The Revival That Helped Shape America
A GREAT AWAKENING
Sight & Sound Theatres and Roadside Attractions unveil the highly anticipated second feature film, A GREAT AWAKENING. The film is directed by Joshua, President & Chief Story Officer of Sight & Sound Theatres, the film continues the company’s expansion into feature films following the theatrical success of I Heard the Bells.
The movie tells the true story of an unlikely friendship between the Reverend George Whitefield (a passionate evangelist) and Benjamin Franklin (printer, thinker and future founding father) that resulted in one of the most defining moments in American history. With the colonies on the brink of collapse, Whitefield ignites the first Great Awakening (spiritual movement across the colonies), uniting an entire generation with his thundering and faithful sermons and proclamations of liberty. In a miraculous turn of events, one of Whitefield’s closest friends and greatest promoters becomes none other than Benjamin Franklin. With the nation’s freedom hanging in the balance, the founders discover true liberty cannot only be written into law - it must be awakened in the hearts of the people.
“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we’re honored to share this inspiring story of friendship, faith, and courage,” said Joshua. “It’s a timely reminder that the soul of a nation is shaped not just by laws, but by the convictions of its people.” The film will open Easter weekend, April 3rd, 2026.
JOSHUA’ STORY
Joshua is the President and Chief Story Officer of Sight & Sound Ministries, Inc. He is responsible for casting vision and spearheading Sight & Sound’s creative process from current show production to future development. In recent years, Joshua helped pioneer Sight & Sound’s expansion from stage to screen. They made their nationwide debut on the big screen in 2017. In 2000, Sight & Sound expanded their reach with the film adaptation of the original stage production, Jesus. Then, in 2022, Joshua directed I Heard the Bells which reached #2 in the box office and was nominated for Best Picture at the annual DOVE awards in Nashville, TN.
At an early age, Joshua received an RCA VHS video camera that ignited his passion for film and storytelling. After graduation, he began working as a stage technician at Sight & Sound while pursuing a career in film. Eventually, he decided to accept a position producing biblically based musicals for Sight & Sound Theaters which aligned with his professional life mission, “To move people’s hearts toward Truth through the power of Story.” Since that decision, Joshua has written, produced and/or directed five original stage productions. He leads 800 plus employees at Sight & Sound as a writer, producer, and director along with President & Chief Story Officer.
SIGHT & SOUND’s MISSION
A GREAT AWAKENING brings Sight & Sound’s signature storytelling to the screen and immerses viewers in a world on the edge of both political revolution and spiritual renewal. “Our mission is to bring powerful stories of redemption to life on stage and screen, and this film highlights a profound event in our nation’s history that united a generation with the belief that faith and liberty are undoubtably intertwined.” said Joshua. “Partnering with Roadside Attractions for a 2026 cinematic release allows us to share this timely message amid America’s 250th year, when the topic of liberty will be at the forefront of conversation.”
Produced by Sight & Sound’s in-house team of writers, designers, and artists, and supported by a top-notch crew of industry professionals, the film reflects the same epic scale and meaningful storytelling that has made Sight & Sound’s stage productions world renowned—complete with massive sets, original scores, and a focus on creative excellence audiences have come to expect.
Since its beginning as a traveling multi-media show in 1976, Sight & Sound has inspired over 30 million people with stories from the pages of scripture and history. Today, Sight & Sound operates two live-theater venues in Lancaster, PA and Branson, MO, immersing over a million people each year in state-of-the-art original productions. In 2020, Sight & Sound launched an online streaming platform, welcoming a new global audience from over 175 countries around the world. Most recently, Sight & Sound expanded into feature films, debuting at #2 in movie theaters across the nation.
To learn more about The Great Awakening, or to purchase tickets, click the LINK!
CREDITS
Director of Sight & Sound’s movie, A Great Awakening (in theaters April 3); Director, I Heard the Bells (2022) and Executive Producer of Sight & Sound Presents: Daniel LIVE (2024). Married to Kristen; Children: Faith (married to Lucas), Ava, Landon and Haven
