Debates and Ensemble Appearances
John Adams v. Thomas Jefferson: Presidential Debate
“Everyone who attended the performance is still talking about it a week later! In fact, the comment I have heard the most is, “That was the best assembly we’ve had in a long time!” Peyton Dixon and Steve Edenbo captured the attention of the audience right from the start and kept everyone engaged throughout the performance.
The well-crafted presentation included student volunteers, audience participation through the democratic process of voting, humor, and valuable lessons in history and friendship. Everyone in attendance learned something new and enjoyed each moment. I do not know if my own words were able to aptly express how enthralled we all were!”
—Janice Monetti: 8th grade teacher at Branchburg Central Middle School, New Jersey
A brief, fun take on some of the personality differences and quirks of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson in conversation
Abigail Adams (Kim Hanley) and Thomas Jefferson debate the Alien and Sedition Act during a presentation for high school students at the Founding Forward campus in Valley Forge, PA.
The friendship between Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson weathered the tumultuous years of the fight for American independence and the establishment of the new United States. Their conversations share the stories and disagreements that forged a new nation. Photo by Kyle Cassidy
A humorous exchange between Mrs. Adams (Kim Hanley) and Mr. Jefferson (Steve Edenbo) at The US National Archives in Washington, DC.
Abigail Adams (Kim Hanley) and Thomas Jefferson bring historical issues alive for high school audiences, inviting students to join in the conversation and challenging them to engage with timeless issues.
Abigail Adams (Kim Hanley) and Thomas Jefferson debate at the US National Archives in Washington, DC. An apt subtitle for this picture could be “If Looks Could Kill,” but they honestly were friends. It’s just that they disagreed on some things… vehemently. —Photo courtesy of American Historical Theatre.
Chief Justice John Marshall v. President Jefferson
Chief Justice John Marshall (Doug Thomas) and President Thomas Jefferson debate Constitutional issues for law conventions, community events, and continuing legal education seminars like this one at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute.
Chief Justice John Marshall and President Jefferson debate over a question from the audience.
Marshall and Jefferson have been joined by their moderator —attorney Donald Scarinci of Scarinci-Hollenbeck— for their New Jersey State Bar Institute CLE debates.
George Washington and Thomas Jefferson
“The teachers loved your performance, and I know they got a lot out of your presentation! We look forward to working with you again in the future!”
—George Washington’s Mount Vernon K-12 Team
General Washington (Brian Hilton) and Mr. Jefferson pose for a “self portrait” during an event.
“I want to say thank you again for partnering with us! We have received fantastic feedback on your attendance. It was a great success and I hope we can work with you again in the future!”
—Haley Odell, The John Locke Foundation
Thomas Jefferson and George Washington (portrayed by Doug Thomas) discuss differences and diplomacy that formed the original groundwork of the nation and established enduring but contrasting examples of executive leadership.
“The thoughtful, in-character responses given by Doug Thomas as George Washington and Steve Edenbo as Thomas Jefferson powerfully reinforced the core mission of Founding Forward: A civic initiative dedicated to upholding the foundations of our democratic system of government by educating future leaders to carry America’s founding principles forward.” —Dennis D’A’Mico, Vice President of Development for Founding Forward’s Dallas area chapter
Steve Edenbo | Email: steve@yourthomasjefferson.com | Phone by appointment only: (215)-514-1927 | PO Box 3260 Philadelphia PA 19130