Donald Holder
RAGTIME Extends Additional Two Weeks on Broadway (Jun 9, 2026)
2026 Tony Awards Guide - How to Watch, Who is Nominated & More (Jun 7, 2026)
SCHMIGADOON!, LIBERATION and More Win 2026 Tony Awards - The Full List (Jun 7, 2026)
BIO
Donald Holder has worked extensively in Theatre, Opera, Dance, Architectural and Television lighting in the US and abroad for over 30 years. He has designed 58 Broadway productions and has been nominated for 13 Tony Awards, winning the Tony for Best Lighting Design for The Lion King in 1998, and for the 2008 revival of South Pacific. Recent Broadway productions include: Tootsie, Kiss Me Kate, Anastasia, Oslo, Straight White Men, She Loves Me, Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I, On the Twentieth Century, The Bridges of Madison County, Bullets Over Broadway and many others. Projects at the NY Metropolitan Opera include Rigoletto (2022), Porgy and Bess, Samson et Delilah, Otello, The Magic Flute and the premiere of Two Boys. He has worked at most of the nation’s leading resident theatres and has designed over 100 Off-Broadway productions. His television/film work includes the theatrical lighting for two seasons of “Smash” (NBC - Dreamworks), Oceans 8 (Warner Brothers Pictures), “The Bad Witch” (HBO Max), and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon). Mr. Holder is an Associate Professor and head of the lighting program at Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts.
Photos
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Clive Owen, Donald Holder, Julie Taymor, Elliot Goldenthal, David Henry Hwang, Ma Cong, Jin Ha, Constance Hoffman and Paul Steinberg with the cast during the Broadway Opening Night performance Curtain Call for 'M. Butterfly' on October 26, 2017 at Cort T
From: Photo Coverage: Take a Look Back on 2017's Top Curtain Call Moments!
Productions
Awards and Nominations
Donald Holder, Ragtime
Donald Holder, Schmigadoon!
Donald Holder, Paradise Square
winner
Donald HolderHe Brought Her Heart Back in a Box
Donald Holder, My Fair Lady
Donald Holder, Anastasia
Donald Holder, Oslo
Donald Holder, She Loves Me
Donald Holder, The King and I
Donald Holder, The Bridges of Madison County
Donald Holder, Golden Boy
Donald Holder, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
Donald Holder, Ragtime
Donald Holder, South Pacific
Donald Holder, Les Liaisons Dangereuses
winner
Donald Holder, South Pacific
winner
Donald Holder, Les Liaisons Dangereuses
winner
Donald Holder, Cyrano de Bergerac
winner
Donald Holder, Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific
Donald Holder, Les Liaisons Dangereuses
Donald Holder, Gem of the Ocean
Donald Holder, A Streetcar Named Desire
Donald Holder, Gem of the Ocean
winner
Donald Holder, The Violet Hour
winner
Donald Holder, Observe the Sons of Ulster
winner
Donald Holder, Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme
Donald Holder, Movin' Out
winner
Donald Holder, Movin' Out
Donald Holder Thoroughly Modern Millie
Donald Holder, Jitney
Donald Holder, The Lion King
Donald Holder , The Green Bird
winner
Donald Holder, The Lion King
winner
Donald Holder, The Lion King
winner
Donald Holder, The Lion King
winner
Donald Holder, The Lion King
winner
Donald Holder, The Lion King
Doanld HolderJuan Darient: A Carnival Mass
Donald Holder, Juan Darien
Donald HolderStand Up For Tragedy
Videos
Video: Joshua Henry, Shaina Taub, & Ben Levi Ross Record 'He Wanted to Say' From RAGTIME
by Michael Major - 2026-02-06 12:30:02
Video: THE LION KING's Tshidi Manye Takes Her Historic Final Bow as 'Rafiki'
by Michael Major - 2025-09-03 13:17:12
Video: Watch Gavin Lee Join THE LION KING on Broadway as 'Scar'
by Michael Major - 2025-07-23 11:54:23
Video: Ramin Karimloo Sings 'I Am A Pirate King' in PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL
by Michael Major - 2025-07-08 12:35:23
Video: Writer Jamie Wax Discusses the Genesis of CALL MY IZZY on CBS MORNINGS
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-20 13:10:59
Video: Stephanie J. Block Performs 'So In Love' From KISS, ME KATE Proshot
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-10 17:47:21
Video: Stephanie J. Block and Adrian Dunbar Perform 'Wunderbar' from KISS, ME KATE Proshot
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-02 13:21:37
Video: KISS ME, KATE Cast Performs 'Another Op'nin', Another Show' From PBS Proshot
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-02 12:18:57
Video: Watch the Cast of KISS ME, KATE Perform 'Too Darn Hot' From PBS Proshot
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-27 09:57:18
Video: McNEAL, Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Begins Rehearsals
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-08-10 14:56:25
Video: Stephanie J. Block Sings 'So In Love' from KISS ME, KATE
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-08-03 12:24:50
Video: The Cast of KISS ME, KATE in London Perform 'Too Darn Hot'
by Stephi Wild - 2024-06-18 06:57:28
Video: See Stephanie J. Block as Lilli Vanessi in a Photoshoot for KISS ME, KATE at Barbican Centre
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-04-06 12:50:24
News
by Stephi Wild - Jun 9, 2026
Lincoln Center Theater's four-time Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of RAGTIME announced a final two-week extension at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, with a new block of tickets now on sale.
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 7, 2026
Something's coming! The best of Broadway will take the stage Sunday night at Radio City Music Hall for the 79th Annual Tony Awards, hosted by P!nk. Need a refresher on how to watch and when? We've got you covered!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 7, 2026
The best of Broadway takes the stage tonight at Radio City Music Hall for the 79th Annual Tony Awards, hosted by P!nk. Stay tuned all night ling for updates from inside the ceremony.
by Team BWW - Jun 2, 2026
This is the final chance to vote for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
by Team BWW - May 29, 2026
There's just four days left to vote for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
by Team BWW - May 22, 2026
The first standings have been revealed for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large.
by Jennifer Broski - May 19, 2026
The best of Broadway was on 65th Street for Lincoln Center Theater's staged concert performance of Man of La Mancha. Check out photos from the red carpet here!
by Nicole Rosky - May 17, 2026
The best of the New York City theatre community was at Town Hall for the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards, the theater award honoring excellence across all of New York City’s theatrical landscape. Check out a full list of winners here.
by Nicole Rosky - May 15, 2026
Just yesterday, the 2026 Tony Award nominees gathered at the Sofitel New York to meet the press for the first time and BroadwayWorld was there for the special day. Check out photos of the 2026 nominees here!
by Stephi Wild - May 15, 2026
A change in casting has been announced for Lincoln Center Theater's staged concert performance of Man of La Mancha. Robin de Jesus has replaced the previously announced Harvey Guillén, in the role of Sancho Panza.
by Nicole Rosky - May 23, 2026
The 2026 Tony nominees are already winners... literally. For some, this marks their first nomination, but others have already won Tony Awards in seasons past. We took a look at which nominees have won at least a Tony or two (or four!) - amongst them, they've gathered a total 64 awards.
by Stephi Wild - May 11, 2026
Disney’s The Lion King has announced that Robb Sapp and Sam Linda, who play the role of Ed on Broadway and tour, respectively, will switch productions. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - May 7, 2026
The 12-time Tony Award-nominated musical Schmigadoon! has extended its run on Broadway, due to demand. Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!
by A.A. Cristi - May 6, 2026
Broadway's revival of RAGTIME, directed by Lear deBessonet at Lincoln Center Theater, celebrated its 11 Tony Award nominations last night. The show's Tony Award-nominated leading man led his castmates and their fans in a rendition of 'Celebration' by Kool & the Gang. Watch the video!
by Sidney Paterra - May 9, 2026
The results of the 2026 Tony races are very much still up in the air, but many of this season's nominated revivals have been Tony-tested before. How did they fare? The past may not always be the best indicator of the future, but accolades of years past provide interesting insight nonetheless. Check out a complete list of who was nominated, in what categories, and most importantly... if they won!
by James Lindhorst - May 5, 2026
St. Louis is at the center of one of the most hotly contested races at this year’s Tony Awards. The producing teams of Ragtime and CATS: The Jellicle Ball have ties to St. Louis, and both are nominated for Best Revival of a Musical. Stages St. Louis founder Jack Lane is a co-producer of Ragtime. Mike Bosner, a John Borroughs High School alum and former associate producer at The Muny is the lead producer on CATS: The Jellicle Ball.
by Nicole Rosky - May 10, 2026
Still thinking about the Tony nominations? Us too! Check out some takeaways from the big announcement and recap the full list and the nominees' reactions!
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2026
The nominations are in! Below, check out how each show fared individually in a full list of nominations by show. Follow us on BroadwayWorld throughout the day, as we'll bring you Tony nominee reactions, exclusive reports, surprises, behind the scenes coverage and oh, so much more!
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2026
BroadwayWorld's official Tony Awards coverage is here! Check out the 2026 Tony nominees here and follow us throughout the season for exclusive nominee interviews, special coverage and lots more!
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2026
This year's nominees are checking in with BroadwayWorld to tell us all about how they got the news. Check back for live updates!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ragtime, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Schmigadoon!, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Paradise Square, Design Award (Obie Awards) for He Brought Her Heart Back in a Box, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for My Fair Lady, Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Anastasia, Best Lighting Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Oslo, Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for She Loves Me, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The King and I, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Bridges of Madison County, Best Lighting Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Golden Boy, Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ragtime, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for South Pacific, Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for South Pacific, Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for Cyrano de Bergerac, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific, Best Lighting Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Gem of the Ocean , Best Lighting Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for A Streetcar Named Desire, Best Lighting Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Gem of the Ocean, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Violet Hour, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Observe the Sons of Ulster , Outstanding Lighting Design (The Lortels) for Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme, Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for Movin' Out, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Movin' Out, Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie , Outstanding Lighting Design (The Lortels) for Jitney, Best Lighting Designer (Olivier Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Green Bird , Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Best Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King, Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King, Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Juan Darient: A Carnival Mass, Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for Juan Darien and Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Stand Up For Tragedy.
Donald Holder has received several distinguished awards for his work in lighting design, including: - Design Award (Obie Awards) for He Brought Her Heart Back in a Box - Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for Cyrano de Bergerac - Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for Les Liaisons Dangereuses - Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for South Pacific - Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific - Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Violet Hour - Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Observe the Sons of Ulster - Outstanding Lighting Design (The Lortels) for Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme - Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Movin' Out - Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King - Best Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King - Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King - Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for The Lion King - Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King
Videos
