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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

 
[Broadway, 2024]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2023]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Costume Design
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Costume Designer
 
[West End, 2021]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2020]
Set and Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Co-Costume Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Scenic & Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Scenic & Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Scenic Design
Costume Design
 
[West End, 2017]
Designer
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2017] [Replacement]
Costume Designer[Replacement]
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Scenic Design
Costume Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Visual Consultant
 
[West End, 2016]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Scenic Design
Costume Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Costume Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Scenic & Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Costumes Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2010]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2009]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2009]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2009]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Costume Designer
 
[Los Angeles, 2007]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Costume Designer
 
[Chicago, 2005]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2005]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Costume Designer
 
[Williamstown, MA (Regional), 2004]
Costume Designer
 
[West End, 2004]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[San Francisco (Regional), 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Los Angeles, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
 
[Chicago (Regional), 2001]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Costume Designer
Director
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Assistant Director
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1985]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1985]
Costume Designer
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Costume Designer
 
[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

News


Breaking: SWEPT AWAY Pushes Back Broadway Closing Date

The Broadway production of Swept Away has extended its run at the Longacre Theatre through Sunday, December 29, due to a surge in ticket sales following the previous announcement of its closing.
Tickets to FUNNY GIRL At Bass Concert Hall to go on Sale This Week

FUNNY GIRL is coming to Bass Concert Hall for a limited one-week engagement this winter. The Broadway revival features iconic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” Learn how to purchase tickets.
Latest Standings Announced For The 2024 BWW Washington, DC Awards

Don't miss your chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC 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!
FUNNY GIRL Comes To The Ohio Theatre This March

FUNNY GIRL is coming to Columbus for an eight-show run March 25-30, 2025, at the Ohio Theatre.
SWEPT AWAY Sets Broadway Closing Date

Swept Away will play its final performance on December 15, 2024. The musical, with music and lyrics by The Avett Brothers, will have played 32 regular performances and 20 previews at the time of its closing. 
Photos: DIARY OF A TAP DANCER In Rehearsal At American Repertory Theater

Trailblazing tap dancer and choreographer Ayodele Casel and longtime collaborator director Torya Beard (Chasing Magic, Funny Girl) return to A.R.T. this holiday season to share the joyful, resilient, and liberating spirit of tap. Look inside rehearsal in new photos.
SWEPT AWAY Original Broadway Cast Recording Will Be Released in February

The Original Broadway Cast Recording of the new Broadway musical Swept Away is coming soon! Find out when and where you can get the album and pre-order it here!
First Standings Announced For The 2024 BWW Washington, DC Awards

Check out the first stats for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC 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!
Video: The North American Tour of PARADE Comes to The 5th Avenue Theatre

The national tour of Parade, starring Max Chernin and Talia Suskauer, will play The 5th Avenue Theatre from April 16th through May 4, 2025. Watch a trailer for the tour in the video here!
Video: The Avett Brothers Perform SWEPT AWAY Title Song

The Avett Brothers, writers of the new Broadway musical Swept Away, visited the TODAY Show on Friday to perform the title number from the show. Watch them perform the song here!
Video: The Avett Brothers Perform During SWEPT AWAY Opening Night Curtain Call

Swept Away officially opened on Broadway this week. The cast was joined on stage for a special performance by The Avett Brothers during the show's curtain call. Check out the video here!
Photos: The Avett Brothers Join SWEPT AWAY Cast at Opening Night Curtain Call

The Broadway production of the new musical Swept Away, with music and lyrics by The Avett Brothers, held its official opening this week. The cast was joined on stage by The Avett Brothers during the show's curtain call. Check out photos here!
Review Roundup: SWEPT AWAY Opens On Broadway Featuring the Music of The Avett Brothers

The new musical Swept Away hits the high seas of Broadway tonight. The new musical with music and lyrics by The Avett Brothers. Did the new musical sink or sail with critics? Find out below!
Photos: SWEPT AWAY on Broadway Featuring the Music of The Avett Brothers

All new production photos have been released from the Broadway production of the new musical Swept Away, with music and lyrics by The Avett Brothers. Check out the photos here!
FUNNY GIRL Comes To Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall In January

FUNNY GIRL will be performed at BBMann from January 21-26, 2025. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 15 at 10 AM.
Review: WICKED at The Paramount Theatre

Dear Readers, something struck me last night while watching the juggernaut musical “Wicked”, currently playing at the Paramount Theatre. No, it wasn’t a flying monkey. It’s just how incredible this show is. It’s withstood the test of time ever since it’s Broadway premiere back in 2003 even though it didn’t win the Tony for Best Musical (that year it went to “Avenue Q”). It’s still running on Broadway, there have been tour after tour, and now we even have a huge blockbuster movie version coming to theaters in a few weeks. But why? For that answer I think we should take a look at this current run which, while not my favorite viewing of the show, still exemplifies what makes this show great.
Cast and Creative Team Set for DIARY OF A TAP DANCER at A.R.T.

American Repertory Theater has revealed the cast and creative team for the world premiere of Diary of a Tap Dancer, written and choreographed by Drama Desk nominee Ayodele Casel. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
PARADE Comes to the Fisher Theater Next Year

Broadway In Detroit has announced that Parade, winner of the 2023 Tony Award® for Best Revival of a Musical, will make its Detroit premiere at the Fisher Theatre February 25 – March 9, 2025.
Photos & Video: SWEPT AWAY Begins Previews on Broadway

Last night, Swept Away, the new Broadway musical with music and lyrics by folk-rock band The Avett Brothers, began performances at the Longacre Theatre. See photos and videos!

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 prestigious awards for her work in costume design. These include the 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, and Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Wicked. Additionally, she received an award for Costume Design (The Hewes Awards) for Into The Woods and the Sustained Excellence in Costume Design (Obie Awards).

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