Unlike traditional science demonstrations, our premium shows combine theatrical storytelling, character performance, and educational content. We don’t just show cool science—we create immersive experiences that make the science memorable and meaningful.

Our lead presenter is Benjamin “Beaker Ben” Segal, an experienced performer with over 25 years of stage experience and more than 15 years in STEM education. Benjamin is a certified physics teacher and has worked at the Flint Children’s Museum, Adler Planetarium, and Chicago Public Schools.

Learn more about us here

We primarily serve Chicago and its northern and western suburbs, but we’re happy to travel to Milwaukee, Rockford, Joliet, and Michigan City areas, especially for larger events. Contact us for specific location availability.

Travel fee zones are as follows:

• Within 30 miles of Des Plaines, IL – no additional charge
• 30-45 linear miles from Des Plaines, IL – $25 travel charge
• 45-70 linear miles from Des Plaines, IL – $50 travel charge
• 71+ miles: Custom quote, please contact us

Currently, our shows are designed for in-person experiences to maximize engagement and impact. However, we can discuss custom virtual options for special circumstances.

Our shows are adaptable to different age groups and venues:

• Corporate/Community events: up to 2 hours base, extendable
• Preschool & Early Elementary ages (3-8): 35-45 minutes
• Elementary Middle school ages (8-14): 45-55 minutes
• Teens/Family shows: 45-55 minutes

We have found that shorter shows with more demonstration and less explanation are more appropriate for a younger audience, while older kids are primed for more abstract concept discussion during the show to help them link concepts. We strive to always tailor our show to the audience’s zone of proximal development.

Ideally, we need an 8′ deep x 12′ wide performance area minimum for shows, or a 10′ x 10′ footprint for the Carousel of Science, with ceiling height of at least 8 feet. The footprint may vary, and we’ll let you know if the show you choose requires anything special. We can adapt to different spaces—just let us know what you’re working with!

We require a load-in path that is fully accessible. Please note that 1-3 stairs will incur a $50 additional charge, each flight of stairs incurs a $80 surcharge, and undisclosed stairs are subject to an additional 100% penalty fee.

Some of our demonstrations work best indoors where we can control lighting and avoid wind. However, we do have modified versions of our shows that can work in certain outdoor settings. Other shows are ideal for an outdoor space. Contact us to discuss your venue.

Audience participation is a key element of our shows, but we never force anyone to participate. We typically ask for 3-8 volunteers depending on the length and format of the show.

Our shows are designed to be exciting but facility-friendly. We do not use any demonstrations that will damage floors, walls, or ceilings. We carry insurance that includes your venue as additionally insured. We use biodegradable confetti for some shows, but always bring cleanup materials.

Pricing depends on the type of show, location, duration, and travel. Price differences between shows reflect preparation time and the cost of consumables. As a starting point:

• Schools: $560 for a single presentation, $1,100 for a half day (up to 3), $1,600 for a full day (up to 5). Multi-site bookings save up to 20%.
• Libraries: flat nonprofit rate of $360 per show; $420 for shows with higher preparation.
• Birthday parties: from $360. Base pricing covers up to 15 kids; each additional group of up to 10 adds $60 to a maximum of $560 as our “large-group” rate.
• Community, corporate, and private events: the Carousel of Science from $1,500; the Science Demo Tent $560 for up to two hours.

Check out our show options here.

For school assemblies and corporate events, we recommend booking at least 4-6 weeks in advance. Birthday parties and smaller events can often be accommodated with 2-3 weeks’ notice, depending on availability and the flexibility of your event timeline. Our busiest season for birthday parties is summer, weekday daytime events peak in late fall and the spring, and evening blocks are often booked early for the holiday season.

Yes, we require a 25% deposit to secure your private booking, with the remaining balance due on the day of the event.

For schools and libraries, we accept purchase orders. Invoices are typically due Net 30 after the event unless otherwise required.

Cancellations with more than 14 days’ notice receive a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee. Cancellations with 3-14 days’ notice forfeit the deposit amount (generally 25% of the performance fee). Because we reserve your performance date exclusively, cancellations less than 3 days before the performance are obligated to tender the remaining contracted fee. We will always work with you to reschedule if possible.

We require minimum 3 weeks notice for add-ons. For school shows, we offer optional teacher guides with curriculum connections and follow-up activities. For birthday parties, we can provide simple take-home experiment cards or custom goody bags for guests for an additional charge. Your take-homes and the quote will be customized to your needs.

We bring all our own demonstration equipment, portable battery, and audio equipment. We prefer a space where lights can be dimmed, though this is not required.