Gwendolyn Whiteside

American Blues Theater will present the 2024 Blue Bash, a fundraiser celebrating the company’s history and artistry. Learn how to purchase tickets!

American Blues Theater has announced the recipient of the 2024 Blue Ink Award is Ken Urban for his play The Conquered. As part of the award, Urban receives a $3,000 cash prize, a staged reading at American Blues Theater, and the opportunity to further develop his script with American Blues Theater.

American Blues Theater presents the Chicago premiere of 'The Reclamation of Madison Hemings' by Charles Smith, directed by Chuck Smith. Tickets on sale now.

American Blues Theater, Chicago’s second oldest ensemble theater, under the artistic and executive leadership of Gwendolyn Whiteside, will celebrate the opening of its first permanent home, a two-theater venue, located at 5627 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago. 

American Blues Theater announces its 22nd Annual Production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! from Frank Capra’s film and directed by Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside with musical direction by Ensemble Member Michael Mahler.

Discover the talented playwright, Kristoffer Diaz, as he is honored as the winner of the 2023 Blue Ink Festival of New Plays by American Blues Theater. Learn more about the festival and the exciting future of Diaz's work in this insightful article.

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents the 2023 Blue Ink Festival of new plays, featuring four staged readings of works by the 2023 Blue Ink Award winner and featured finalists.

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces the recipient of the 2023 Blue Ink Award is Kristoffer Diaz for his play Things With Friends. As part of the award, Diaz receives a $2,500 cash prize, a staged reading at American Blues Theater, and the opportunity to further develop his script with American Blues Theater.

American Blues Theater has announced its 21st Annual Production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! will run November 23 – December 23, 2022 at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, Chicago. The press opening is Sunday, November 27 at 2:30pm.

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces the World Premiere production of Alma, in cooperation with Center Theatre Group. The production will run at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, 5779 Ridge Avenue in Chicago, September 22 – October 22, 2022. 

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents August Wilson’s Fences, directed by Monty Cole. Check out photos here!

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, will present a live, online reading of 17 MINUTES by Scott Organ, directed by Michael Cotey as part of “The Room” series. The reading will be live on Monday, June 27 at 7pm.

American Blues Theater has announced it will purchase a 17,965 square foot property in Chicago's Lincoln Avenue North Arts District and launch “Our First Home” campaign. This will establish the first permanent home for American Blues, a nationally recognized, award-winning non-profit AEA theater.

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces the Chicago premiere of Stand Up If You’re Here Tonight, written and directed by John Kolvenbach, featuring American Blues Theater Artistic Affiliate Jim Ortlieb.

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces the winner of the 2022 Blue Ink Award is The Reapers on Woodbrook Avenue by Mardee Bennett. As part of the award, Bennett receives a $2,500 cash prize, a staged reading at American Blues Theater, and the opportunity to further develop his script with American Blues Theater.

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents a live, online reading of Origin Story by Nathan Alan Davis, directed by Ensemble member Manny Buckley, as part of “The Room” series. The play will be live on Friday, February 25 at 7pm. 

It's that time of year when we celebrate our favorite cherished holiday traditions. For many, that includes watching a classic Frank Capra film that tells the story of Bedford Falls' own George Bailey. It's filled with many iconic Hollywood moments that are forever etched in our hearts and minds. Perhaps it's this tried-and-true story that makes it the perfect fit as a staged radio play. American Blue Theater's It's a Wonderful, Live In Chicago! is back in person and it's truly a holiday gem.

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents a live, online reading of The Thanksgiving Play by Larrisa FastHorse, as part of “The Room” series. 

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces Dead Ringers for Dead Singers, a costume party with live entertainment to benefit American Blues Theater.

American Blues Theater marks its return to live, in-person theater with its 20th Annual Production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! from Frank Capra’s film and directed by Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside with musical direction by Ensemble Member Michael Mahler.