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Susan Hilferty

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BIO

Susan Hilferty has designed set and costumes for over 400 productions across the globe. Recent designs include Parade (Broadway; Tony nomination), Funny Girl (Broadway), Swept Away (Berkeley Rep and Arena Stage), Hamlet (St. Anne’s Warehouse NY and Gate Theatre, Dublin), Waiting for Godot TFNA/NYC, Richard Nelson’s What Happened?: The Michaels Abroad (Loewe Theatre, NYC), and A Bright Room Called Day (Public Theatre). Her many Broadway designs include Wicked (Tony, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama Desk awards and Olivier nomination), August Wilson’s Radio Golf. Present Laughter (Tony nomination), Hands on a Hardbody, Spring Awakening (Tony nomination), Lestat (Tony nomination), Annie (2013 Revival), Into the Woods (Tony and Drama Desk nominations; Hewes Award), and Frank Wildhorn’s Wonderland. Her designs for opera include Rigoletto, La Traviata, and the upcoming Aida for the Metropolitan Opera and Manon at LA Opera and Berlin Staatsoper. Hilferty has designed over a hundred off-Broadway productions including Richard Nelson’s Apple Family Plays, August Wilson’s Jitney and Athol Fugard’s Boesman and Lena.



She works with such well-known directors as Athol Fugard (the South African writer with whom she works as set and costume designer and often as co-director on over 45 productions since 1980), Yaël Farber, JoAnne Akalaitis, Laurie Anderson, Arin Arbus, Christopher Ashley, Anne Bogart, Jonathan Butterell, Oskar Eustis, Robert Falls, Frank Galati, Garry Hynes, David Jones, Selina Cartmell, Moisés Kaufman, Tony Kushner, Mark Lamos, James Lapine, Michael Longhurst, Richard Nelson, Des McAnuff, Marion McClinton, James MacDonald, Emily Mann, Joe Mantello, Michael Mayer, Neil Pepe, Bartlett Sher, Rebecca Taichman, Robert Woodruff, Doug Wright, and the late Garland Wright.

Hilferty also designs for Film, Dance (Alvin Ailey), the Circus (Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey) and Concerts (Taylor Swift SPEAK NOW World Tour). Hilferty’s many awards include the USITT Lifetime Achievement Award, Irene Sharaff Award for Lifetime Achievement, Alley Theatre Award for Lifetime Achievement, an OBIE for Sustained Excellence in Design, the Lilly Award and the Ruth Morley Design Award from the League of Professional Theatre Women. Hilferty is also on faculty in the Department of Design for Stage and Film at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, having served as chair for 25 years. susanhilferty.com

Photos

Productions

Swept AwaySwept Away
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Costume Designer
Funny GirlFunny Girl
 
[US Tour, 2023]
Costume Designer
ParadeParade
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Costume Design
Funny GirlFunny Girl
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Costume Designer
Wicked West EndWicked West End
 
[West End, 2021]
Costume Designer
HamletHamlet
 
[Off-Broadway, 2020]
Set and Costume Designer
A Bright Room Called DayA Bright Room Called Day
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Co-Costume Design
Boesman and LenaBoesman and Lena
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Scenic & Costume Designer
Fire in DreamlandFire in Dreamland
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Scenic & Costume Designer
IllyriaIllyria
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Scenic Design
Costume Design
SalomeSalome
 
[West End, 2017]
Designer
Present LaughterPresent Laughter
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Costume Designer
How to Transcend a Happy MarriageHow to Transcend a Happy Marriage
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Costume Designer
JitneyJitney
 
[Broadway, 2017] [Replacement]
Costume Designer[Replacement]
Women Of a Certain AgeWomen Of a Certain Age
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Scenic Design
Costume Design
Love, Love, LoveLove, Love, Love
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Costume Designer
Black to the FutureBlack to the Future
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Visual Consultant
The SpoilsThe Spoils
 
[West End, 2016]
Costume Designer
Turn Me LooseTurn Me Loose
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Costume Designer
HungryHungry
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Scenic Design
Costume Design
Buried ChildBuried Child
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Costume Designer
Mercury FurMercury Fur
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Costume Designer
The SpoilsThe Spoils
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Costume Designer
King LearKing Lear
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Costume Design
Stage KissStage Kiss
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Costume Designer
Hands on a HardbodyHands on a Hardbody
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Costume Designer
AnnieAnnie
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Costume Designer
SorrySorry
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Scenic & Costume Designer
If There Is I Haven't Found It YetIf There Is I Haven't Found It Yet
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Costumes Designer
The Train DriverThe Train Driver
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Costume Designer
Blood KnotBlood Knot
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Costume Designer
The Road to MeccaThe Road to Mecca
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Costume Designer
The IllusionThe Illusion
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Costume Designer
WonderlandWonderland
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Costume Designer
CompulsionCompulsion
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Costume Designer
Spring AwakeningSpring Awakening
 
[US Tour, 2010]
Costume Designer
The Flying Karamazov BrothersThe Flying Karamazov Brothers
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Costume Designer
Sondheim on SondheimSondheim on Sondheim
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Costume Designer
The Book Of GraceThe Book Of Grace
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Costume Designer
Our House
 
[Off-Broadway, 2009]
Costume Designer
WickedWicked
 
[US Tour, 2009]
Costume Designer
Mourning Becomes Electra
 
[Off-Broadway, 2009]
Costume Designer
The Marriage of Bette and Boo
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Costume Designer
Drunk Enough To Say I Love You?
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Costume Designer
Conversations in Tusculum
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Costume Designer
Radio GolfRadio Golf
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Costume Designer
WickedWicked
 
[Los Angeles, 2007]
Costume Designer
Frank's Home
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Costume Designer
Spring AwakeningSpring Awakening
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Costume Designer
Spring Awakening
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Costume Designer
Lestat
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Costume Designer
Fran's Bed
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Costume Designer
Wicked
 
[Chicago, 2005]
Costume Designer
Wicked (1st National Tour)Wicked (1st National Tour)
 
[US Tour, 2005]
Costume Designer
Rodney's Wife
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
The Good BodyThe Good Body
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Costume Designer
R Shomon
 
[Williamstown, MA (Regional), 2004]
Costume Designer
Dirty Blonde
 
[West End, 2004]
Costume Designer
AssassinsAssassins
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Costume Designer
WickedWicked
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
"MASTER HAROLD"...and the boys
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
Wicked
 
[San Francisco (Regional), 2003]
Costume Designer
My Life With Albertine
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
The General From America
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
Into the Woods
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
Helen
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
Franny's Way
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
Necessary Targets
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
Into the Woods
 
[Los Angeles, 2002]
Costume Designer
Sorrows and Rejoicings
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
The Visit
 
[Chicago (Regional), 2001]
Costume Designer
Madame Melville
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Costume Designer
Crimes of the Heart
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Costume Designer
A Skull in Connemara
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Costume Designer
Jitney
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Costume Designer
Dirty Blonde
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Costume Designer
Jitney
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Costume Designer
Dirty Blonde
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Costume Designer
Goodnight Children Everywhere
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Costume Designer
Tartuffe
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Costume Designer
The Captain's Tiger: A Memoir for the Stage
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Costume Designer
Director
Scenic Designer
The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Costume Designer
The Devils
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Costume Designer
Sharps, Flats & Accidentals
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
Sex and Longing
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
Arts & Leisure
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
The Night of the Iguana
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
Valley Song
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Costume Designer
Iphigenia and Other Daughters
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Costume Designer
Playland
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
One Shoe Off
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Costume Designer
Boesman and Lena
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
What a Man Weighs
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Costume Designer
My Children! My Africa!
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Assistant Director
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
Ubu
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Costume Designer
Zero Positive
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Costume Designer
The Road to Mecca
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Costume Designer
The Comedy of Errors
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Costume Designer
Coastal Disturbances
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Costume Designer
Coastal Disturbances
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Costume Designer
Cheapside
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Costume Designer
Blood Knot
 
[Broadway, 1985]
Costume Designer
Sister and Miss Lexie
 
[Off-Broadway, 1985]
Costume Designer
Costume Designer
All Night Long
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Costume Designer
Mensch Meier
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Costume Designer
Skirmishes
 
[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Costume Designer
My Sister in this House
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Costume Designer
Glasshouse
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Costume Designer
A Lesson From Aloes
 
[Broadway, 1980]
Costume Designer

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Susan Hilferty, Parade

Drama Desk Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Costume Design for a Musical

Susan Hilferty, Funny Girl

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

Susan Hilferty, Present Laughter

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Costume Design (Play or Musical)

Susan Hilferty, Present Laughter


winner
The Lortels - 2017 - Outstanding Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Love, Love, Love

Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Costume Design of a Play

Susan Hilferty, Present Laughter

Olivier Awards - 2007 - Best Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Wicked

The Lortels - 2007 - Outstanding Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Spring Awakening

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Susan Hilferty, Spring Awakening

Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Susan Hilferty, Lestat


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2004 - Best Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Wicked


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Wicked

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Wicked


winner
Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Wicked


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Wicked

The Lortels - 2003 - Outstanding Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, My Life With Albertine


winner
The Hewes Awards - 2002 - Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Into The Woods

The Lortels - 2002 - Outstanding Costume Design

Susan HilfertyFranny’s Way

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Into the Woods

The Lortels - 2001 - Outstanding Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Jitney


winner
Obie Awards - 2000 - Sustained Excellence Costume Design

Susan Hilferty

Videos

More Videos

News


PARADE National Tour Running Now At Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre Photo
PARADE National Tour Running Now At Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 23, 2025

The Tony Award-winning musical Parade is playing now at The 5th Avenue Theatre as part of its highly anticipated North American Tour. This limited engagement will run through May 4.
Review: WICKED Stimulates the Senses at the Eccles Theater Photo
Review: WICKED Stimulates the Senses at the Eccles Theater
by Tyler Hinton - Apr 18, 2025

The national tour of WICKED, currently playing at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City, is providing Utah theatregoers the opportunity to see the treasured story unfold live on stage.
Photos: Nicole Scherzinger and More at TDF's COSTUMES & COCKTAILS Photo
Photos: Nicole Scherzinger and More at TDF's COSTUMES & COCKTAILS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 9, 2025

On Monday night TDF, the not-for-profit organization dedicated to sharing the power of the performing arts with everyone, threw a raucous and glamorous party - Costumes & Cocktails – to celebrate 50 years of its exceptional Costume Collection. See photos here!
Kathy Najimy, Valentina, Ann Hould-Ward, and Martha Clarke Join TDF’s Spring Benefi Photo
Kathy Najimy, Valentina, Ann Hould-Ward, and Martha Clarke Join TDF’s Spring Benefit
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 31, 2025

TDF will celebrate 50 years of its exceptional Costume Collection with a glamorous party, Costumes & Cocktails. Learn more about the event and see who is being honored.
Video: DOWNTON ABBEY's Hugh Bonneville Stars in STC's UNCLE VANYA Photo
Video: DOWNTON ABBEY's Hugh Bonneville Stars in STC's UNCLE VANYA
by Joshua Wright - Mar 31, 2025

Get a first look at the acclaimed adaptation by Olivier Award-winner Conor McPherson of Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya starring Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Paddington) in the title role. Uncle Vanya is a heartbreaking comedy about the eternal battle between futility and change.
BWW Review: FUNNY GIRL - The Greatest Star Comes to the Ohio Theatre Photo
BWW Review: FUNNY GIRL - The Greatest Star Comes to the Ohio Theatre
by Christina Mancuso - Mar 26, 2025

It seems an impossible feat to follow in the shadow of the legendary Barbara Streisand who originated the iconic role of Fanny Brice in the 1964 Broadway production of FUNNY GIRL, which received eight Tony Award nominations.  But Hannah Shankman marched herself onto the stage at the Ohio Theatre and commanded every beat of the drum.  She’s quirky, clever, adorable, ambitious, lovable, and has impeccable comedic timing – but her show stopping voice is what sets her apart and generates thunderous, mouth-dropping applause.  And she does it with such natural ease.
Review: No One Should Pass by Emerson Colonial Theatre's PARADE Photo
Review: No One Should Pass by Emerson Colonial Theatre's PARADE
by R. Scott Reedy - Mar 16, 2025

What did our critic think of PARADE at Emerson Colonial Theatre?
Review: FUNNY GIRL at Texas Performing Arts Center Photo
Review: FUNNY GIRL at Texas Performing Arts Center
by Sabrina Wallace - Mar 6, 2025

Funny Girl dazzles! A powerhouse lead, a lush score & a showstopping number in 'Don't Rain on My Parade' make this production a must-see. A story of love, loss & resilience that is still relevant #FunnyGirlTour #BWW
Video: Watch the Trailer For UNCLE VANYA Starring Hugh Bonneville at Berkeley Rep Photo
Video: Watch the Trailer For UNCLE VANYA Starring Hugh Bonneville at Berkeley Rep
by Michael Major - Feb 25, 2025

Watch the trailer video for Berkeley Rep's production of Olivier Award-winner Conor McPherson’s stunning adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece, UNCLE VANYA. Joining Bonneville (Vanya) is Tony Award winner John Benjamin Hickey (Astrov).
TDF To Celebrate 50 Years of the Costume Collection At April Benefit Photo
TDF To Celebrate 50 Years of the Costume Collection At April Benefit
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 21, 2025

TDF will celebrate 50 years of its exceptional Costume Collection with a glamorous party, Costumes & Cocktails, on Monday, April 7 at Tao Downtown (92 Ninth Avenue).
Photos: WICKED's Paul Tazewell Celebrates Oscar Nomination at the Civilian Hotel Photo
Photos: WICKED's Paul Tazewell Celebrates Oscar Nomination at the Civilian Hotel
by Bruce Glikas - Feb 21, 2025

Last night, an event was held in celebration of Paul Tazewell's Oscar nomination for his costume design for the film adaptation of Wicked. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos here!
Tickets to PARADE At The Hobby Center to go on Sale This Week Photo
Tickets to PARADE At The Hobby Center to go on Sale This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 18, 2025

Individual tickets for Parade, winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, at the Hobby Center will go on sale to the public this week. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
SWEPT AWAY Cast Recording Is Now Available to Stream Photo
SWEPT AWAY Cast Recording Is Now Available to Stream
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 7, 2025

Brian Usifer, Chris Miller, Will Van Dyke, and Gigi Pritzker released the Swept Away (Original Broadway Cast Recording), featuring music and lyrics by The Avett Brothers. Find out where you can stream it here!
Applications for 4th Year of 1/52 Project Now Open Photo
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.
THE LOST BOYS Musical Will Arrive on Broadway in Spring 2026 Photo
THE LOST BOYS Musical Will Arrive on Broadway in Spring 2026
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 27, 2025

BroadwayWorld has just learned that THE LOST BOYS, A NEW MUSICAL will arrive on Broadway Spring 2026, with direction by Tony Award winner Michael Arden. We have all of the details here!
Listen: 'Satan Pulls the Strings' Released From SWEPT AWAY Original Broadway Cast Rec Photo
Listen: 'Satan Pulls the Strings' Released From SWEPT AWAY Original Broadway Cast Recording
by Stephi Wild - Jan 24, 2025

An all new single has been released from the forthcoming Original Broadway Cast Recording of Swept Away. “Satan Pulls the Strings' is sung by John Gallagher, Jr., featuring music and lyrics by The Avett Brothers. Listen here!
Cast and Creative Team Set for THE GLASS MENAGERIE at Alley Theatre Photo
Cast and Creative Team Set for THE GLASS MENAGERIE at Alley Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 15, 2025

The Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre has revealed the cast and creative team of Tennessee Williams’s The Glass Menagerie. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Listen: 'No Hard Feelings' From SWEPT AWAY Original Broadway Cast Recording Photo
Listen: 'No Hard Feelings' From SWEPT AWAY Original Broadway Cast Recording
by Stephi Wild - Jan 10, 2025

Swept Away will release an original Broadway cast recording on February 7th. An all new single has now been released from the album, “No Hard Feelings,” sung by Adrian Blake Enscoe and Stark Sands. Listen here!
PARADE Comes to the Kauffman Center This Month Photo
PARADE Comes to the Kauffman Center This Month
by Stephi Wild - Jan 9, 2025

PARADE, winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, will be part of the 24–25 PNC Broadway in Kansas City season and will make its Kansas City premiere at Kauffman Center this month.
Review: AIDA and the Temple of Doom Comes to the Met with Angel Blue Photo
Review: AIDA and the Temple of Doom Comes to the Met with Angel Blue
by Richard Sasanow - Jan 6, 2025

Someone at the Met should have been giving out flu shots (before RFK Junior makes them illegal), because something is obviously going around the cast of the new AIDA. They should have handed out a scorecard to help the audience keep track of who-was-who.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Susan Hilferty been nominated for?

Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Parade, Outstanding Costume Design for a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Funny Girl, Outstanding Costume Design for a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Present Laughter, Outstanding Costume Design (Play or Musical) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Present Laughter, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for Love, Love, Love, Best Costume Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Present Laughter, Best Costume Design (Olivier Awards) for Wicked, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for Spring Awakening, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Spring Awakening, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Lestat, Best Costume Design (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Wicked, Outstanding Costume Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Wicked, Outstanding Costume Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Wicked, Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for Wicked, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Wicked, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for My Life With Albertine, Costume Design (The Hewes Awards) for Into The Woods, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for Franny’s Way, Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for Into the Woods, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for Jitney and Sustained Excellence Costume Design (Obie Awards).

What awards has Susan Hilferty won?

Susan Hilferty has won several awards for her outstanding work in costume design, including: - Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for Love, Love, Love - Best Costume Design (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Wicked - Outstanding Costume Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Wicked - Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for Wicked - Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Wicked - Costume Design (The Hewes Awards) for Into The Woods - Sustained Excellence in Costume Design (Obie Awards)

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