About

Executive Artistic Director of American Blues Theater

Theatre Artist

Gwendolyn (Wendy) Whiteside is a proud Ensemble member of American Blues Theater and has served as Executive Artistic Director since 2010. Artistic highlights: created the nationally-recognized “Blue Ink Playwriting Award”; new work development program; arts education initiatives; implemented community service into the company’s mission; produced 50+ shows. Operational highlights: led the 2009 reorganization; built the annual budget from zero to $1 million; secured company’s first-ever operating reserve, endowment, and permanent home. Whiteside sat on panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and served as a director for Network of Ensemble Theaters and League of Chicago Theatres boards. Education: Kellogg Executive Scholar in Nonprofit management (Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University); The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (MFA); Northwestern University (BS). Awards: 16 Jeff Awards & nominations for work as producer & director; 5 Jeff Awards & nominations (solo performance, supporting actor, & ensemble), 2 After Dark Awards (ensemble), & 1 Broadway World Chicago (lead actor).

photo by Maia Rosenfeld