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 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 Board of Directors for Network of Ensemble Theaters and League of Chicago Theater. 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’s been named in Newcity’s annual Players list numerous times. In 10 years, 10 American Blues Theater shows were nominated or won Joseph Jefferson Awards for production. She’s received 15 Joseph Jefferson Awards, Citations, and nominations as an actress and Artistic Director. 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!

Recently, he starred in The Brothers Size at Steppenwolf Theatre and teaches for “The Lincoln Project”.

Recently his play Five Presidents had its Chicago premiere, here at American Blues Theater.

Recently he directed Jeeves Saves the Day at First Folio Theatre.

His sound designs appear in productions at Milwaukee Rep, Arizona Theatre Company, and Merrimack Repertory.

Recently he appeared as “Ronald Reagan” in Five Presidents, here at American Blues Theater.

Recently he performed “Mr. Potter” & “Clarence” in It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!, here at American Blues Theater.

Currently she works as an appellate public defender in the Chicagoland area.

Artistic Director for American Blues Theater. Recently she directed It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!, here at American Blues Theater.