Howell Binkely
The mission of Hemsley Lighting Programs is to help bridge the gap for young designers between their educational environment and the beginnings of their professional careers. Like Gilbert Hemsley, Howell Binkley embodied the same passion for helping young designers as well as the same joyous personaity. For this reason, Hemsley Lighting Programs is proud to be teaming up with The Howell Binkley Fellowship as we work together to help bring more young designers into our design community.
Howell Binkley was a masterful “painter of light”. He was well known for his use of saturated color, accompanied by white or slightly cool highlights. He frequently used smoke or haze to draw attention to his use of angle. His designs are partly based upon Craig Miller and Tom Skelton's use of cross focussing to make diamond effects. Highlights of his 52 Broadway credits include: Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations (2019 Tony nomination), Hamilton (2016 Tony winner, 2018 Olivier winner), Come From Away (2017 Tony nomination), Allegiance, After Midnight (2014 Tony nomination), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (2011 Tony nomination), West Side Story (2009 Tony nomination). In the Heights, (2008 Tony nomination), Jersey Boys (2008 Tony winner), Avenue Q, The Full Monty, Parade, Kiss of the Spider Woman (1993 Tony nomination/Olivier and Dora winner). He was the proud co-founder/resident lighting designer of Parsons Dance. He lived in New York City and North Carolina.
Howell Binkley Fellowship Program
The Howell Binkley Fellowship offers an individual exposure to New York City based Lighting Designers and the Theatrical Lighting Community. It will expose them to the worlds of commercial and nonprofit lighting design. The fellowship recipient will have direct access to Howell’s two key Associates of many years: Ryan O’Gara and Amanda Zieve. Ryan and Amanda will provide an inside look at the industry including: developing excellent drafting techniques, advice on finding the next job, observing the tech of a Regional, Opera, Dance or Broadway production, and experience at the tech table for the process of a show. Ryan and Amanda will be available to answer questions and help the recipient navigate the industry to start their career. This fellowship will take place in the Fall or Spring and will last three months. The fellowship program honors the legacy of Howell Binkley. When referring to having young designers observe the process with him and his team, Howell would always say, “No one has ever done this for me.” He would take the time to talk to young designers; he loved to hear their stories and help them anyway he could. This fellowship continues his efforts, providing the extra ‘push’ and assistance in fostering the next generation of theatrical lighting designers as they begin their careers.
The ideal candidate must:
Be 21 years of age or older
Be a United States citizen
Have at least 2 years of higher education or equivalent experience
If currently in an education program, must be about to graduate. Recent graduates also may apply.
Have a design background
Desire to have a career in Theatrical Lighting Design
Be proactive, reliable, hardworking, mature and a self-starter
Applicants must submit:
Resume
One-page statement addressing the follow questions:
What drew you to Lighting Design?
Why does this specific opportunity interest you?
Why are you the ideal candidate for this mentorship and what do you hope to gain?
Two letters of recommendation emailed directly to BinkleyFellowship@gmail.com
Website or Digital Portfolio
Applications for the 2025 Fellowship will be accepted December 15, 2024 through January 1, 2025. The 2025 Fellowship will take place in the Fall of 2025 (approximately September through November).
Finalists will be interviewed by The Howell Binkley Fellowship Committee:
Ryan O'Gara
Amanda Zieve
Mark Stanley
Ken Billington
Ken Posner
Jiyoun Chang
For Further Information and/or to email completed applications, please contact:
Ryan O’Gara & Amanda Zieve
For a one time donation please click here:
Or contribute by check:
Please make your check payable to The Hemsley Lighting Programs, Inc., write Binkley Fellowship in the memo and send to:
The Hemsley Lighting Programs P.O. Box 1321 Ansonia Station New York, NY 10023
If you would like to make a future donation or donate over time, please email us at:
The Hemsley Lighting Programs, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation organized under IRS code 501c (3). All donations are tax deductible and receipts will be provided.
2024 HOWELL BINKLEY FELLOW
Jessica Ann Drayton
The Howell Binkley Fellowship Program is elated to announce their 2024 Fellow, Jessica Ann Drayton (https://www.jessicaanndrayton.com/). Jessica is a born-and-raised Georgian freelance lighting designer. She holds a B.F.A. from Wright State University and M.F.A. from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. A true artist at heart, Jessica loves how every production has a life of its own. She’s ecstatic to be joining forces with Amanda and Ryan to captivate audiences and gain experience. Jessica is extremely grateful for this opportunity. A special shout out to Jonathan David for supporting her every step of the way.
Please join us in congratulating Jessica as she takes the next step in her career. We are thrilled that Jessica made her way to us. She has a deep respect for Howell’s aesthetic and we can’t wait to show her the ropes. Jessica embodies the legacy of Howell Binkley and we know he would have been delighted to meet her and watch her soar.
PAST RECIPIENTS
Amara McNeil - 2023
Amara is currently taking NYC by storm continuing to design, assist, and make films. She recently assisted Jiji Chang and Jane Cox, among others. https://www.amaramcneil.com/
Samantha Weiser - 2022
Samantha is enjoying living and working in NYC where she is broadening her horizon through connections made during her Fellowship, including assisting Jiyoun Chang and Ken Posner. https://www.samanthaweiserld.com
Kat Zhou - 2021
Since completing the fellowship, Kat has moved to NYC and made her Broadway debut, assisting Ken Posner on Mr. Saturday Night. https://katzhoudesign.com
Howell Binkley