GWENDOLYN (WENDY) WHITESIDE

Artistic Director

Wendy joined the Ensemble of American Blues Theater in 1998 and has served as Artistic Director since 2010. Under her leadership, American Blues has nearly doubled the size of its Ensemble, added 28 Artistic Affiliates, and diversified its base of artists. She created the nationally-recognized annual Blue Ink Playwriting Award, Blueprint Development for new work, implemented community service into the company’s mission, and adapted the arts education program The Lincoln Project for Chicago Public Schools serving nearly 3,000 students annually. She led American Blues through its 2009 rebirth and built the operational budget from zero to $1 million in seven years. Whiteside served numerous panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and sat on the national Board of Directors for Network of Ensemble Theaters. She’s a graduate of Northwestern University (cum laude), The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (MFA), and a Kellogg Executive Scholar in Nonprofit management (Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University). She was nominated for “Chicagoan of the Year” in Chicago Magazine and named in Newcity’s annual Players list numerous times. In seven years, eight American Blues Theater shows were nominated for production by the Joseph Jefferson Award committee. She’s received 14 Joseph Jefferson Awards, Citations, and nominations as an actress and Artistic Director. Her favorite performances include Jeff Award for Solo Performance (Grounded), Jeff Award for Solo Performance (The K of D), Mary’s Wedding (Top 5 Performances in Indianapolis), Collected Stories (Best Actress Broadway World Chicago Award), and six years as “Mary Bailey” (It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!). She’s the recipient of two (2) After Dark Awards, and numerous Broadway World Chicago Awards and nominations. She directs the Chicago holiday tradition It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

MANNY BUCKLEY

Chicago, 2012

Recently he performed in the world-premiere of TRANSit, here at American Blues Theater. Currently he appears in Love’s Labor’s Lost at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

CASEY CAMPBELL

Los Angeles, 2008

Currently he recurs on Disney’s “Bunk’d”. He is also the spokesperson for the Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas.

IAN PAUL CUSTER

Chicago, 2016

Currently he appears in The Columnist, here at American Blues Theater.

JARED GOODING

Chicago, 2018

Currently, he designed lights for Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, here at American Blues.

LINDSAY JONES

Los Angeles, 1998

Currently his sound designs are heard at Actors Theatre of Louisville, Old Globe, Northlight, IRT, Geva Theater, Geffen Playhouse, and Playwrights Horizon.

ED KROSS

Chicago, 1998

Recently he appeared on “Chicago Fire”, episodes of the Amazon series “Patriot”, and national commercial for Kellogg’s Frosted Mini Wheats.

HEATHER MEYERS

Chicago, 1996

Artistic Programming Support for American Blues Theater.  Recently she directed selections for Something Wicked This Way Comes at Bradbury Carnegie Center.

CARMEN ROMAN

Chicago, 1991

Recently she reprised her role in Botanic Gardens with her husband Jim Leaming.

EMERITUS MEMBERS

Dennis Cockrum
William Payne