Debates and Ensemble Appearances

Alexander Hamilton v. Thomas Jefferson

Your guests will delight in the combination of history and humor in the debates between Alexander Hamilton (Eben Kuhns) and Thomas Jefferrson.

Jefferson and Hamilton (Eben Kuhns) debate the Constitutionality of the National Bank and the proper balance between national and state powers.

Alexander Hamilton (Eben Kuhns) and Thomas Jefferson regularly present debates that are designed to meet the educational and developmental needs of specific grade levels.

Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton lookalikes debate the Constitution and other themes from America's founding era — Alexander Hamilton (Eben Kuhns) and Thomas Jefferson trade sharply-reasoned arguments (and sometimes sharp words) when they debate national issues that continue to be important to Americans across the centuries.

“Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson opened our Honors Institute at Villanova University and wowed our audience of community college faculty and honors students. Institute participants raved about their substantive, engaging performances and gave them top ratings in our program evaluation. A big bonus was the graciousness with which they answered questions and posed for photographs with students after their performance. It was a night to remember for all of us. Bravo!”

—Susan Edwards, Dean of Academic Affairs and Honors Programs, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Villanova University

John Adams v. Thomas Jefferson: Presidential Debate

John Adams (Peyton Dixon) and Thomas Jefferson discuss and debate America’s foundational challenges.

Thomas Jefferson (Steve Edenbo) and John Adams (Peyton Dixon) invite high school audiences to participate in the discussion by asking questions of the founders, by participating in the debates, and sometimes by the founders quizzing them with questions!

“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

Thomas Jefferson lookalike and John Adams impersonator debate in Independence Hall

A brief, fun take on some of the personality differences and quirks of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

30 seconds of a conversation between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson regarding the writing of the Declaration of Independence.

Abigail Adams v. Thomas Jefferson

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

Selections from a lively debate between Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson for college students.

A humorous exchange between Mrs. Adams (Kim Hanley) and Mr. Jefferson (Steve Edenbo) at The US National Archives in Washington, DC.

Students smile as Thomas Jefferson and Abigail Adams impersonators debate — 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 and Thomas Jefferson historical impersonators debate for audiences across the country — 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

President Thomas Jefferson and Chief Justice John Marshall debate during a continuing legal education seminar — 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

George Washington (Dan Shippey) and Thomas Jefferson discuss The Whiskey Rebellion during a conversation at Mount Vernon.

“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

Thomas Jefferson impersonator and George Washington reenactor stand by American flag — 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