The Physics Dimension

The Physics Dimension is based out of, and primarily serves, the Greater Chicagoland area. Events outside of the Greater Chicagoland area will incur necessary travel fees.

What you'll get is a live, hands-on science experience, not a sit-and-watch lecture. Audiences see real demonstrations up close (liquid nitrogen, Tesla coils, magnetic levitation, and more), with volunteers pulled in throughout so the crowd is part of the action. Beaker Ben tailors both the science and the storytelling to the room in front of him, whether that's a floor full of five-year-olds or a cocktail crowd of adults.
The Physics Dimension is a small, founder-run company, and Beaker Ben is your presenter, personally, at every booking. Behind the scenes, his wife and co-founder, Christina, runs scheduling and logistics, so you have one clear, consistent point of contact from first inquiry through event day. For bigger or busier events, additional trained staff can join the booking for an hourly fee to help things run smoothly and keep guests engaged.
For planners, the best part is how little you have to provide. The Physics Dimension is fully self-contained: Beaker Ben brings all of his own experimental setups and supplies, a PA system, and his own large portable battery, so no power outlet is required. He brings his own tables as well, though a few 6' or 8' tables from the venue are always welcome. In most cases, all you need to supply is the space and a clear route to it.
He arrives about an hour before showtime to unload from his van, roll everything into place, and set up (roughly 30 minutes once the equipment is in the room). Because all of that equipment travels on dollies and wagons, indoor bookings need a step-free, accessible route to the performance area, whether that's ground level, a ramp, or an elevator. He isn't able to carry equipment up stairs.
There are three formats, each sized to fit your event and venue:

* Demo shows: high-energy, interactive shows with constant volunteer participation. The table footprint scales with the show, from a compact single-table setup (about 10' wide by 8' deep) up to a full three-table stage (about 24' wide by 11' deep). For these seated shows, plan for about 5' of clear space in front of the tables, a safety line the audience sits behind that keeps kids at a safe distance during demonstrations and gives volunteers room to come up and take part. (The Carousel and walk-up table don't need this clear space.)
* The Carousel of Science: an upscale, adults-oriented walk-up experience for individuals and small groups, with close-up liquid nitrogen, quantum levitation, Tesla coils, potato pianos, and more, built around a 10'-wide table plus a back supply table. Because it's a bigger lift, Beaker always brings at least one additional team member to help with setup, movement, and one-on-one engagement, so the table stays fully staffed throughout. It can also run timed mini-shows (say, every 20 minutes) for the whole room, and the PA lets Beaker move seamlessly between one-on-one facilitation and crowd demos. (The Carousel can't be carried up stairs, so a ramp or elevator is required.)
* Community walk-up table: a 13' octagonal tent with a demo table and a supply table, ideal for festivals, block parties, and STEM days. Like the Carousel, it shifts easily between casual facilitation and quick mini-shows for a gathered crowd.

Once you've chosen a show and format, Beaker Ben will confirm the exact space and setup needs for your venue.

Performances require a minimum cleared footprint of 10’ wide x 8’ deep. We prefer to work with managed venues but can perform in clients’ homes or outdoor spaces.