Hassard Short
Hubert Edward Hassard Short (15 October 1877 – 9 October 1956), 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. Theatre historian Ken Bloom called him "one of Broadway's greatest directors and lighting designers", while theatre writer John Kenrick described him as a "groundbreaking director and choreographer".
Hassard Short | |
|---|---|
Short in 1907 | |
| Born | 15 October 1877 |
| Died | 9 October 1956 (aged 78) Nice, France |
| Occupation(s) | Stage director, set designer, lighting designer, actor |
| Years active | 1895–1953 |
| Partner | Billy Ladd |
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 (Music Box Revue, 1921) and first the use of a revolving stage in a Broadway musical (The Band Wagon, 1931). He continued to direct until 1952.