Hassard Short

Who was Hassard Short?

Hubert Edward Hassard Short, usually known as Hassard Short, was an actor, stage director, set designer and lighting designer in musical theatre who directed over 50 Broadway and West End shows between 1920 and 1953. He has been described as "one of Broadway's greatest directors and lighting designers" by theatre historian Ken Bloom, and as a "groundbreaking director and choreographer" by John Kenrick.

After 25 years acting on stage and in films, Short turned to directing and designing in 1920. He made many innovations in stage lighting and design, including the first permanent lighting bridge and first the use of a revolving stage in a Broadway musical. He continued to direct until 1952.