Ken Billington

Birth Place: White Plains, NY, USA

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Ken Billington 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.”

Ken Billington Photos

Ken Billington Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
Lighting Design
 
[West End, 2023]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2023]
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[US Tour, 2022]
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[Off-Broadway, 2022]
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[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
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[Off-Broadway, 2020]
Lighting Design
 
[Broadway, 2019]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Lights
 
[West End, 2019]
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[Regional (US), 2018]
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[Broadway, 2018]
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[West End, 2018] [Replacement]
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[Off-Broadway, 2017]
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[US Tour, 2017]
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[Los Angeles, 2017]
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[US Tour, 2016]
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[Boston, 2007]
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[Washington, DC (Regional), 2007]
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[Broadway, 2006]
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[New York, 2006]
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[Arlington, VA (Regional), 2004]
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[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2001]
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[Broadway, 1999]
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[West End, 1997]
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[Broadway, 1996]
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[Off-Broadway, 1995]
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[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 1992]
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[Regional (US), 1986]
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[West End, 1980]
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[Off-Broadway, 1979]
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[Broadway, 1978]
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[Chicago, 1977]
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[Broadway, 1976]
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[US Tour, 1976]
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[Boston, 1976]
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[Broadway, 1975]
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[Off-Broadway, 1974]
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[Broadway, 1973]
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[Off-Broadway, 1973]
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[Off-Broadway, 1973]
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[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

Ken Billington Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk 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

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

Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Lighting Design

Ken Billington, End of the World

Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Lighting Design

Ken Billington, Sweeney Todd

Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Lighting Design

Ken Billington , The Visit

Ken Billington Videos

Ken Billington News


New Tickets On Sale For Sydney Season Of CHICAGO

Due to huge demand, additional performances have been released today for the upcoming Sydney season of CHICAGO. Tickets up to 21 July are on pre-sale from today, with General Public sales from Friday 22 March.

Photos: Inside Opening Night of IBSEN'S GHOST at 59E59's Theater A

Ibsen's Ghost is now playing at 59E59’s Theater A. The production officially opened last night, March 14 for a limited run through April 14. Check out opening night photos here!

Robyn Hurder to Return to CHICAGO as Velma This Month

Tony Award nominee Robyn Hurder will return to Chicago on Broadway in the role of “Velma Kelly” beginning Tuesday, March 26 through Sunday, June 16.

Interview: Red Concepcion Looks on 'Mr. Cellophane's' Bright Side

Red Concepcion, who just made his Broadway debut in “Chicago,” sprinkles a little sunshine in his character, Amos Hart, who’s often depicted as Roxie’s “scummy, crummy, dummy hubby.” In the show’s first few minutes, it’s made clear Roxie has been cheating on Amos, clinging to men who have promised her a shot at being a local celebrity.

Ariana Madix Out of CHICAGO February 27 Performance

TV personality, actress and author Ariana Madix will miss tonight's performance of Chicago.

Video: Red Concepción Performs 'Mister Cellophane' in CHICAGO on Broadway

You can see right through him, walk right by him, and never know he's there! Here's an exclusive video sneak peek of Red Concepción performing 'Mister Cellophane' in CHICAGO on Broadway.

A SIGN OF THE TIMES to Offer $19.65 Limited-Time In-Person Rush Tickets

Limited-time, in-person rush tickets are now available for A Sign of the Times. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Ariana Madix Extends Run in CHICAGO on Broadway Through Early April

TV personality, actress and author Ariana Madix will extend in her role as 'Roxie Hart' in Chicago on Broadway through April 7. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Cast Set for Charles Busch's IBSEN'S GHOST: AN IRRESPONSIBLE BIOGRAPHICAL FANTASY Off-Broadway

Ibsen's Ghost: An Irresponsible Biographical Fantasy, a new play written by and starring Charles Busch, will open at 59E59 Theaters. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

New Tickets On Sale For CHICAGO in Melbourne and Sydney

Due to huge demand, new tickets have been released for the Melbourne and Sydney seasons of CHICAGO. Tickets are on pre-sale from today, with General Public sales from Friday 16 February.

CHICAGO Has Best Non-Holiday Performance Week In the Show's History

Chicago, Broadway’s longest running American Musical, had its highest grossing non-holiday performance week in the show’s 27-year history.

Video: Ariana Madix Takes Her First Bows in CHICAGO on Broadway

Reality TV star Ariana Madix, known for 'Vanderpump Rules', made her Broadway debut January 29, in the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago. Check out footage from her first curtain call in the video here!

Photos: Ariana Madix Takes Her First Bows in CHICAGO on Broadway

'Vanderpump Rules' star Ariana Madix made her Broadway debut January 29, in the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from her first curtain call here!

Review: IBSEN'S GHOST at George Street Playhouse-A Hilarious Must-See

Are you ready for some good laughs and great entertainment?  That’s just what you’ll find at George Street Playhouse (GSP) with their current production of Ibsen’s Ghost. 

Red Concepción Joins CHICAGO as 'Amos Hart' Next Week

The Broadway company of the Tony Award-winning, record-breaking hit musical Chicago will welcome Red Concepción in the role of “Amos Hart” beginning Monday, January 15th at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St., NYC).

Photo: Rehearsals Begin for A SIGN OF THE TIMES at New World Stages

A Sign of the Times will play at New World Stages this winter. See a photo from the first rehearsal below!

WAITRESS THE MUSICAL Live Capture Sets Streaming Premiere Date; DVD & Blu-Ray Release Announced

The live capture of Waitress the Musical will be available to own on digital platforms this week. The new release date will now allow audiences to stream the filmed version of the Broadway musical from their homes using apps like Prime Video, Apple TV, and more. The film stars Sara Bareilles, Charity Angél Dawson, Christopher Fitzgerald, and more.

A SIGN OF THE TIMES to Play at New World Stages Starring Chilina Kennedy, Justin Matthew Sargent & More

A Sign of the Times, a new musical featuring the songs of Petula Clark, Lesley Gore, Dusty Springfield, and other classic pop hits of the 1960s, will play a commercial engagement beginning March 4, 2024

Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Los Angeles Awards; Voting Ends 12/31

It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles 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!

Broadway's Record-Breaking Musical Smash, CHICAGO Comes To Broadway San Jose

Broadway San Jose, a Nederlander Presentation, welcomes the return of Broadway's record-breaking, Tony Award-winning musical smash, CHICAGO, to San Jose's Center for the Performing Arts (255 S. Almaden Blvd.) for a limited engagement from Friday, February 23 through Sunday, February 25, 2024.

Ken Billington FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Ken Billington has been nominated for several awards throughout his career, including Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "New York, New York," Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical) at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "New York, New York," and Best Lighting Design of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "New York, New York." He has also received nominations for Outstanding Lighting Design at the Drama Desk Awards and the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Chaplin: The Musical," "The Scottsboro Boys," "Sondheim on Sondheim," "Sunday in the Park with George," "The Drowsy Chaperone," "Chicago," "Grind," "End of the World," "Foxfire," "Sweeney Todd," "Working," and "The Visit."

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

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