News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Ken Billington Headshot

Ken Billington

Birth Place: White Plains, NY, USA

Get Ken Billington Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

BIO

Ken Billington is a highly acclaimed lighting designer with over 50 years of experience in the theatre industry. Born in 1944 in Long Island, New York, Billington attended Hofstra University where he studied theatre and lighting design. After graduating, he began his career as a lighting designer in the Off-Broadway scene in the 1960s, eventually making his way to Broadway.


Billington has designed the lighting for over 100 Broadway productions, including the original productions of Sweeney Todd, Chicago, and The Drowsy Chaperone. He has been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Lighting Design 21 times, winning three times for his work on The Elephant Man, Sweeney Todd, and Chicago.
In addition to his work on Broadway, Billington has designed the lighting for numerous productions in regional theatres across the United States and internationally. He has also worked extensively in opera, designing the lighting for productions at the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera.
Billington’s work has also been featured in film and television. He designed the lighting for the 1978 film version of The Wiz, starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, as well as the lighting for the 1982 television production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, starring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds.
Despite his extensive career, Billington remains humble and dedicated to his craft.
Billington’s impact on the theatre world extends beyond his own work as a designer. He has been an advocate for the use of energy-efficient lighting in the theatre industry and has worked to educate others on the importance of sustainability in theatrical design. He has also been a mentor to many young lighting designers, including Tony Award winner Natasha Katz.
In recognition of his contributions to the theatre industry, Billington was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame in 2017. He joins an esteemed group of theatre professionals, including actors, directors, and designers, who have made significant contributions to the American theatre.
Billington’s legacy as a lighting designer continues to inspire generations of theatre artists. His dedication to his craft, his commitment to sustainability, and his willingness to mentor others have made him a beloved figure in the theatre community. As he stated in his Tony Award acceptance speech for Chicago, “I’m just a lighting designer, but I’m very proud to be part of this community.”

Photos

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2025]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
Lighting Design
 
[West End, 2023]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Lighting Design
 
[US Tour, 2022]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Lighting Designer
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Lighting Design[Replacement]
 
[Off-Broadway, 2020]
Lighting Design
 
[Broadway, 2019]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Lights
 
[West End, 2019]
Lighting Design
 
[Regional (US), 2018]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Lighting Designer
 
[West End, 2018] [Replacement]
Lighting Designer[Replacement]
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Lighting Designer
 
[US Tour, 2017]
Lighting Design
 
[Los Angeles, 2017]
Lighting Designer
 
[Regional (US), 2017]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Lighting Designer
 
[US Tour, 2016]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Lighting Design
 
[US Tour, 2015]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Lighting Design
 
[US Tour, 2015]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Lighting Design
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Lighting Design
 
[West End, 2014]
Lighting Design
 
[US Tour, 2014]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Lighting Designer
 
[US Tour, 2014]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Lighting Designer
 
[US Tour, 2010]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Lighting Designer
 
[US Tour, 2009]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Lighting Designer
 
[West End, 2008]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Lighting Designer
 
[Boston, 2007]
Lighting Designer
 
[US Tour, 2007]
Lighting Designer
 
[West End, 2007]
Lighting Designer
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2007]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Lighting Designer
 
[New York, 2006]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Lighting Designer
 
[US Tour, 2006]
Lighting Designer
 
[Boston, 2005]
Lighting Designer
 
[Los Angeles, 2005]
Lighting Designer
 
[Los Angeles, 2005]
Lighting Designer
 
[San Francisco (Regional), 2005]
Lighting Designer
 
[Regional (US), 2005]
Lighting Designer
 
[US Tour, 2005]
Lighting Designer
 
[US Tour, 2005]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Lighting Designer
 
[Regional (US), 2005] Cancelled
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Lighting Designer
 
[San Francisco (Regional), 2004]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Lighting Designer
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Lighting Designer
 
[Arlington, VA (Regional), 2004]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Lighting Designer
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Lighting Designer
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2001]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Lighting Designer
 
[Regional (US), 2000]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Lighting Designer
 
[West End, 1997]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Lighting Designer
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 1992]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1992]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Lighting Designer
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 1991]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1991]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1990]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1990]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Lighting Designer
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1988]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1987]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Off-Broadway, 1987]
Lighting Designer
 
[Regional (US), 1986]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Off-Broadway, 1986]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1986]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1986]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1985]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1985]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1985]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1984]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Lighting Designer
 
[Regional (US), 1984]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1984]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1984]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1984]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Lighting Designer
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1982]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1982]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1982]
Lighting Designer
 
[US Tour, 1982]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1980]
Lighting Designer
 
[US Tour, 1980]
Lighting Designer
 
[West End, 1980]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1980]
Lighting Designer
 
[West End, 1980]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Lighting Designer
 
[US Tour, 1979]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1978]
Lighting Designer
 
[US Tour, 1978]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1978]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1978]
Lighting Designer
 
[Chicago, 1977]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Lighting Designer
 
[US Tour, 1976]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Lighting Designer
 
[Boston, 1976]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1975]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1975]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1975]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1975]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1975]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1974]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1974]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1973]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1973]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1972]
Lighting Supervisor
 
[Off-Broadway, 1971]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1970]
Assistant to Miss Musser
 
[Broadway, 1970]
Assistant to Mr. Musser
 
[Off-Broadway, 1969]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Assistant to Miss Musser
 
[Broadway, 0]
Lighting Designer

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical

Ken Billington, New York, New York

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical)

Ken Billington, New York, New York

Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Ken Billington, New York, New York

Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Ken Billington, Chaplin: The Musical

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Ken Billington, Chaplin: The Musical

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Ken Billington, The Scottsboro Boys

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2010 - Sondheim on Sondheim

Ken Billington , Sondheim on Sondheim

Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Ken Billington, Sunday in the Park with George


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Ken Billington, Sunday in the Park With George

Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Ken Billington, Sunday in the Park with George

Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Ken Billington, The Drowsy Chaperone


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Ken Billington, Chicago

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1997 - Best Lighting Design

Ken Billington, Chicago


winner
Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Lighting Design

Ken Billington, Chicago

Drama Desk Awards - 1985 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Ken Billington, Grind

Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Lighting Design

Ken Billington, End of the World

Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Ken Billington, Foxfire

Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Lighting Design

Ken Billington, Foxfire

Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Ken Billington, Sweeney Todd

Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Lighting Design

Ken Billington, Sweeney Todd

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Lighting Design

Ken Billington, Working

Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Lighting Design

Ken Billington , The Visit

Videos

News


BEACHES THE MUSICAL Will Launch Pre-Broadway National Tour
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 20, 2025

Following its International Premiere at Theatre Calgary Beaches The Musical will launch a pre-Broadway National Tour in the fall of 2026. Casting & complete Production Team for the tour will be announced at a later date.
Ashley Graham Will Make Her Broadway Debut as 'Roxie Hart' in CHICAGO
by Stephi Wild - Mar 13, 2025

Chicago will welcome supermodel, author, and entrepreneur Ashley Graham, making her Broadway debut in the role of “Roxie Hart” beginning next month. Learn more here!
CHICAGO Comes to the Wharton Center
by Stephi Wild - Mar 12, 2025

CHICAGO is coming to East Lansing. Enjoy CHICAGO on Wharton Center's Cobb Great Hall stage next month. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!
CHICAGO Comes to the Washington Pavilion This Month
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2025

CHICAGO will arrive at the Washington Pavilion this month. Tickets are on sale now for four performances from March 27–29.  Learn more about the show here!
Video: Watch Robyn Hurder & Caroline Bowman Sing 'Don't Forget Me' From SMASH
by Michael Major - Mar 10, 2025

Watch a video of Caroline Bowman and Robyn Hurder perform 'Don't Forget Me' from SMASH the Musical, which begins previews on Broadway Tuesday. The pair play Karen Cartwright and Ivy Lynn, respectively, in the in the Broadway musical.
SMASH Will Offer Rush, Lottery, and $30 Under 30 Initiative
by Stephi Wild - Mar 7, 2025

SMASH on Broadway will host a digital lottery, in-person rush and $30 under 30 initiative at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre and we've got the scoop on how to get discounted tickets.
CHICAGO Begins In March At Fox Performing Arts Center
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 28, 2025

Broadway's favorite razzle-dazzle smash hit musical, CHICAGO will be presented as part of the 24–25 BROADWAY AT THE FOX IN RIVERSIDE Series and will take the Fox Performing Arts Center stage March 18–19, 2025.
Photos: Erika Jayne and Sophie Carmen-Jones in CHICAGO on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 14, 2025

You can now get a first look at production photos of Sophie Carmen-Jones as 'Velma Kelly' & Erika Jayne as 'Roxie Hart' in Chicago on Broadway! Learn more about the production
Applications for 4th Year of 1/52 Project Now Open
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 6, 2025

Tony Award-winning set designer Beowulf Boritt, revealed applications for the fourth year of The 1/52 Project, the financial grant program for early career designers, founded by Boritt and a group of Broadway designers, are now open for the 2025 cycle.
Video: Robyn Hurder Sings 'Let Me Be Your Star' From SMASH on Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2025

Get an exciting first look and listen at SMASH on Broadway featuring an exciting new version of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman’s iconic, “Let Me Be Your Star”! See the video!
Erika Jayne Extends Run in CHICAGO on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2025

Erika Jayne extends her Broadway return in CHICAGO as Roxie Hart until February 23, 2025. Discover the Bravo star’s journey from ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ to the Broadway stage and her impact on the iconic musical.
LEFT ON TENTH Will Be Available to License from Dramatists Play Service
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2025

Dramatists Play Service has acquired Left on Tenth, the new play based on Delia Ephron’s bestselling memoir of the same name.  The title is now available to license for productions worldwide. Learn more!
Winners Announced For The 2024 BroadwayWorld Calgary Awards
by BWW Awards - Jan 13, 2025

Winners have been announced for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Calgary Awards! The 2024 Regional Awards honor regional productions, touring shows, and more which had their first performance between October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.
Greg Hildreth Will Join the Cast of CHICAGO on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Jan 3, 2025

Greg Hildreth will join the Broadway cast of Chicago in the role of 'Amos', beginning Monday, January 6, 2025 at the Ambassador Theatre. Learn more about how to get tickets here!
Last Chance To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Calgary Awards; BEACHES THE MUSICAL at Theatre Calgary Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 27, 2024

This is the last chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Calgary Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Final Week To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Calgary Awards; Theatre Calgary Leads Favorite Local Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 23, 2024

This is the final week to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Calgary Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
CHICAGO Welcomes Back Max von Essen This Month
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 20, 2024

Actor Max von Essen will rejoin the razzle dazzle company of Broadway's Chicago on December 23, 2024.
Erika Jayne to Return to CHICAGO as 'Roxie Hart' in January
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 18, 2024

Chicago on Broadway will welcome back singer, actress and TV sensation Erika Jayne in the role of 'Roxie Hart'. Learn more about Jayne's return to Broadway and learn how to purchase tickets.
LEFT ON TENTH & Sandals Resorts Launch 'Second Chance At Love Sweepstakes'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 17, 2024

To celebrate the holiday season, Left on Tenth has partnered with Sandals Resorts to launch a “Second Chance At Love Sweepstakes”. Learn how to apply!
Vote For The 2024 BroadwayWorld Calgary Awards; BEACHES THE MUSICAL at Theatre Calgary Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 16, 2024

Voting continues for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Calgary Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Ken Billington been nominated for?

Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for New York, New York, Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for New York, New York, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for New York, New York, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Chaplin: The Musical, Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Chaplin: The Musical, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Scottsboro Boys, Sondheim on Sondheim (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Sondheim on Sondheim, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Sunday in the Park with George, Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Sunday in the Park With George, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sunday in the Park with George, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Drowsy Chaperone, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Chicago, Best Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Chicago, Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for Chicago, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Grind, Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for End of the World, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Foxfire, Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for Foxfire, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for Working and Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for The Visit.

What awards has Ken Billington won?

Ken Billington has won several prestigious awards for his work in lighting design, including: Outstanding Lighting Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Sunday in the Park With George; Outstanding Lighting Design at the Drama Desk Awards for Chicago; and Best Lighting Design at the Tony Awards for Chicago.

Get Ken Billington Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos