About Franklin Institute

“Franklin Institute / it’s so full of secrets / Franklin Institute / let’s tell those secrets now!”

Franklin Institute, an improv troupe based in Phoenix, was named after the founding members' favorite warm-up. It reminded them of the energy, laughter, and enthusiastic in-the-moment creativity of their shows. (Plus, the warm-up let them sing.)

Franklin Institute has delivered supportive, fast-paced, and whimsical improvised stories for Phoenix audiences since April of 2019. Each member brings unique elements to create a cohesive set and investigate the importance of "why." Why these characters? Why this moment? Why this relationship?

Like their more serious-minded namesake, Philadelphia's Franklin Institute Science Museum, the improv ensemble reveals worlds onstage - albeit playful ones of their own devising. The team vigorously supports each other revealing why the moments explored are so significant, without losing a sense of fun. Audiences have delighted in their scenes of truthful human connection, mixed in with absurdity, random pop culture references, and mustache work.

Franklin Institute is a House team performing pre-pandemic at Phoenix, Arizona's Torch Theatre, continuing online weekly since early 2020. The team was chosen to perform in the 2020 and 2021 Phoenix Improv Festivals, as well as 2020's Anywhere Improv Festival.

Franklin Institute is currently being coached by Bill Binder.

Watch Franklin Institute