Susan Hilferty
Latest News on Susan Hilferty:
Photos: The Cast of INITIATIVE Celebrates Opening Night (Nov 21, 2025)
Review Roundup: INITIATIVE World Premiere Opens At The Public Theater (Nov 21, 2025)
Review: WICKED at Shea's Buffalo Theatre (Nov 14, 2025)
Photos: The Cast of INITIATIVE Celebrates Opening Night (Nov 21, 2025)
Review Roundup: INITIATIVE World Premiere Opens At The Public Theater (Nov 21, 2025)
Review: WICKED at Shea's Buffalo Theatre (Nov 14, 2025)
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
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Costume Designer
Director
Scenic 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
Photos/Video: SWEPT AWAY Original Broadway Cast Reunion Concert
by Stephi Wild - 2025-04-29 09:56:48
Video: DOWNTON ABBEY's Hugh Bonneville Stars in STC's UNCLE VANYA
by Joshua Wright - 2025-03-31 12:25:07
Video: Watch the Trailer For UNCLE VANYA Starring Hugh Bonneville at Berkeley Rep
by Michael Major - 2025-02-25 16:05:14
SWEPT AWAY Original Broadway Cast Recording Will Be Released in February
by Stephi Wild - 2024-12-03 09:13:45
Video: The North American Tour of PARADE Comes to The 5th Avenue Theatre
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-11-30 15:53:46
Video: The Avett Brothers Perform During SWEPT AWAY Opening Night Curtain Call
by Stephi Wild - 2024-11-20 07:44:29
Video: SWEPT AWAY on Broadway with John Gallagher, Jr., Stark Sands & More
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-10-26 09:02:05
Video: Go Inside Broadway's WICKED Costumes With Susan Hilferty
by Michael Major - 2024-10-17 16:54:14
Video: The Avett Brothers Announce SWEPT AWAY Broadway Transfer From Queens Concert
by A.A. Cristi - 2024-05-17 23:02:33
Video: Get a First Look at The Avett Brothers' SWEPT AWAY at Arena Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-12-20 15:20:36
VIDEO: FUNNY GIRL Announces Broadway Closing; New Performance Montage
by Team BWW - 2023-03-02 08:59:20
Video: Watch Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond Sing 'This Is Not Over Yet' in PARADE Broadway Promo
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-01-10 11:39:24
FUNNY GIRL Cast Recording Will Be Released Tomorrow; Watch Lea Michele Sing 'Don't Rain on My Parade'
by Stephi Wild - 2022-11-17 08:30:20
VIDEO: First Look From the Sitzprobe of FUNNY GIRL on Broadway!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2022-03-24 14:30:40
News
Photos: The Cast of INITIATIVE Celebrates Opening Night
by Jennifer Broski - Nov 21, 2025
The Public Theater recently celebrated opening night of the world premiere of INITIATIVE, an epic new play by Emerging Writers Group alumnus Else Went and directed by The Public Theater’s inaugural Directing Fellow Emma Rosa Went. Check out photos from the red carpet!
by Jennifer Broski - Nov 21, 2025
The Public Theater recently celebrated opening night of the world premiere of INITIATIVE, an epic new play by Emerging Writers Group alumnus Else Went and directed by The Public Theater’s inaugural Directing Fellow Emma Rosa Went. Check out photos from the red carpet!
Review Roundup: INITIATIVE World Premiere Opens At The Public Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 21, 2025
Go inside the lives of a group of California teens in the Public Theater world premiere of INITIATIVE, an epic new play by Emerging Writers Group alumnus Else Went and directed by The Public Theater’s inaugural Directing Fellow Emma Rosa Went. Read the reviews!
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 21, 2025
Go inside the lives of a group of California teens in the Public Theater world premiere of INITIATIVE, an epic new play by Emerging Writers Group alumnus Else Went and directed by The Public Theater’s inaugural Directing Fellow Emma Rosa Went. Read the reviews!
Review: WICKED at Shea's Buffalo Theatre
by Michael Rabice - Nov 14, 2025
Everything Oz continues to enchant and enamor. The national touring production of WICKED landed at Shea's Buffalo Theatre this week. And like that infamous house that dropped from the sky, WICKED has an impact that rivals any of even the most famous Disney musicals. The 2003 Broadway musical was made into a two part movie and after breaking boxoffice records last year with Part I, Part II will be released this month. Audiences will no doubt clamor to the cinemas like the audiences that continue to flock to see the slick stage musical.
by Michael Rabice - Nov 14, 2025
Everything Oz continues to enchant and enamor. The national touring production of WICKED landed at Shea's Buffalo Theatre this week. And like that infamous house that dropped from the sky, WICKED has an impact that rivals any of even the most famous Disney musicals. The 2003 Broadway musical was made into a two part movie and after breaking boxoffice records last year with Part I, Part II will be released this month. Audiences will no doubt clamor to the cinemas like the audiences that continue to flock to see the slick stage musical.
INITIATIVE World Premiere At The Public Theater; Extension Announced
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 13, 2025
The Public Theater has released new production photos for Else Went’s world premiere INITIATIVE, now in previews and newly extended through December 7.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 13, 2025
The Public Theater has released new production photos for Else Went’s world premiere INITIATIVE, now in previews and newly extended through December 7.
Review: WICKED at Proctors Theatre
by Peyton VanDerheyden - Nov 1, 2025
What did our critic think of WICKED at Proctors Theatre? The WICKED national tour has seen nearly 25 million patrons across the country, and for good reason.
by Peyton VanDerheyden - Nov 1, 2025
What did our critic think of WICKED at Proctors Theatre? The WICKED national tour has seen nearly 25 million patrons across the country, and for good reason.
INITIATIVE World Premiere to Begin Previews at The Public Next Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2025
The Public Theater has begun previews for the world premiere of INITIATIVE, an epic new play by Emerging Writers Group alumnus Else Went and directed by The Public Theater’s inaugural Directing Fellow Emma Rosa Went. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2025
The Public Theater has begun previews for the world premiere of INITIATIVE, an epic new play by Emerging Writers Group alumnus Else Went and directed by The Public Theater’s inaugural Directing Fellow Emma Rosa Went. Learn more!
Photos: INITIATIVE World Premiere in Rehearsals at The Public Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 15, 2025
You can now get a first look at rehearsal photos for The Public Theater’s world premiere play INITIATIVE, written by Emerging Writers Group alumnus Else Went and directed by Emma Rosa Went.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 15, 2025
You can now get a first look at rehearsal photos for The Public Theater’s world premiere play INITIATIVE, written by Emerging Writers Group alumnus Else Went and directed by Emma Rosa Went.
PARADE Now Playing at Broadway In Chicago's CIBC Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 5, 2025
PARADE, winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, is now playing at Broadway In Chicago's CIBC Theatre for a limited engagement. Learn how to purchase tickets here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 5, 2025
PARADE, winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, is now playing at Broadway In Chicago's CIBC Theatre for a limited engagement. Learn how to purchase tickets here!
Review: PARADE at Ahmanson Theatre
by Harker Jones - Jun 24, 2025
When PARADE debuted on Broadway in December 1998 it won Tonys for Best Book and Best Original Score and six Drama Desk Awards. The 2023 revival was nominated for six Tony Awards itself, winning two. Now touring, the show, based on a true story, is in Los Angeles through July 12. And while it takes place 1913–1915, it is still just as relevant today as it was a century ago.
by Harker Jones - Jun 24, 2025
When PARADE debuted on Broadway in December 1998 it won Tonys for Best Book and Best Original Score and six Drama Desk Awards. The 2023 revival was nominated for six Tony Awards itself, winning two. Now touring, the show, based on a true story, is in Los Angeles through July 12. And while it takes place 1913–1915, it is still just as relevant today as it was a century ago.
DEATH BECOMES HER vs. MINCEMEAT Battle For Best Ensemble In The BWW Awards; Last Chance To Vote!
by BWW Awards - Jun 2, 2025
This is the final chance to vote for BroadwayWorld's 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater. There's just one week left to vote!
by BWW Awards - Jun 2, 2025
This is the final chance to vote for BroadwayWorld's 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater. There's just one week left to vote!
Tony Award-Wining PARADE On Sale At CIBC Theatre Tomorrow
by A.A. Cristi - May 30, 2025
Broadway In Chicago has announced that individual tickets for PARADE, winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, will go on sale starting Friday, May 30.
by A.A. Cristi - May 30, 2025
Broadway In Chicago has announced that individual tickets for PARADE, winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, will go on sale starting Friday, May 30.
1 Week Left for the BWW Awards; MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Leading Over MINCEMEAT & DEATH BECOMES HER
by BWW Awards - May 27, 2025
The latest standings have been released for BroadwayWorld's 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater. There's just one week left to vote!
by BWW Awards - May 27, 2025
The latest standings have been released for BroadwayWorld's 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater. There's just one week left to vote!
Two Weeks Left To Vote for the 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards
by BWW Awards - May 19, 2025
Show your support for shows like Maybe Happy Ending, Operation Mincemeat, Death Becomes Her, BOOP! The Musical and more.
by BWW Awards - May 19, 2025
Show your support for shows like Maybe Happy Ending, Operation Mincemeat, Death Becomes Her, BOOP! The Musical and more.
First Standings Announced for the 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards
by BWW Awards - May 12, 2025
The first standings have been released for BroadwayWorld's 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
by BWW Awards - May 12, 2025
The first standings have been released for BroadwayWorld's 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
Photos/Video: SWEPT AWAY Original Broadway Cast Reunion Concert
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2025
Last night, a sold-out Swept Away Reunion Concert took place at Bowery Ballroom. Check out photos and video from the concert here, featuring the show's original Broadway cast!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2025
Last night, a sold-out Swept Away Reunion Concert took place at Bowery Ballroom. Check out photos and video from the concert here, featuring the show's original Broadway cast!
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.
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
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.
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
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!
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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 received several prestigious awards for her costume design work. She won Outstanding Costume Design from The Lortel Awards for Love, Love, Love. She earned Best Costume Design from the BroadwayWorld Awards for Wicked, as well as Outstanding Costume Design from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same show. Hilferty also won Best Costume Design from the Tony Awards and Outstanding Costume Design from the Drama Desk Awards, both for Wicked. Additionally, she received the Costume Design award from The Hewes Awards for Into The Woods and was honored with the Sustained Excellence in Costume Design award from the Obie Awards.
Videos