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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]
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[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]
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[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]
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[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]
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[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1990]
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[Broadway, 1989]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1989]
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[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Lighting Designer
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
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[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


CHICAGO Tour Comes To The Appell Center

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.
CHICAGO To Play Limited Engagement At BroadwaySF's Golden Gate Theatre

BroadwaySF, an ATG Entertainment company, welcomes the return of Broadway's record-breaking, Tony Award-winning musical smash, CHICAGO.
Broadway In Birmingham To Present CHICAGO In November

THE ILLUSIONISTS: MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS will perform at the BJCC on December 3-4, showcasing a lineup of magicians and illusionists.
Review Roundup: LEFT ON TENTH Starring Julianna Margulies and Peter Gallagher

Based on Delia Ephron’s bestselling memoir, Left on Tenth is now running on Broadway, directed by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman and stars Julianna Margulies, Peter Gallagher, Peter Francis James and Kate MacCluggage. Read the reviews!
Photos & Video: LEFT ON TENTH Starring Julianna Margulies & Peter Gallagher

Get a first look at photos and video of the cast of Left on Tenth starring Peter Gallagher and Juliana Margulies ahead of the show’s opening night on Wednesday, October 23! 
Robyn Hurder, Brooks Ashmanskas, Krysta Rodriguez, John Behlmann & More Will Star in SMASH on Broadway

SMASH is set to open at Broadway's Imperial Theatre this spring, bringing the acclaimed TV series to the stage. We have all of the new details on what to expect including who's who in the cast, and the show's official dates for Broadway in the Spring of 2025!
CHICAGO is Coming to the Fabulous Fox Theatre in November

CHICAGO is BACK IN TOWN coming to the Fabulous Fox Theatre in November. There's never been a better time to experience CHICAGO, Broadway's razzle-dazzle smash. Learn how to purchase tickets.
CHICAGO to Open 24-25 Broadway In Birmingham Series This November

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 BIRMINGHAM Series at the BJCC Concert Hall for eight performances Nov. 19–24, 2024.
Ellie Roddy and Taylor Lane Will Lead CHICAGO National Tour

The 2024-25 tour cast for CHICAGO has been announced, featuring a lineup of performers set to bring the iconic musical to life across various cities.
Video: Alyssa Milano Shares Story of Husband's Surprise on CHICAGO Opening Night

On Monday, Alyssa Milano visited Sherri Shepherd's talk show to discuss her experience in the current Broadway cast of Chicago. The actress recently joined the production as Roxie Hart, also making her Broadway debut. Watch the full interview!
Video: Alyssa Milano Talks Making Broadway Debut in the 'Masterpiece' CHICAGO

Earlier this week, Alyssa Milano celebrated her first night as Roxie Hart in the current Broadway production of Chicago. The 'Who's The Boss?' star is making her Broadway debut in the show and recently sat down with CBS New York to talk about her experience so far. Watch the interview!
Photos: Alyssa Milano Makes her Broadway Debut in CHICAGO

See photos of Alyssa Milano's first Broadway bow in Chicago! Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Alyssa Milano Takes Her First Bow In CHICAGO On Broadway

Tonight 'Charmed' and 'Who's The Boss' star Alyssa Milano celebrated her opening night in Chicago on Broadway. Milano is making her Broadway debut tonight in the role of Roxie Hart. Check out video of her first curtain call!
CHICAGO National Tour On Sale At The Stranahan Theater This Week

Single tickets for the national tour of CHICAGO at the Stranahan Theater will be available starting September 13.
Tony Winner Beowulf Boritt's 1/52 Project Reveals Nine Early Career Designer Recipients

The 1/52 Project, the financial grant program founded by Tony Award-winning set designer Beowulf Boritt, has selected third round of nine early-career designer recipients to benefit from $150,000 in grants.
Tickets For CHICAGO at Marcus Performing Arts Center Go On Sale Friday

Marcus Performing Arts Center has announced that single tickets for the National Tour of CHICAGO will go on sale Friday, September 6 at 10:00 a.m.
CHICAGO Will Welcome Sebastián Yatra as 'Billy Flynn'

Chicago has announced that Latin music sensation Sebastián Yatra will make his Broadway debut as “Billy Flynn” beginning Monday, November 25 – Sunday, December 22, 2024 at the Ambassador Theatre.
Video: Robyn Hurder, Orfeh & Max Clayton do 'We Both Reached For The Gun' TikTok Trend

Watch Robyn Hurder, Orfeh and Max Clayton do 'We Both Reached For The Gun' TikTok trend backstage at Chicago!
Beowulf Boritt, Jeff Mahshie, and More Join Creative Team For LEFT ON TENTH on Broadway

Left on Tenth has announced the full creative team for the new Broadway play.  The production is set to begin performances at The James Earl Jones Theatre on September 26, with its official opening on October 23.
Tickets to RIVERDANCE & CHICAGO at PPAC to go on Sale This Week

Tickets for RIVERDANCE 30 - THE NEW GENERATION and CHICAGO go on sale at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Learn more about the shows and see how to purchase tickets.

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, including Outstanding Lighting Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Sunday in the Park With George. He also received the Outstanding Lighting Design award at the Drama Desk Awards for Chicago. Additionally, he won the Tony Award for Best Lighting Design for his work on Chicago.

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