Dear Theatregoers,
What I find fascinating about space is its unfathomable scope. Seeing the vast multitude of stars on a clear night or the bold pinks and oranges of a fiery sunset or the way the horizon curves when there’s nothing for miles reminds us just how much more there is. I have often seen children stop in the middle of playing to point at the sky and exclaim, “The moon!” with a sense of awe at our expansive universe juxtaposed against their tiny, human smallness.
Just as impossible to process is the immense wealth, power, and influence of a billionaire like Elon Musk. Now, let’s be clear, the Elon you will meet in this play is definitively not Elon Musk, but rather a portrayal of wealth, aptly characterized by playwright Paul Michael Thomson as “a testament to having your needs met.” He has the capacity to think about the future of human civilization. When Earth is no longer habitable, what will we do? To where will we look? The heavens?
This play will offer you 90 minutes to grapple with these important questions around privilege, the climate crisis, the future of our species, and the very nature of humanity itself. And, at its core, you will find a brother and a sister, who – like so many of us – have found their care and love for one another at odds with their respective world views.
When you leave the theatre tonight, I hope you think about what you can do to lessen your impact on the rapidly rising global temperature and I hope you take a moment to show someone you love the night sky.
The run time is approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. As a courtesy to the actors and your fellow patrons, please silence your cell phone. Due to the intimate nature of the performance space, late seating and re-seating is not guaranteed after the performance has begun and will be facilitated at the discretion of house management. Photography and recording of any kind is prohibited.
Thematic: Available upon request
Click here to learn more about our content advisory process.
This new work is part of Raven Theatre’s Commissioned Playwright Initiative, a program created to produce new and engaging works that elevate artists and voices within our community. brother sister cyborg space had its first staged reading at Raven in January of 2022, a workshop in Fall of 2023, and is establishing itself as a world premiere with this run at Raven Theatre.
Nancy Vincent
Susan Schaalman Youdovin & Charlie Shulkin
Bay Area, The Near Future
MATT BOWDREN Elon
BRITTNEY BROWN Giselle
CHARENCE HIGGINS* Voice of Ava
Understudies: JEFFREY DAVID THOMAS (Elon), CHANDLER BROWNE (Giselle), CARMIA IMANI (Voice of Ava)
Understudies will not substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance.
*denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.
Matt Bivins at Caption Point
PAUL MICHAEL THOMSON Playwright
TERRY GUEST Director
ANDERSONVILLE SCENIC STUDIOS Technical Directors
STEVEN ABBOTT Scenic Designer
SASKIA BAKKER Props Designer
MICHAEL SALVATORE COMMENDATORE^ Projections Designer
BRENNA DISTASIO Assistant Director
ELLI GREEN Assistant Projections Designer
MADISON HILL Intimacy Designer
ETHAN KORVNE Assistant Sound Designer
JEFFREY LEVIN^ Sound Designer and Composer
RUBY LOWE Master Electrician
BRENDEN MARBLE Assistant Lighting Designer
CATHERINE MILLER Casting Director
RACQUEL POSTIGLIONE Costume Designer
SARAH SLIGHT Dramaturg
EMMA SIPORA TYLER Assistant Dramaturg
ISABELLE VALET Assistant Stage Manager
LEVI WILKINS Lighting Designer
LUCY WHIPP Production Manager
CASSIDY WRAY* Stage Manager
^denotes member of United Scenic Artist, Local 829 of the IATSE.
*denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.
Raven Theatre is a member of Theatre Communications Group, Inc. (TCG), Producers Association of Chicago Theatres (PACT), and the League of Chicago Theatres.
MATT BOWDREN he/him (Elon) is a Chicago-based actor and director. In Chicago, Matt has worked most recently with TimeLine Theatre and the Windy City Playhouse among others. He was a founding member of The Story Theatre, where he directed their inaugural production, LEAVE ME ALONE! Regionally, Matt has worked with the Arizona Theatre Company, Southwest Shakespeare, Hudson Shakespeare Company, and The Maverick Concert Hall, among others. Matt is an Artistic Associate for The Rogue Theatre, where he has performed or directed over 30 productions. Favorites include HAMLET, WAITING FOR GODOT, and THE CRUCIBLE. Matt is a founding member and collaborator with The Small Giants Band, a multidisciplinary arts collective devising imaginative and playful theatrical experiences. The Small Giants Band recently premiered their original work NOTES ON NOTHING at IndyFringe. Matt holds an M.F.A in Performance from the University of Georgia and is represented by DDO Chicago.
BRITTNEY BROWN she/her (Giselle) is a Chicago-based actor and director who is excited to make her Raven debut with this beautiful piece! Some select Chicago acting credits include: Blank Theatre’s MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, Theo Ubique’s ASSASSINS, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, and SWEENEY TODD, Kokandy Production’s SWEENEY TODD and BONNIE AND CLYDE, Pride Films and Plays ALL THAT HE WAS (Jeff Nomination—-Best Performer in a Supporting Role), Factory Theater’s KELLY GIRLS, and Griffin Theatre’s RAGTIME and VIOLET. Brittney has associate-directed The Story Theatre’s MARIE ANTOINETTE AND THE MAGICAL NEGROES, Factory Theater’s MAY THE ROAD RISE UP, and Exit 63’s WOLVES. She was a featured director in Broken Nose Theatre’s BECHDEL FEST 7: MOMENTUM and directed a staged reading of Paul Michael Thomson’s ARTEMIS BOOKS AND THE WELL-MEANING MAN for Avalanche Theatre as well as the audio drama PRIMER for Broken Nose Theatre. She is incredibly grateful to her mom, her Game Night Crew, and her partner George for all of their truly amazing support.
CHARENCE HIGGINS she/her (Voice of Ava) is a performing and teaching artist from Mississippi with degrees in Psychology and Speech Communication & Theatre from Jackson State University and an MFA in acting from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She made her Chicago Theatre debut in Steppenwolf’s production of DESCRIBE THE NIGHT by Rajiv Joseph and has been seen regionally in A RAISIN IN THE SUN at American Players Theatre, HANDS UP! at The Alliance Theatre, CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY at Theatre at Monmouth, and more. Charence is excited to continue to grow roots in this incredible Chicago artistic community.
www.charencehiggins.com / @char.is.matic
JEFFREY DAVID THOMAS he/him (U/S Elon) is stunned, shocked, and in awe to be working with Raven Theatre for the very first time! Like dreams do come true, huh? He is overwhelmed by the inspiration these artists and this city has given him in the year since he moved to Chicago. Recent (selected) credits include: Matt in IT’S GETTING DARK (Bump in the Night Theatre Co.), Father Flynn in DOUBTl A PARABLE (Prism Theatre), Rexy/Jason in THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre). Be on the lookout for the release of two upcoming short films: THE APPRAISER (Ceej Media) and THE SECOND FIRST KISS (an independent production). Instagram: @jeffrey.simps
CHANDLER BROWNE she/her (U/S Giselle) is an actor, tap dancer, band leader, and model born and raised in Chicago, IL. This marks Chandler’s inaugural production at Raven. Previous theatrical credits include THE TAP PROJECT (Original One Person Show), THE WEDDING BAND, SPRING AWAKENING, FOR COLORED GIRLS, and CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE (Oberlin College). You can keep up with Chandler’s performances and musical explorations on Instagram @chanchantaps or at chandlerbrowne.com
CARMIA IMANI (U/S Voice of Ava) hails from Redford, MI and has recently relocated to the Chicago area. She is thrilled to be making her Raven debut in “brother sister cyborg space.” Her regional credits include: SKELETON CREW, DEATH OF A SALESMAN (The Black Rep) and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (u/s) (Commonwealth Shakespeare Company). She holds a BFA in Acting with a minor in New Works for the Stage from Ball State University. For DadDad: Love you always. @carmiaimani
STEVEN ABBOTT he/they (Scenic Designer) is a Chicago based designer and painter. Scenic Design credits include GENDER PLAY, OR WHAT YOU WILL (About Face Theatre), MOSQUE4MOSQUE (About Face Theatre), THE MAGNOLIA BALLET (About Face Theatre). Assistant Scenic Designer for FUR (New York Theatre Workshop). Scenic painting credits include PORT OF ENTRY (Albany Park Theatre Project), THE NOTEBOOK: THE MUSICAL (Chicago Shakespeare), THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Paramount), IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE (Chicago Shakespeare), PEARL’S ROLLING IN THE BLUES (Writer’s Theatre). He graduated with a BFA in Scenic Design from The Theatre School at DePaul University in 2020.
SASKIA BAKKER she/her (Props Designer) is a Chicago based prop and puppet designer who is very excited to be working with The Raven Theatre for the first time! Upcoming Prop Design credits include SKUNK AND BADGER (Lifeline Theatre) and BLACK SUNDAY (TimeLine Theatre). Recent Prop Design credits include CAT’S CRADLE (Lifeline Theatre), JUNIE B JONES (Young People’s Theatre), THE DREAM KING (Teatro Vista), and DON’’T LET THE PIGEON RIDE THE BUS (Young People’s Theatre). Additional recent and upcoming credits include puppet design for SKUNK AND BADGER (Lifeline Theatre), assistant direction for DOGS OR CATS: AUGMENTED BODY (Steppenwolf LOOKOUT series), fabrication assistant for HOUSE OF THE EXQUISITE CORPSE (Rough House Theater 2022), and design intern for SIX FEET APART ALL TOGETHER (Double Edge Theatre). She graduated with a BFA in Theatre Arts from The Theatre School at DePaul University in 2022.
MICHAEL SALVATORE COMMENDATORE he/him (Projections Designer) is originally from Rhode Island, Michael currently lives right here in Edgewater with his amazing wife, Katie, and their lovable cats, Sebastian and JJ. Michael travels around the country designing for theatre, opera, dance, installations and more at places such as the Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Arizona Opera, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, The Great Northern Festival, Spoleto Festival, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, The Public Theatre, Music Theatre Wichita, Portland Stage, Yale Repertory Theatre, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and more. He also received a Jeff award for Best Projection Design in Chicago for his work in It Came From Outer Space the Musical at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Training: Yale School of Drama, MFA in Design. Visit: michaelcommendatore.com
BRENNA DISTASIO she/her (Assistant Director) is a founding Governing Ensemble member of The Story Theatre and Chicago based actor. Credits include MARIE ANTOINETTE AND THE MAGICAL NEGROES, LEAVE ME ALONE!, FIRES, OHIO (The Story Theatre); THE BOOK OF WILL (Northlight Theatre); HOWARD’S END (Remy Bumppo); and ROMEO AND JULIET, OTHER DESERT CITIES (Arizona Theatre Company). On-screen credits include Justified: CITY PRIMEVAL (FX), THE CHI (Showtime), NIGHT SKY (Amazon Studios/Legendary Television), CHRISTMAS… AGAIN?! (Disney Channel), and CHICAGO MED (NBC). Commercial and print work includes Snickers, Humira, AAA, Frigo Cheese, Carmex, and Ace Hardware. She would like to thank David Hagen for his love and partnership. She can be seen in First Floor’s upcoming PRO-AM. Brenna is a member of SAG/AFTRA and proudly represented by Gray Talent Group. @brenna.distasio
TERRY GUEST he/him (Director) is a 3 time Jeff Award winning playwright, actor, director and Governing Ensemble member of The Story Theatre. Works include: MARIE ANTOINETTE AND THE MAGICAL NEGROS (3 Jeff Awards including Best Director, Best New Work and Best Ensemble) THE MAGNOLIA BALLET (Jeff Awards for Best Production and Best Performance in a short run), A GHOST IN SATIN (Williamstown Theater Festival), AT THE WAKE OF A DEAD DRAG QUEEN, THE MADNESS OF MARY TODD (Goodman Playwrights Unit commission), and ANDY WARHOL PRESENTS THE COCAINE PLAY. As an actor Terry has worked at regional theaters including Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf, Alliance Theatre, About Face Theatre and Actors Express. Keep up with Terry on Instagram: @terryexplainsitall
MADISON HILL they/them (Intimacy Designer) is excited to work at Raven again! Last time Madison worked on a production at Raven they were the ASM for THE LAST PAIR OF EARLIES. You may have seen Madison’s work in other spaces such as Babes with Blades Theatre Company, The Plagiarists, Kerfuffle TVY, and Imagination Theater. They have worked as a fight & intimacy captain on many different shows, and have multiple certifications with the Society of American Fight Directors. Madison is thankful for their partners, chosen family, and their sweet little black void of a cat.
ETHAN KORVNE (Assistant Sound Designer) is a composer and sound designer from Akron, OH and based in Chicago. He is currently in his fourth year of studying sound design at The Theatre School at DePaul University, where he recently received a certificate of merit from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival commending his design and music for MEETING POINTS (directed by Megan Carney). Recent freelance composition/design credits include: Short Shakes! ROMEO & JULIET at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and the Chicago premiere of TAMBO & BONES at Refracted Theatre Company. Listen to his work and more at: ethankorvne.com
JEFFREY LEVIN he/him (Sound Designer) is an award winning sound designer and composer based in Chicago IL. Chicago credits include productions with Goodman, Steppenwolf, Court, Drury Lane, Northlight, TimeLine, Steep, A Red Orchid, and many more. Regional works for the stage include productions with American Players Theatre, The Gulfshore Playhouse, Asolo Repertory, Backstage Breckenridge Theater, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, Children’s Theatre Madison, and more. He also teaches Sound Design courses at the Theatre School of DePaul University. Awards and recognitions include three Joseph Jefferson Award wins and many nominations for Sound Design and Original Music. Jeffrey is a proud member of USA 829 and Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association (TSDCA). Visit www.jeffreylevinmusic.com
BRENDEN MARBLE he/him (Assistant Lighting Designer) Is excited to be returning back to Raven Theatre! After studying theater design at Eastern Michigan University, the Detroit MI native moved to Chicago to start living their dream of becoming a lighting designer! Recent credits include A HIT DOG WILL HOLLER (Artemisia Theatre), FAIRVIEW (Definition Theater), CURRENTS (Chicago Fringe Opera), and DANCE LIKE THERE ARE BLACK PEOPLE WATCHING (Second City Chicago) Even though his career is just beginning, he knows this is something he wants to do for the rest of his life.
CATHERINE MILLER they/them (Casting Director) is excited to be back at Raven Theatre, having cast NIGHT WATCH, THE OCTOBER STORM, RIGHT TO BE FORGOTTEN, PRIVATE LIVES, THE LUCKIEST, SUNDOWN, YELLOW MOON, and HOODOO LOVE. They have cast productions for About Face Theatre, Theatre Wit, American Musical Theatre Project, Northwestern University, BoHo Theatre, Haven Chicago, Jackalope Theatre, Red Tape Theatre, and First Floor Theater among many others. Additionally, Catherine has done dramaturgy and gender consulting work for Paramount Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville and About Face Theatre. Catherine was a 2021 3Arts Make A Wave recipient and was recently featured in American Theatre Magazine’s Role Call. They also were on NewCity Magazine’s 2020 + 2019 Players: The Fifty People Who Really Perform for Chicago and the Windy City Times’ 30 Under 30 list. Catherine has a BFA in Dramaturgy/Criticism from The Theatre School at DePaul
RACQUEL POSTIGLIONE she/her (Costume Designer), a proud native of Chicago, has been immersed in the world of cinema from a young age, growing up in a family of passionate film enthusiasts. Her childhood dreams always gravitated toward a career where she could weave the magic of creating worlds and characters. After several years exploring the independent film industry, during which she served as a production assistant on films like WATERLOO SUNSET in Austin, Texas, and HOLY TRINITY in her hometown of Chicago, Racquel discovered her true calling in the realm of theatre. She first experimented in set design for The Lights Out Theatre Company’s 2019 production of THE SMELL OF THE KILL. Subsequently, ventured into props and production design for Terry Guest’s inaugural play AT THE WAKE OF A DEAD DRAG QUEEN and continued her collaboration on his next production MARIE ANTOINETTE AND THE MAGICAL NEGORES. Now embarking on her third production with this exceptional team, Racquel is honored to consider herself a valued member of the Story Theatre family. Beyond her creative endeavors in the theatre, Racquel can be found alongside her husband and son scouring thrift stores for treasures to curate in their Etsy shop, UntetheredThreads.
SARAH SLIGHT she/her (Dramaturg/Artistic Director) is a Chicago-based dramaturg, literary manager and producer. At Raven, she has dramaturged RIGHT TO BE FORGOTTEN by Sharyn Rothstein and THE LUCKIEST by Melissa Ross. Other recent dramaturgy credits include DIAL M FOR MURDER dir. Georgette Verdin (Northlight Theatre); THE GRADIENT by Steph Del Rosso, dir. Amelia Acosta Powell (St. Louis Rep); THE WICKHAMS: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon dir. Jessica Thebus (Northlight Theatre); and THE BURN by Philip Dawkins dir. Devon de Mayo (Steppenwolf Theatre, SYA). Sarah has also dramaturged new play development workshops at Rivendell Fresh Produce Festival, Victory Gardens Ignition Festival, New Harmony Project, Phoenix Theatre, The Playwrights’ Center and American Theater Company. Alongside Jess McLeod, she is the co-adapter of a condensed version of THE PROJECT(S) by PJ Paparelli and Joshua Jaeger, which toured through Chicago Public Schools and housing conferences in 2017. Sarah has served as the Associate Artistic Director at American Theater Company, Artistic Programs Manager at Northlight Theatre, Literary Associate at Williamstown Theatre Festival and Literary Manager at Red Eye Theatre. MFA Columbia University, BS University of Evansville.
EMMA SIPORA TYLER (Assistant Dramaturg) is a theatre artist originally from Minneapolis, MN. Emma holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Select acting credits: EMMA (Lifeline Theatre); CAROLINE, OR CHANGE (Firebrand Theatre); THE TEMPEST (Oak Park Festival Theatre). Emma has also worked as a script supervisor and the Literary & Casting Associate at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. emmasiporatyler.com / @e.sipora / @siporascope
PAUL MICHAEL THOMSON he/him (Playwright) is a playwright, performer, producer, and PhD student based in Chicago. His plays, produced throughout Chicago and the U.S., include: WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE (YOU SAY THAT EVERY TIME) (Great Plains Theatre Commons, Definition Theatre); FREMONT JUNIOR HIGH IS NOT DOING OKLAHOMA! (Good Company Theatre, Live Theatre Workshop); ARTEMIS BOOKS & THE WELL-MEANING MAN (Avalanche Theatre); THE G.O.A.T., OR WHO IS XIMONE? (Theatre L’Acadie); SAME SECTS! (Haven Theatre, North Central College); LEAVE ME ALONE! (The Story Theatre); and more. As an actor, he has worked with Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and Drury Lane Oakbrook, among others. He is a proud founding Governing Ensemble member of The Story Theatre, a storefront company dedicated to developing and producing the next canon of powerful Chicago plays. Currently pursuing his PhD in Afro-American Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Paul Michael has received research fellowships from the New York Public Library, the Black Metropolis Research Consortium, the W.E.B. Du Bois Center, and more. Paul Michael does not take for granted this generous commission and the chance to tell this story. He is deeply grateful to the team that made it possible (Terry Guest, Sarah Slight, Brenna DiStasio, et al.) and every community member near and far who comes out to see this play. Thank you for your presence. Represented by Gray Talent Group. paulmichaelthomson.com @paulmichaelt
ISABELLE VALET she/they (Assistant Stage Manager) is a Chicago based stage manager and technician and they are incredibly excited to be working with Raven again! Recent credits include NIGHT WATCH (Raven Theatre), A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Oak Park Festival Theatre), and THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (Theatre Above the Law).
LEVI WILKINS he/him (Lighting Designer) Born and raised on the southwest side of Chicago, Lighting Designer, Levi J. Wilkins has been a member of the Chicago Theater community since age 6. Studied Theatre and Production at Lincoln College in Lincoln, Illinois. Currently the lighting director at The Faith Community of St. Sabina. other past theater credits include A RAISIN IN THE SUN with Indiana University Northwest, DAY OF ABSENCE and WHAT TO SEND UP WHEN IT GOES DOWN, and HOW BLOOD GO with Congo Square Theater, WHITE with Definition Theater, RUINED and WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF with Invictus Theater, THE MOUNTAINTOP at Cardinal Stage Theater, MARIE ANTOINETTE AND THE MAGICAL NEGROES with The Story Theatre, IS GOD IS with A Red Orchid Theater, and STEW and LONDON ROAD with Shattered Globe Theater. Along with many other festival, concert and dance performance design credits. Levi is a 3 time 2022 Regional Broadway World nominee and a Jeff Award Nominee. For more info about Levi visit www.fresherlight.com
LUCY WHIPP she/her (Production Manager) is a Chicago-based production manager, stage manager, and a generally useful set of hands to have around. She is the production manager at Raven and is honored to produce “brother sister cyborg space” as her second show after a successful run of NIGHT WATCH last fall. Recent production credits that made her smile: Assistant Stage Manager on SHORT SHAKES! ROMEO & JULIET (Chicago Shakes), Assistant Production Manager on the immersive production PORT OF ENTRY (APTP/TRP); Production Stage Manager of world premieres GENDER PLAY: OR WHAT YOU WILL and THE MAGNOLIA BALLET (About Face); ANNA IN THE TROPICS and ROUTES (Remy Bumppo); ASM for KITTY & GEORGIANA: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY (Northlight); WOMEN OF SOUL (Mercury); MR BURNS: A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY, WHO’S HOLIDAY (Theater Wit); PLANO (First Floor Theater). She is proud to be a Governing Ensemble member at The Story Theatre. She has worked with The Story since Season I, stage managing LEAVE ME ALONE! and AT THE WAKE OF A DEAD DRAG QUEEN, production managing MARIE ANTOINETTE AND THE MAGICAL NEGROES, and producing several emerging playwright workshops and festivals including THE (W)RITES OF SUMMER as a part of Steppenwolf Lookout’s Summer 2023 season. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity. Thanks to the Raven team, the Story team, and to everyone who has done their part to save the planet through activism.
CASSIDY WRAY she/her (Stage Manager) is a Chicago based theatre artist who hails from farmland in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Some Chicago highlights include THE (W)RITES OF SUMMER (The Story Theatre), ANNA IN THE TROPICS (Remy Bumppo Theatre Company), the world premiere of Marvin Quijada’s THE DREAM KING (Teatro Vista), and THE GARBOLOGISTS (Northlight Theatre). She is passionate about developing new works and is jazzed to be working with this incredible team. In any spare time she can manage, Cassidy can be found thrifting fruit-patterned dishware, wandering through parks, and attempting to keep her plants alive.
Raven Theatre is in its 41st year of providing revivals of modern dramas and thought-provoking new works to the Northside Chicago community, as well as theatrical education to the children and schools in the surrounding neighborhoods. Founded in 1983, Raven moved into its current home in 2002 with its 85 seat Johnson Stage and its 56 seat Schwartz Stage.
SUBSCRIPTION SERIES: Raven offers three productions in its subscription series, all in the Johnson Stage, focusing on revivals of works primarily from the late 19th century to the present and including both Chicago and World premieres.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING: Our Take Flight education program offers classroom and after-school theatre residencies to our neighboring schools and community partners as well as summer theater camp. Raven serves over 800 students & young people each year.
Take Flight is committed to sharing the importance and dynamic power of ensemble work. We believe that the guiding principle of all theatrical work is that of collaboration: respecting others, feeling the confidence to contribute and the courage to try something new. Exposure to these fundamental life lessons through the lens of theatre translates into every facet of scholarship, play, and community.
With efforts in the community, in neighborhood schools, and on the stage, Raven plays an important part in the city’s cultural landscape.
Raven Theatre Company resides on the ancestral homelands of an alliance of three Native American nations: Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi, known collectively as the Council of Three Fires. Dozens of other tribes, including the Menominee, Miami, and Ho-Chunk nations, called this region home. Today, thousands of native people continue to live and work in the city colonially known as Chicago.
NATHAN TAYLOR President
LAUREN GUYDAN Vice President
JEREMY HECKMAN Treasurer
RICHARD RODRIGUEZ Secretary
JUDITH BEAUPRE
DANIEL DE LA CRUZ
ADRIANNA DESIER DURANTT Ex-Officio
STUART GOLD
STEPHEN JOHNSON
JUSTIN KULOVSEK
MICHAEL McCALLEY
JEANETTE SAMO
SALLY SCHWARTZ
SARAH SLIGHT Ex-Officio
NOAH SOBE
MATTHEW TOLES
SUSAN SCHAALMAN YOUDOVIN
CAROL ZSOLNAY
ADRIANNA DESIER DURANTT Managing Director
SARAH SLIGHT Artistic Director
ELLEN CAMPBELL Audience Engagement Manager
MADISON HILL Facility & Rental Manager
MECHELLE MOE Education Director
ASSATA TERRELL Development Manager
LUCY WHIPP Production Manager
RYAN WIECHMANN Marketing & Design Manager
Front of House: AMY CARTER, GEORGIA DIB, LAWRENCE GREEN, VONNIE MAYS, JAIKU NEOJ, ASH PIERCE, RYDER WILDERMAN
Ushering services are generously provided by THE SAINTS.
Public Relations coordinated by ACACIA CONSULTING GROUP.
We’ve partnered with Beard & Belly for this production to engage with our community and let our patrons learn more about the amazing- not to mention delicious- location in our neighborhood. Raven Patrons can save 15% on food and drink by showing their confirmation email. This offer is valid for one week within their scheduled performance.
Every production, we host a Neighborhood Night. This is a special evening where residents in the surrounding area can get a special discounted ticket to our production, as well as a pre-show event that features local businesses and organizations in our area. This is an amazing opportunity for patrons and businesses to interact and learn about our community. The following community partners will be joining us on Neighborhood Night for “brother sister cyborg space” on Friday, February 23rd starting at 6:30pm:
Participants: Fad 2 Fresh, DM Apothecary, Nwär Luxe, Wild Onion Market, Kaleido Greens, Plastic Beach Collections, Chicago Mushroom Club, Cirques Experience, Women & Children First, Edgewater Environmental Coalition, Eco Flamingo, and Waste Not
Nancy Vincent
Susan Schaalman Youdovin & Charlie Shulkin
Our corporate and foundation partners provide critical support for our operations, productions, and theatre arts education programs. Raven’s 2023- 2024 season is made possible in part by:
Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation
Horizon Therapeutics
James Morley Foundation
PIMCO Foundation
PNC Foundation
Polk Bros Foundation
S&C Electric
Shubert Foundation
The Saints
Whiskey Girl Tavern
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
This season is sponsored in part by a grant from the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation.
Raven gratefully acknowledges the following individuals, whose donations of $50 or more were received between February 1, 2023 through February 1, 2024:
Stephen H. Johnson
Sally & Mark Schwartz
Susan Schaalman Youdovin & Charlie Shulkin
Stuart Gold
Justin Kulovsek & Damian Clark
Nancy Vincent
Carol & Gabor Zsolnay
Mary Chlebowski
Nick Furtwengler
Michael Shawn McCalley
Jeanette & Daniel Samo
Matthew Toles
John & Kristin Vasilj
Judith Barnard
Judith Beaupre
Nancy Bishop
John & Claudia Boatright
Lawrence Bunschu
Steven Carroll
Jorge Del Castillo
Heather Grove
Lauren & Tim Guydan
Jeremy Heckman
Phil & Kaaren Jungbluth-Ott
Carolyn & Gordon Kirk
Travis Larson
Tim Nickerson & Mike Stent
Alan Gordon Rottman
Danny Sama
Lynne Simon
Noah Sobe
Carrie Stewart
Nathan J. Taylor
Linda Teplin
Barbara & Randy Thomas
KT Charitable Fund
Joshua Allen
Seth Baker
Gail Bartlett
Bob Beach
Bernice Bigelow
Stuart & Laura Burstein
Amy Cornelius
Pat Dorsey
Christine Foh
Arlene Ghiron
Brian Golinvaux
Patsy Grady
Dorothy Harza
Sandra A. Hunt
BJ Jones
Eileen Luciano
Cathy Madayag
Gordon & Meridyth McIntosh
Kristen Morris
John Morse & Wes Broquard
John Palmateer
Barbara Schatzman
Ned Staebler
Cathy Staples
Kelly & Jay Tunney
Tilly Wilhoite
William Wong
Molly Antonetti
Joe Berry
Stephen Chapman
Josh Culley-Foster
Jasan Earhart
Andres Fonseca
Ian Frank
Wayne Gailis
Pete Gately
Michael Herman & Rachael Yoder
Miriam Kalichman
Dennis Kmiec
Jamie Kowalczyk
Barbara Lanctot
Steven Levin
Carol Longman
Gina Merlo
David Murdoch
John & Lorry Murphy
John & Joy O’Malley
Dorothy Pirovano
Teresa & Joseph Simchak
Christine Slivon
Norma Tanner
Emily Tate
Martin Till
Carolyn Watkins
Joseph Zambrano
Ines Zimmerman
Hassan Al Rawas
Diane Amedei
Arthur Arfa & Marcia Fishman
Steve & Aliza Baron
Roland Batten
Michael Bauschelt
Judith Bergen
Andi & Alan Berkowitz
L.C. Bernadine
Diane C. Betten
Linda Bierig
Manuel Blanco
Amy Boese
Peggy Bolton-Thomas
Mary Boylan
Linda Bressler
Debra Bruce
Archibald & Eugenia Bryant
Tor Campbell
Melanie Carlson Peterson
Megan Carney
Walter Carrington
John Clum & Walter Melion
Valerie Cohen Morton
Richard Coover
Russ & Ann Covode
Thom Cox & Chris Freeburg
Landon Crews
Patricia Curtis
Amy & Joe Daleo
Will Davis
Ludwig DeFrenne
Dan Dietrich
Kathryn DiGiulio
Lisa Dillman
Lisa Disch
Nicole Donohoe
Kenneth East & Timothy Thurlow
Lee Russell Edwards
Fred & Robin Edwards
Cody Estle
Miriam Ex
Kathleen Faber
Margaret Fahey
Sarah Ferrill
Ardena Flippin
Florence Forshey
Lynda Forte
Doris Gilbert
Melvin & Lois Goldstein
Valerie Gorman
Audrey Gould & Russ Hyman
Markie Gray
Susan Haimes
Debra Hammond
Brandon Harrington
Morgan Harris
Barbara Hauser
Natalie Hegg
Kristine Hegner
Dr. Robert Henry
Donna Higgins
Michael Hillebrand
Debra Hinze
Dennis Hjelm
Bernadine Holland-McCullom
Mary Hopkins
Jeff Horler
Margaret Hupp
Jennifer Husbands
Meagan Jameson
Linda Jenewein
Logan Jones
Sheryl Kabak
Kim Kaulas
Irene & Michael Kelly
Mary Kling
Julie Koerner
Jan Kralovec & Clem Balanoff
Bridget Lally
Margarida Levy
Brian Loevner
Tara Mallen
Esther & Robert Manewith
Gail Margolis
Kevin McGirr
Kathleen McQueeny & Jack Franaszek
Kathryn Mendes
Pat & Mike Montemurro
Thomas & Cecilia Murphy
James Nadder
Catherine Nagler
John Nath
Patricia Nazaroff
Mike Negron
Betty Nelson
Pamela Peevy
Anna Newlin & Rick Vondrasek
Wendy Nixon
Susan Noel
James O’Laughlin
Patricia O’Neal
Shirley O’Rourke
Joel Ostrow
Janet Penley
Mark Perlman
Carole & David Perlman
Michael Peters
Kurt Peters
Jen Poulin
Glen & Beth Prezembel
Jerry Proffit
Barbara Provus
Elizabeth Raymond & Paul Hybel
Robert & Janet Reed
Robin Reizner
Audrey Reynolds
Meredith Reynolds
Nancy & Lee Rhoades
Robert Rich
Barbara & Robert Richards
David and James Baran-Robertson
Michele Rush
Timmy Samuel
Ben Sanda
Tim & Sue Schell
Karen Schneider
Paul Schoenwetter
Wendy Schoua Gorski
Eli Shearn
Kim Shore
Mary Ellen & Joe Smith
Gregory Sommers
Elisa Spain
Marlene Spigner
Malkia Stampley
Caryl Morris Steinberg
Jim & Sharon Stoik
Karen Stoll
Lucy Sullivan
Mary Sullivan
Gail & Robert Swan
Rachel Swan
Nathan Taylor Jr.
Andrew Thorp
Dorothea Tobin
Martin Treu
Georgette Tsenekos
Alexander Wayne
Maureen Welch
Skip Welfeld
Henry and Jennifer Wishcamper
Mara Wolff Mihlfried
Lori Wolter
Julie Womack
Alan Woodard
Anne Wrider
Lisa Wright
Jamie Younger
Ruth Zandstra
Paul Zavitkovsky
Rebecca Zemans & Ryan Blitstein
John Zinky