Hassard Short

Hubert Edward Hassard Short (1877–1956), 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. 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 (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.