OIL SHEEN
Coming June 2025

Bright, ambitious, and determined, Imani dreams of becoming a major influencer. She’s a talented dancer with a natural charm, but she struggles with self-doubt and finding her place in the digital world. At the start of the story, she has a small following and an old Android phone, making her an underdog in the influencer space. Over time, she learns the consequences of chasing clout and fights to stay true to herself.

Age 17

A naive peasant girl . Young, full of restless energy and fervor, she is immature and even a little selfish in her single-minded quest for freedom.  Initially her love for Daniel is little more than a focus for her dreams, but she grows in maturity, poise and genuine love later Spontaneous. Requires a strong dancer.

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Age 17

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Intelligent and passionate about activism, Khalil is a natural leader. He’s Vanessa’s older brother and is fighting against gentrification in his neighborhood. He sees through the glitz of social media and tries to keep Imani grounded, but also supports her dreams.​

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Age 17

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Imani’s ride-or-die best friend, Tiffany is fun, witty, and always has Imani’s back. She is social media-savvy and loves to keep up with trends but doesn’t take it too seriously. She has her own dreams but is more focused on helping Imani shin

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Age 17

• A hardworking single mother who owns a salon and is fiercely protective of Imani. Tanya is skeptical of social media fame and wants Imani to focus on real success. Over time, she learns to support her daughter’s dreams while staying true to her values.

Age: Late 30s - Early 40s

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A slick and manipulative con artist posing as a talent agent. She promises Imani a fast track to fame but secretly uses shady tactics like buying followers. She is charismatic and persuasive but has her own selfish motives.

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Age: Late 30s - Early 40s

Smart, observant, and outspoken, Vanessa is in a wheelchair and struggles with feeling unseen. She idolizes Imani and desperately wants to be part of something bigger. She plays a key role in exposing corruption and fighting for real representation.

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Age 12

A former beauty queen turned controlling executive producer of Detroit Vibes. She’s all about image and status, manipulating situations to keep her daughter in the spotlight.​​

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Age: Late 30s - Early 40s

A vibrant and charismatic host who genuinely loves the Detroit creative scene. Though she starts as an industry insider, she eventually challenges the system to give real talent a chance.

A former high school nerd turned wealthy businessman, Cornell is the CEO of CC Capital Enterprises, the company responsible for gentrifying Imani’s neighborhood. He masks his greed behind polished speeches about "progress" and "investment" while driving longtime residents out of their homes. His high school nickname, “Corny Collins,” haunts him, and he’s desperate to erase his past and be seen as a powerful mogul.

A longtime stylist at Tanya’s salon, Crystal is quick-witted, loud, and unfiltered. She’s always the first to crack a joke but has a deep loyalty to Tanya and Imani. While she often teases Tanya for being old-fashioned, she’s also the one who helps her see the bigger picture. She provides comedic relief but also serves as a voice of reason when things get serious.​

The Algorithm narrators are a dynamic trio representing the voice of social media itself. Acting as a modern Greek chorus, they weave in and out of the story, influencing events and commenting on the power and pitfalls of online fame.

A charming and confident Detroit Vibes star with a strong social media following. Initially dating Trinity, he notices Imani’s talent and starts gravitating toward her. Unlike other influencers, Malik isn’t ruthless and has moments of genuine kindness.

Tiffany’s strict, religious mother who distrusts social media and secular music. She’s over-the-top in her beliefs, providing comedic moments, but is also gullible—falling for Ms. Sage’s scams, thinking they’re blessings.

The ensemble in Oil Sheen! represents the vibrant, ever-changing pulse of Detroit’s youth and social media culture. They embody the city's energy, from dance battles and viral trends to community struggles and activism. More than background characters, they serve as the digital crowd, reacting in real-time to the highs and lows of Imani’s journey—cheering, criticizing, and fueling the drama of online fame.

The ensemble transforms throughout the show, taking on multiple roles:

• Social Media Users – Engaging with trends, spreading gossip, and shaping public perception.

• Detroit Vibes Contestants – Young influencers fighting for their moment in the spotlight.

• Community Members – Business owners, activists, and everyday people impacted by gentrification.

• Partygoers & Schoolmates – Representing Imani’s peers, from supporters to skeptics.