Kendra Kassebaum

Kendra Kassebaum (born May 12, 1973) is an American theatre actress, who has performed in many different musicals (both Broadway and non-Broadway), and is perhaps best remembered for playing the role of Glinda in the first national tour, Broadway, and San Francisco casts of the blockbuster musical Wicked. Early life Kassebaum was born on May 12, 1973, in St Louis, Missouri. Her parents are Susie and Dave Kassebaum, and she has one brother, Nicholas. Kendra went to St. Martin of Tours Catholic Elementary School for grades kindergarten to eighth grade. Kendra pursued sports and dancing and did not begin performing until she entered Notre Dame High School. She graduated from high school in 1991. On her graduation day, she received the "Best Actress" award. Career Kassebaum then attended Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University), where she received her B.F.A. in Performing Arts. Afterwards, she toured with Grease briefly before moving to New York City. She received her Equity card while on a regional tour of "A Chorus Line" at the Gateway Playhouse and began to pursue acting, but she also earned money by working as a nanny.