As born and raised Chicagoans, high school students and Steppenwolf Young Adult Council members, we are so excited to welcome you to Chlorine Sky. We've been honored to serve as Teen Curators and Teen Study Guide Consultants, working with the Steppenwolf Education team to put together resources to bring into the classrooms for this play—both as part of the in-school residency program and Study Guide.

Chlorine Sky is a play based on Mahogany L. Browne’s novel, and follows Sky as she navigates the challenges of defining herself in the face of losing her best friend. This is a play about friendship, and the lessons we all must learn in reciprocity and allowing yourself the grace to shine. As you watch this play, we encourage you to be brave. Feel free to immerse yourselves in the story and consider:

What do you notice about the choices these characters are making, and what would you do if you were in their shoes?

We hope you make connections with this piece, and also learn that only you can define who you are. Much like Sky learns in this play, remember that you are not alone, and your struggles are valid. You have so much to give, and no one knows you like you know yourself. Please take care of yourselves, and treat yourselves and each other with empathy as you watch this beautiful story.

After you experience the show, we invite you to take a look at our Study Guide (linked below). In this interactive resource, you will find articles, lesson plans, activities, interviews with the artists and so much more that can support a deeper experience with this amazing work of art.

And again, thank you for joining us on this journey!

Hannah, Karen, Mel and Zoe
Teen Curators and Study Guide Consultants

Our Study Guide

We invite you to take a look at our Study Guide—an interactive resource to deepen your Chlorine Sky experience. In addition to lesson plans and activities for the classroom, you will find articles, artist interviews and so much more!

About the Show

STEPPENWOLF FOR YOUNG ADULTS PRESENTS

CHLORINE SKY

By Mahogany L. Browne
Based on Her Book
Directed by Ericka Ratcliff

FEATURING

Demetra Dee, Destini Huston, Samuel B. Jackson*, Tiffany Renee Johnson*, Akili Ni Mali, and Alexis Ward

CREATIVE TEAM

Yeaji Kim Scenic & Projection Design
Jos N. Banks Costume Design
Conchita Avitia and K Story Lighting Design
Willow James Sound Design
Joey Stone Movement Director
Courtney Abbott & Greg Geffrard Intimacy Consultants
Eboni Hogan Dramaturg
Stan Brown Vocal Coach
Alex Lee Reed SYA Producer
Elise Hausken Production Manager
JC Clementz, CSA Casting Director
Michelle Medvin* Production Stage Manager
JuJu Laurie Assistant Stage Manager

Chlorine Sky was commissioned, and its world premiere presented at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago, IL; Audrey Francis and Glenn Davis, Co-Artistic Directors, E. Brooke Flanagan, Executive Director

† member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble.
* member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.

The Artists

CAST
Demetra Dee Kiyana
Destini Huston Lay Li
Samuel B. Jackson* Curtis/Clifton
Tiffany Renee Johnson* Essa
Akili Ni Mali Sky
Alexis Ward Inga

UNDERSTUDIES
Michelle Bester Inga & Essa
Cereyna Bougouneau Sky
DeMorris Burrows Curtis/Clifton
Jaeda LaVonne Kiyana
Kayla Moore Lay Li

ADDITIONAL STAFF
Joey Stone Assistant Director
Parker Langvardt Assistant Projections Design
Heather Gilbert Lighting Design Consultant
Lauren Littlejohn Production Assistant
Mia Thomas Dresser
Johan H. Gallardo Assistant Costume Design
Jeanette Rodriguez Costume Design Assistant
Kyra Pan, Melissa Wilson Stitchers
Kenny Faust, Tim Martin, Carolyn Voss Additional Carpenters
Camille Toshiko-Peotter Additional Properties
Amy Couey Additional Paint

SPECIAL THANKS
Auntie Anne's of Lincolnwood Town Center

This play runs for approximately 90 minutes and will be performed without an intermission.

As a courtesy to the actors and your fellow patrons, please turn off your cell phones before the performance.

Entry and re-entry into the theater after the performance begins is not guaranteed.

The taking of photographs and the use of any type of recording device are not allowed in the theater during performances and is a violation of state and federal copyright laws; digital media will be deleted, and tape or film will be confiscated.

It is recommended that patrons wear face coverings upon entry into Steppenwolf, including while seated during the performance. For the most-up-to-date information on our venue’s COVID precautions, please visit our website.

Meet the Cast

Tiffany Renee Johnson