At The Hemsley Lighting Programs, our mission is to honor the legacy of Gilbert Hemsley by fostering excellence in entertainment lighting design through comprehensive internship opportunities, portfolio reviews, mentorship initiatives, independent study and professional guest teaching opportunities. It is a fundamental part of our work is to assist graduating lighting design students in making the transition from the academic to the professional world. 

The Hemsley Lighting Programs was originally established in 1983 as The Gilbert V. Hemsley, Jr. Internship in Lighting at New York City Opera in honor of this unique and much beloved man. He was responsible for the launching of so many careers in the theater that when the idea for an internship was suggested, the outpouring of both good will and financial support created the framework upon which the initial program was formed and has continued to grow.  In 2004, a first ever national portfolio review for graduating lighting students was added to our offerings.  The Portfolio Review Program invites over thirty graduating lighting students to New York City each year to be seen and evaluated by some of the foremost lighting, scenic and costume designers, theater directors, choreographers and production electricians currently working in the business.

The original single internship opportunity has since been expanded to two internships being offered each year.  One intern participates in a seven-month program focused on “working in repertory” with the San Francisco Opera, the Alvin Ailey Dance Company and New York City Ballet.  The second intern spends the summer months doing an intense season of six fully produced Broadway musicals with Pittsburg Civic Light Opera. 

We have continued to expand our offerings by adding The independent Study Program to provide grants for research projects in areas related to lighting design as well as The Professional Lighting Intensives to facilitate guest lecture and mentorship opportunities offered by top tier designers wanting to share their knowledge and experience.  Most recently, we are honored to host the Howell Binkley Fellowship which honors the legacy of the brilliant lighting designer Hal Binkley by offering unique opportunities for one intern each year to work with top lighting designers on touring, regional and Broadway productions.