David Hersey

David Hersey (born November 30, 1939) is a lighting designer who has designed the lighting for over 250 plays, musicals, operas, and ballets. His work has been seen in most corners of the globe and his many awards include the Tony Award for Best Lighting Design for Evita, Cats, and Les Misérables and the Laurence Olivier Award for Lighting Design given in 1996.

He has also been active in the world of theme parks in Florida and Italy, as well as lighting extravaganzas at The Mirage, Treasure Island Hotel and Casino, and Belaggio Hotels in Las Vegas. He is the founder of DHA Lighting, which concentrates on the design of specialist lighting. For ten years he was lighting consultant to the Royal National Theatre and is a past chairman of the Association of Lighting Designers.

Personal

David Hersey was born in Rochester, New York and attended Oberlin College. In 1967 he moved to London, England. Married to Demetra Maraslis. Children: daughter Miranda Hersey Helin, b 1969 (from previous marriage); son Demetri Alexander Hersey, b 1978; daughter Ellen Katherine Hersey, b 1980.