Since 2001, GregRobin Smith has presented Benjamin Franklin Alive! to acclaim across the United States and beyond. From Texas to Israel, the Dakotas to Washington, DC, you’re invited to join the thousands who have become enlightened by the words, wit, and vision of this most accessible of the founding generation by welcoming Dr Benjamin Franklin.
In all facets of his professional career, Smith seeks to improve the understanding and appreciation for the important role that history plays within the modern education system. By providing learners of all ages the opportunity to come directly into contact with the historical figures and concepts that shape our world, Smith’s performances as Ben Franklin celebrate the power of living history, offering a unique opportunity to experience the past in an immersive and interactive way.
Artistic Biography
GregRobin Smith is a respected and established Chautauqua Presenter, Shakespearean, writer, musician, Renaissance Faire performer, fundraiser, and lecturer. A frequent guest panelist and speaker at writing and history centered conventions, Smith has twice appeared on Pilar Alessandra’s “On the Page” Podcast for Screenwriters, and other Historical podcasts. His acclaimed book, More than What was Wanted, is a 226-page treatise on possible ways and motivations of Shakespeare's methods for writing as he did.
Past pedagogical credits include positions as an adjunct instructor at Western Washington University and Seattle Central College, in addition to guest lecturing at Cornish College of the Arts (Seattle, WA), Skagit Valley College (Mt. Vernon, WA), and The University of Alaska, Fairbanks. His subject matter spans history, literature, and period performance practice of the Shakespearean era; Benjamin Franklin and early American History; and theatrical performance arts in the Chautauqua style, in addition to traditional dramatic performance. He is also a sought after lecturer on Medieval & Renaissance History as a guest lecturer for hundreds of schools and community programs.
In addition to his teaching and scholarly work, Smith is the Managing Director of the Washington Shakespearean Festival. His educational programs have been presented throughout the United States, as well as in Canada, Israel, and Ireland.
GregRobin is a proud member of the professional variety performer's union, The American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA).
Special Skills:
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Sonnet writing (more than 3,000 and counting)
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Medieval Martial Arts & Fighting in Armor (40 years of experience)
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Improvisational Elizabethan Speech​​
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Current CDL Certificate (for driving a bus or large fixed-body truck)
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Musical Instruments
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Pennywhistle
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Guitar
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Middle Eastern & Irish Drum
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Professional Affiliations
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American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) Union
