About Exploration Theatre, LLC
A not-for-profit theatre company for young audiences.
Built on curiosity, creativity, and play.
Exploration Theatre, LLC is a not-for-profit theatre company dedicated to producing fun and thought-provoking children’s musicals inspired by history, science, literature, and big ideas worth exploring.
We believe theatre is one of the most powerful ways children engage with the world around them. By blending music, storytelling, and imaginative play, our productions invite young audiences to laugh, wonder, and think — all at the same time.
Performed by professional actors and designed to run 60 minutes or less, our shows are created for community venues such as libraries, schools, and park districts seeking high-quality children’s programming that is both entertaining and enriching.
Meet the Founders
Exploration Theatre
Meet the Founders Exploration Theatre
The people behind Exploration Theatre, LLC
At its core, Exploration Theatre, LLC is built on the belief that children deserve theatre that is joyful, smart, and filled with big ideas. Founded by Eric Benveniste and Heather Benveniste, the company brings together creative imagination and professional rigor to create work that is playful, thoughtful, and carefully crafted from first idea to final performance.
Artist led. Professionally run.
Exploration Theatre, LLC was built by people who understand both how theatre works and how organizations function. That combination allows the company to create imaginative, high-quality productions while remaining reliable, organized, and easy for community venues to partner with.
Eric Benveniste
Creator & Playwright
Eric blends storytelling, performance, and a deep respect for ideas in his work for young audiences. A Skokie native, he studied acting and directing at the University of Illinois before earning his J.D. from Northern Illinois University College of Law. After more than 20 years as an attorney and a lifelong involvement in college and community theatre, Eric now focuses on writing and producing original children’s musicals inspired by historical and inspirational figures — inviting young audiences to explore the past, think critically, and see themselves as curious problem-solvers.
Heather Benveniste
Co-Creator & Producer
Heather brings both artistic depth and strong community roots to Exploration Theatre, LLC. A graduate of Glenbrook North High School, she earned her degree in Choral Music Education from the University of Illinois before completing her J.D. at UIC Law. Now in her 21st year of legal practice, Heather remains deeply involved in local theatre as a performer, producer, and advocate for the arts, helping shape meaningful cultural experiences for children and families throughout the Northbrook community.
Support Our Work
Exploration Theatre. LLC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating thoughtful, engaging theatre experiences for young audiences. Contributions help us develop new productions, expand community programming, and continue bringing big ideas to life through play, storytelling, and imagination.
Your support makes exploration possible.
