He has been awarded multiple Pinnacle Awards from The Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration.
J.T. had served as a visiting artist at the Longy School of Music, Boston University, and University of Massachusetts/Lowell, among others. He is NEFA/NEST grant eligible, and an approved provider of educational programs for MassHousing & Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging.
He is also a professional circus ringmaster, fight choreographer, certified instructor of qigong, tai chi, & meditation, and acting, accent, memory, & public speaking coach. www.jtturner.org