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Ken Billington

Birth Place: White Plains, NY, USA

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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.”

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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


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 has extended her return engagement in Chicago on Broadway! The singer, actress and TV sensation known for Bravo's “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” will play “Roxie Hart” on Broadway for an additional two weeks.
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!
CHICAGO Comes to Toledo in January
by Stephi Wild - Dec 12, 2024

The American Theatre Guild will present Broadway’s favorite razzle-dazzle smash hit musical, CHICAGO. This production will kick off the 24–25 BROADWAY IN TOLEDO Series at the Stranahan Theater.
Latest Standings Announced For The 2024 BWW Calgary Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 9, 2024

Don't miss your 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!
CHICAGO Breaks Its All Time Gross Record For Thanksgiving
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2024

Chicago beat its prior Thanksgiving week gross record. Learn more about the show's grosses and see how to purchase tickets to upcoming performances, starring Sebastian Yatra.
CHICAGO Will Take the Century II Concert Hall Stage in December
by Stephi Wild - Dec 2, 2024

CHICAGO will be performed as part of the 24–25 Broadway in Wichita Series and will take the Century II Concert Hall stage this December. Learn more about when to catch the show here!
Video: Sebastián Yatra Takes His First Bows In CHICAGO
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 26, 2024

Latin music sensation Sebastián Yatra (Encanto’s 'Dos Oruguitas”) took his first Broadway bows in the long-running revival of Chicago. Go inside his big debut in new video from the curtain call!
CHICAGO's Sebastián Yatra to Perform at Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 25, 2024

Chicago has announced that Latin music sensation Sebastián Yatra (Encanto’s 'Dos Oruguitas”) will perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC this year.
Tickets to CHICAGO at at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center on Sale Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 22, 2024

Single tickets for Baltimore’s 2025 engagement at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, home of the historic Hippodrome Theatre, are on sale now. Learn how to purchase tickets!
CHICAGO Tour Comes To The Appell Center
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 9, 2024

CHICAGO—the first show in the Appell Center's Glatfelter Insurance Broadway Series— returns to the Appell Center For The Performing Arts on November 27.

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. He received the Outstanding Lighting Design award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Sunday in the Park With George. He also won the Outstanding Lighting Design award from the Drama Desk Awards for Chicago. Additionally, he was awarded Best Lighting Design at the Tony Awards for Chicago.

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