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Justin Townsend

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BIO

Justin Townsend received a Drama Desk Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award Honour for his work on Moulin Rouge! The Musical. His Broadway credits include Jagged Little Pill, Saint Joan, Present Laughter, The Little Foxes, The Humans (Tony nomination), American Psycho (Tony nomination), Fool for Love, Casa Valentina, A Night with Janis Joplin, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, The Other Place, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. He served as Creative Director for Drake’s “Boy Meets World” European Tour and OVO Fest 2017. He previously worked with Alex Timbers on Here Lies Love. He is an associate professor at Brooklyn College.

Photos

Productions

Death Becomes HerDeath Becomes Her
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Lighting Design
Once Upon A MattressOnce Upon A Mattress
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Lighting Design
Here Lies LoveHere Lies Love
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Lighting Design
Lionel Bart's Oliver!Lionel Bart's Oliver!
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Lighting Designer
Jagged Little PillJagged Little Pill
 
[US Tour, 2022]
Lighting Design
Moulin Rouge!Moulin Rouge!
 
[US Tour, 2022]
Lighting Designer
Moulin Rouge! The MusicalMoulin Rouge! The Musical
 
[West End, 2022]
Lighting Designer
Moulin Rouge! The MusicalMoulin Rouge! The Musical
 
[West End, 2021] [Replacement]
Lighting Designer[Replacement]
Jagged Little PillJagged Little Pill
 
[Broadway, 2021]
Lighting Design
Moulin Rouge!Moulin Rouge!
 
[Broadway, 2019]
Lighting Designer
The NapThe Nap
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Lighting Designer
Moulin Rouge! The MusicalMoulin Rouge! The Musical
 
[Boston, 2018]
Lighting Design
Jagged Little PillJagged Little Pill
 
[Boston, 2018]
Lighting Designer
Saint JoanSaint Joan
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Lighting Designer
The HumansThe Humans
 
[US Tour, 2017]
Lighting Design
VenusVenus
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Lighting Design
The Little FoxesThe Little Foxes
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Lighting Designer
Present LaughterPresent Laughter
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Lighting Designer
Joan of Arc: Into the FireJoan of Arc: Into the Fire
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Lighting Designer
VietgoneVietgone
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Lighting Design
American PsychoAmerican Psycho
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Lighting Designer
IronboundIronbound
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Set and Lighting Design
The HumansThe Humans
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Lighting Designer
Mother Courage and Her ChildrenMother Courage and Her Children
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Lighting Designer
The HumansThe Humans
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Lighting Design
Fool for LoveFool for Love
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Lighting Designer
Here Lies LoveHere Lies Love
 
[West End, 2014]
Lighting Designer
Casa ValentinaCasa Valentina
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Lighting Designer
A Man's a ManA Man's a Man
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Lighting Designer
A Night With Janis JoplinA Night With Janis Joplin
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Lighting Designer
Scenic Designer
Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric PlayMr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Lighting Designer
The Caucasian Chalk CircleThe Caucasian Chalk Circle
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Lighting Designer
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and SpikeVanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Lighting Designer
Luck of the IrishLuck of the Irish
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Lighting Designer
The Other PlaceThe Other Place
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Lighting Designer
Without YouWithout You
 
[West End, 2012]
Lighting Designer
GalileoGalileo
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Lighting Designer
Milk Like SugarMilk Like Sugar
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Lighting Designer
Bloody Bloody Andrew JacksonBloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Lighting Designer
Palace of the End
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Lighting Designer
Speech & Debate
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Lighting Designer
Opus
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Lighting Designer
Howard Katz
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Associate Lighting Designer
The Treatment
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Lighting Designer
RecklessReckless
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Assistant Lighting Designer
The Violet HourThe Violet Hour
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Assistant Scenic Designer
The Architecture of Becoming
 
[Off-Broadway, 0]
Scenery and Lighting Design
A Night With Janis JoplinA Night With Janis Joplin
 
[Off-Broadway, 0]
Scenic and Lighting Design

Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Lighting Design (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Justin Townsend, Here Lies Love


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical

Justin Townsend, Moulin Rouge!


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Justin Townsend, Moulin Rouge!


winner
Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Justin Townsend, Jagged Little Pill

Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Justin Townsend, Moulin Rouge!

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Lighting Design for a Play

Justin Townsend, The Little Foxes


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical

Justin Townsend, American Psycho


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Lighting Design for a Play

Justin Townsend, The Humans


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical)

Justin Townsend, American Psycho

The Lortels - 2016 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Justin Townsend, The Humans

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Justin Townsend, American Psycho

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Lighting Design of a Play

Justin Townsend, The Humans


winner
Obie Awards - 2014 - Performance- Sustained Excellence of Lighting Design

Justin Townsend


winner
The Hewes Awards - 2014 - Hewes Design Award

Justin Townsend, Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play


winner
The Lortels - 2014 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Justin Townsend, Here Lies Love

Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Justin Townsend, Here Lies Love

Helen Hayes Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production

Justin TownsendOne Night with Janis Joplin

The Lortels - 2012 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Justin Townsend, Unnatural Acts

Helen Hayes Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production

Justin TownsendHamlet

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Justin Townsend, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

Videos

More Videos

News


DEATH BECOMES HER Original Broadway Cast Recording Streaming Now Photo
DEATH BECOMES HER Original Broadway Cast Recording Streaming Now
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 21, 2025

The Original Broadway Cast Recording of the drop-dead musical comedy, DEATH BECOMES HER, is streaming now on digital platforms.! The CD and 2-LP vinyl in Potion Purple are also available for pre-order with a release this summer.
Photo: First Look at Jordan Fisher in MOULIN ROUGE! Costume Photo
Photo: First Look at Jordan Fisher in MOULIN ROUGE! Costume
by Michael Major - Apr 15, 2025

Before he makes his debut in Moulin Rouge, check out a first look at Jordan Fisher in costume as Christian. The photos also features Solea Pfeiffer as Satine, who he previously starred in Hadestown with.
Review Roundup: TAKE THE LEAD Opens at Paper Mill Playhouse Photo
Review Roundup: TAKE THE LEAD Opens at Paper Mill Playhouse
by Joshua Wright - Apr 9, 2025

What did critics think of Take the Lead, the musical adaptation of the 2006 dance film that starred Antonio Banderas. Starring 3LW and Cheetah Girls member Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Vincent Jamal Hooper, Savy Jackson, Tam Mutu, and more, the production is now running at Paper Mill Playhouse through April 27.
Review: TAKE THE LEAD at Paper Mill Playhouse Charms, Inspires and Dazzles Photo
Review: TAKE THE LEAD at Paper Mill Playhouse Charms, Inspires and Dazzles
by Marina Kennedy - Apr 8, 2025

Take the Lead, an exuberant new musical, is now at Paper Mill Playhouse, and it is a definite hit. We attended the opening night when the full house audience was all smiles and cheers.
Photos: TAKE THE LEAD Opening Night at Paper Mill Playhouse Photo
Photos: TAKE THE LEAD Opening Night at Paper Mill Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 8, 2025

The world premiere musical Take the Lead, which began performances Saturday, March 29 opened this Sunday, April 6, at Paper Mill Playhouse. Check out photos from opening night here! 
ONCE UPON A MATTRESS Cast to Perform, Sign Albums at The Museum of Broadway Photo
ONCE UPON A MATTRESS Cast to Perform, Sign Albums at The Museum of Broadway
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 7, 2025

Sutton Foster, Michael Urie, Daniel Breaker, Will Chase, Ana Gasteyer, and Nikki Renée Daniels will appear at The Museum of Broadway on April 22nd to perform a few selections from the Once Upon a Mattress cast recording and to sign CDs.
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL is Now Playing in Chicago Photo
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL is Now Playing in Chicago
by Stephi Wild - Apr 3, 2025

MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL is now playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre for a limited three-week engagement through April 20 only. Learn more about the show here
Video: Jonathan Groff Recalls Seven-Year Journey to JUST IN TIME on THE LATE SHOW Photo
Video: Jonathan Groff Recalls Seven-Year Journey to JUST IN TIME on THE LATE SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 1, 2025

On a recent visit to The Late Show, Jonathan Groff recalled when he first fell in love with singer Bobby Darin as a performer and the seven-year journey in bringing Just in Time to the stage. Watch the interview now!
JUST IN TIME On Broadway Announces Rush Policy And Exclusive Banquette Seating Photo
JUST IN TIME On Broadway Announces Rush Policy And Exclusive Banquette Seating
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 28, 2025

JUST IN TIME has announced that a limited number of $40 Rush tickets will be available for purchase beginning when the Circle in the Square Theatre box office opens on the day of the performance and are available in-person only. Rush tickets are non-transferable, limited to 2 tickets per person and may be for any location.
JUST IN TIME, Starring Jonathan Groff, Delays Opening Night Photo
JUST IN TIME, Starring Jonathan Groff, Delays Opening Night
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 28, 2025

Following the cancellation of its first two preview performances due to production delays, a show representative has just confirmed that JUST IN TIME has officially moved its official opening night. We have all of the details here
Listen: ONCE UPON A MATTRESS Revival Cast Recording Available Now Photo
Listen: ONCE UPON A MATTRESS Revival Cast Recording Available Now
by Stephi Wild - Mar 28, 2025

The Broadway Cast Recording for the New York City Center Encores! revival of Once Upon a Mattress is available now! The album has been released physically and digitally, and can be purchased and streamed now!
JUST IN TIME Cancels First Two Broadway Previews Photo
JUST IN TIME Cancels First Two Broadway Previews
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 18, 2025

The new Broadway musical JUST IN TIME has canceled its first two previews. Originally scheduled to begin performances March 28, the production will now start March 31 due to producton delays. 
Review: TWYLA THARP DANCE DIAMOND JUBILEE at NY City Center is Scintillating Photo
Review: TWYLA THARP DANCE DIAMOND JUBILEE at NY City Center is Scintillating
by Marina Kennedy - Mar 14, 2025

Dance lovers and many more will be enraptured by the current performances of 'Twyla Tharp Dance Diamond Jubilee' at New York City Center
Up on the Marquee: JUST IN TIME Photo
Up on the Marquee: JUST IN TIME
by Jennifer Broski - Mar 14, 2025

The company of the new Broadway musical JUST IN TIME is getting ready to begin performances at the Circle in the Square Theatre. Check out photos of the new theatre marquee.
Cast Set For MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL World Tour Photo
Cast Set For MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL World Tour
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2025

The cast has been set as rehearsals are underway for the first ever World Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, the multi-award-winning hit stage show, which opens in Edinburgh in April 2025 before touring to venues across the UK, Europe and beyond.
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL Set To Premiere In San Diego Photo
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL Set To Premiere In San Diego
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 22, 2025

The first North American tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, will play in San Diego at the Civic Theatre.
Jordan Fisher Returns to Broadway in MOULIN ROUGE! Spring 2025 Photo
Jordan Fisher Returns to Broadway in MOULIN ROUGE! Spring 2025
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 19, 2025

Broadway's favorite love interest, Jordan Fisher, will return to Broadway this spring in the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Moulin Rouge!. Jordan begins performances in the role of ‘Christian’ starting Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
John Cardoza to Play Final MOULIN ROUGE! Performance This Spring Photo
John Cardoza to Play Final MOULIN ROUGE! Performance This Spring
by Michael Major - Feb 18, 2025

John Cardoza has announced his final performance as Christian in Moulin Rouge. After six months in the Broadway production and a stint in the musical's national tour, Cardoza's final show will be in April.
Video: Solea Pfeiffer Performs 'Firework' From MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL Photo
Video: Solea Pfeiffer Performs 'Firework' From MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 18, 2025

On a recent visit to Good Day New York, current Moulin Rouge cast member Solea Pfeiffer took the stage to perform Firework, the Katy Perry staple sung by Satine in the musical. Watch her performance here!
Paper Mill Playhouse to Launch 'Take A Ticket' Initiative For TAKE THE LEAD Photo
Paper Mill Playhouse to Launch 'Take A Ticket' Initiative For TAKE THE LEAD
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 18, 2025

Paper Mill Playhouse  is launching “Take a Ticket,” a new initiative introduced for the upcoming world premiere of Take the Lead. Learn more about the production and see how to attend!
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Justin Townsend been nominated for?

Outstanding Lighting Design (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Here Lies Love, Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Moulin Rouge!, Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Moulin Rouge!, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jagged Little Pill, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Moulin Rouge!, Outstanding Lighting Design for a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Little Foxes, Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for American Psycho, Outstanding Lighting Design for a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Humans, Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for American Psycho, Outstanding Lighting Design (The Lortels) for The Humans, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for American Psycho, Best Lighting Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Humans, Performance- Sustained Excellence of Lighting Design (Obie Awards), Hewes Design Award (The Hewes Awards) for Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play, Outstanding Lighting Design (The Lortels) for Here Lies Love, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Here Lies Love, Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for One Night with Janis Joplin, Outstanding Lighting Design (The Lortels) for Unnatural Acts, Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Hamlet and Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.

What awards has Justin Townsend won?

Justin Townsend has received several prestigious awards, including: - Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Moulin Rouge! - Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Moulin Rouge! - Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jagged Little Pill - Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for American Psycho - Outstanding Lighting Design for a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Humans - Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for American Psycho - Performance - Sustained Excellence of Lighting Design (Obie Awards) - Hewes Design Award (The Hewes Awards) for Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play - Outstanding Lighting Design (The Lortels) for Here Lies Love.

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