Donald Holder
Donald Holder has worked extensively in Theatre, Opera, Dance, Architectural and Television lighting in the US and abroad for over 30 years. He has designed 58 Broadway productions and has been nominated for 13 Tony Awards, winning the Tony for Best Lighting Design for The Lion King in 1998, and for the 2008 revival of South Pacific.
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BIO
Donald Holder has worked extensively in Theatre, Opera, Dance, Architectural and Television lighting in the US and abroad for over 30 years. He has designed 58 Broadway productions and has been nominated for 13 Tony Awards, winning the Tony for Best Lighting Design for The Lion King in 1998, and for the 2008 revival of South Pacific. Recent Broadway productions include: Tootsie, Kiss Me Kate, Anastasia, Oslo, Straight White Men, She Loves Me, Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I, On the Twentieth Century, The Bridges of Madison County, Bullets Over Broadway and many others. Projects at the NY Metropolitan Opera include Rigoletto (2022), Porgy and Bess, Samson et Delilah, Otello, The Magic Flute and the premiere of Two Boys. He has worked at most of the nation’s leading resident theatres and has designed over 100 Off-Broadway productions. His television/film work includes the theatrical lighting for two seasons of “Smash” (NBC - Dreamworks), Oceans 8 (Warner Brothers Pictures), “The Bad Witch” (HBO Max), and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon). Mr. Holder is an Associate Professor and head of the lighting program at Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts.
Photos
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Clive Owen, Donald Holder, Julie Taymor, Elliot Goldenthal, David Henry Hwang, Ma Cong, Jin Ha, Constance Hoffman and Paul Steinberg with the cast during the Broadway Opening Night performance Curtain Call for 'M. Butterfly' on October 26, 2017 at Cort T
From: Photo Coverage: Take a Look Back on 2017's Top Curtain Call Moments!
Productions
Awards and Nominations
Donald Holder, Ragtime
Donald Holder, Schmigadoon!
Donald Holder, Paradise Square
winner
Donald Holder, He Brought Her Heart Back in a Box
Donald Holder, My Fair Lady
Donald Holder, Anastasia
Donald Holder, Oslo
Donald Holder, She Loves Me
Donald Holder, The King and I
Donald Holder, The Bridges of Madison County
Donald Holder, Golden Boy
Donald Holder, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
Donald Holder, Ragtime
Donald Holder, South Pacific
Donald Holder, Les Liaisons Dangereuses
winner
Donald Holder, South Pacific
winner
Donald Holder, Les Liaisons Dangereuses
winner
Donald Holder, Cyrano de Bergerac
winner
Donald Holder, Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific
Donald Holder, Les Liaisons Dangereuses
Donald Holder, Gem of the Ocean
Donald Holder, A Streetcar Named Desire
Donald Holder, Gem of the Ocean
winner
Donald Holder, The Violet Hour
winner
Donald Holder, Observe the Sons of Ulster
winner
Donald Holder, Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme
Donald Holder, Movin' Out
winner
Donald Holder, Movin' Out
Donald Holder, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Donald Holder, Jitney
Donald Holder, The Lion King
Donald Holder, The Green Bird
winner
Donald Holder, The Lion King
winner
Donald Holder, The Lion King
winner
Donald Holder, The Lion King
winner
Donald Holder, The Lion King
winner
Donald Holder, The Lion King
Doanld Holder, Juan Darient: A Carnival Mass
Donald Holder, Juan Darien
Donald Holder, Stand Up For Tragedy
Videos
Video: THE LION KING Cast Performs 'They Live in You' on GMA for 9/11 Tribute
by Michael Major - 2026-09-11 12:49:28
Photos/Video: ARE YOU NOW OR HAVE YOU EVER BEEN Starring Norbert Leo Butz, Bob Odenkirk, T.R. Knight, Molly Ringwald and More
by A.A. Cristi - 2026-07-16 18:03:02
Video: Joshua Henry and RAGTIME Cast Celebrate 11 Tony Award Nominations With Surprise Stage Door Performance
by A.A. Cristi - 2026-05-06 18:31:45
Video: Joshua Henry, Shaina Taub, & Ben Levi Ross Record 'He Wanted to Say' From RAGTIME
by Michael Major - 2026-02-06 12:30:02
Video: THE LION KING's Tshidi Manye Takes Her Historic Final Bow as 'Rafiki'
by Michael Major - 2025-09-03 13:17:12
Video: Watch Gavin Lee Join THE LION KING on Broadway as 'Scar'
by Michael Major - 2025-07-23 11:54:23
Video: Ramin Karimloo Sings 'I Am A Pirate King' in PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL
by Michael Major - 2025-07-08 12:35:23
Video: Writer Jamie Wax Discusses the Genesis of CALL MY IZZY on CBS MORNINGS
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-20 13:10:59
Video: Stephanie J. Block Performs 'So In Love' From KISS, ME KATE Proshot
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-10 17:47:21
Video: Stephanie J. Block and Adrian Dunbar Perform 'Wunderbar' from KISS, ME KATE Proshot
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-02 13:21:37
Video: KISS ME, KATE Cast Performs 'Another Op'nin', Another Show' From PBS Proshot
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-02 12:18:57
Video: Watch the Cast of KISS ME, KATE Perform 'Too Darn Hot' From PBS Proshot
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-27 09:57:18
Video: McNEAL, Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Begins Rehearsals
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-08-10 14:56:25
Video: Stephanie J. Block Sings 'So In Love' from KISS ME, KATE
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-08-03 12:24:50
News
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 9, 2026
Get a first look inside rehearsals for ARE YOU NOW OR HAVE YOU EVER BEEN? at Arena Stage, directed by Anna D. Shapiro and running October 17 through December 6, 2026.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 9, 2026
Complete casting has been announced for the Broadway premiere of DOLLY: A True Original Musical, opening at the St. James Theatre this winter, including Crystal Kellogg and more.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 6, 2026
Juan Pablo Di Pace, known for roles in Netflix's Fuller House and the film Mamma Mia!, will make his Broadway debut stepping into the role of Doc in the Tony Award-winning musical SCHMIGADOON!
by Stephi Wild - Oct 6, 2026
The North American tour of THE LION KING will feature Syndee Winters returning to the role of Nala, as well as new cubs Anthony Fraire, Jaxon Ipapo-Glass, and Anaszia Kelly.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 6, 2026
Tickets for Disney's THE LION KING will become available to the public, ahead of the six-time Tony Award-winning musical's return to Melbourne's Regent Theatre for the first time since 2015.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 2, 2026
The five leading cast members have been announced for the Broadway production of DOLLY: A True Original Musical, who were hand-picked by Dolly Parton herself.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 29, 2026
Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater has revealed the company for Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?, Eric Bentley’s political docudrama.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 18, 2026
Tony and Grammy nominee Jennifer Simard currently performs in the Tony Award-winning musical SCHMIGADOON! at the Nederlander Theatre, taking on the role of Mildred Layton. Check out new photos from the production.
by Joshua Wright - Sep 11, 2026
The Lion King's North American tour will end in 2027 after 25 years, making way for a reimagined production from the original creative team.
by Michael Major - Sep 11, 2026
Cast members from Broadway's THE LION KING performed 'They Live in You' live on Good Morning America in remembrance of September 11. Watch the new video now!
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 8, 2026
Watch video of Jennifer Simard making her first entrance as Mildred Layton in Schmigadoon! on Broadway. Simard joined the Tony Award-winning musical at the Nederlander Theatre on September 8, succeeding Ana Gasteyer in the role.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 8, 2026
Eric Bentley's docudrama, drawn from HUAC hearing transcripts, will move to Arena Stage's Kreeger Theater following its Off-Broadway run at New York City Center, with Anna D. Shapiro again directing.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2026
Schmigadoon!, which was originally scheduled to run on Broadway through early January 2027, has now been extended through early April 2027, adding 13 more weeks of performances.
by Courtney Castelino - Sep 6, 2026
What did our critic think of DISNEY'S THE LION KING at Place Des Arts?
by Stephi Wild - Aug 25, 2026
Three-time Tony Award and Grammy Award nominee Jennifer Simard will step into the role of Mildred Layton in Schmigadoon! on Broadway beginning in September. Learn more here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 18, 2026
The Lion King on Broadway will welcome Camilla Lockhart in the role of Young Nala. Caleb Beltran and Firo Oliva continue in their roles alternating as Young Simba.
by Marissa Faith Curley - Aug 13, 2026
One of the world's most beloved stage productions is set to arrive in Melbourne, as Disney's THE LION KING brings its internationally acclaimed production to audiences in Melbourne, returning for the first time since 2015.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 12, 2026
Disney's THE LION KING will return to Melbourne for the first time since 2015, with performances set to begin at the Regent Theatre as part of the musical's third Australian tour.
by Noelle Hannibal - Aug 12, 2026
Canadian-born David D’Lancy Wilson is nearly one year into his run as Mufasa in THE LION KING. Next week, Pride Rock comes roaring into Montreal and Wilson is coming home to Canada. I had the opportunity to chat with Wilson about his life, career, and the experience of wearing the mask of one of musical theatre’s most iconic fathers. For Wilson, however, Mufasa is more than a king, warrior, husband and protector. At his core, he says, “he is just a parent trying to do right and best for their child.” As a father of two young boys himself, that perspective carries particular weight. THE LION KING takes the stage at Salle Wilfred-Pelletier, Places des Arts, 175 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H2X 1Y9 from August 19 - September 6, 2026.
by Sidney Paterra - Aug 16, 2026
Broadway says goodbye to Lincoln Center Theater's Broadway revival of Ragtime, which concludes its limited engagement at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre, following 21 previews and 348 regular performances. The theatre will soon be home to A Few Good Men, which begins performances on October 8.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ragtime, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Schmigadoon!, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Paradise Square, Design Award (Obie Awards) for He Brought Her Heart Back in a Box, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for My Fair Lady, Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Anastasia, Best Lighting Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Oslo, Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for She Loves Me, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The King and I, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Bridges of Madison County, Best Lighting Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Golden Boy, Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ragtime, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for South Pacific, Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for South Pacific, Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for Cyrano de Bergerac, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific, Best Lighting Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Gem of the Ocean , Best Lighting Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for A Streetcar Named Desire, Best Lighting Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Gem of the Ocean, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Violet Hour, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Observe the Sons of Ulster , Outstanding Lighting Design (The Lortels) for Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme, Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for Movin' Out, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Movin' Out, Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie , Outstanding Lighting Design (The Lortels) for Jitney, Best Lighting Designer (Olivier Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Green Bird , Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Best Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King, Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King, Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Juan Darient: A Carnival Mass, Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for Juan Darien and Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Stand Up For Tragedy.
Donald Holder has received several distinguished awards for his work in lighting design, including: - Design Award (Obie Awards) for He Brought Her Heart Back in a Box - Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for Cyrano de Bergerac - Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for Les Liaisons Dangereuses - Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for South Pacific - Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific - Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Violet Hour - Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Observe the Sons of Ulster - Outstanding Lighting Design (The Lortels) for Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme - Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Movin' Out - Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King - Best Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King - Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King - Best Lighting Design (Tony Awards) for The Lion King - Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King
