Heather Gilbert

Heather Gilbert is an American theatrical lighting designer. She is best known for her close collaboration with director David Cromer.

Early life and education Heather Gilbert was born in Michigan and raised in Houston, Texas. She received her BA from Trinity University in San Antonio and her MFA in Lighting Design from The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago.

Career Gilbert worked in Chicago for many years before relocating to Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 2025. In her early career, she was an assistant lighting designer to Scott Zielinski. Additionally, she worked closely with Kevin Rigdon and Brian MacDevitt. Gilbert soon became established in Chicago, calling Steppenwolf Theatre her artistic home.

Gilbert was a member of The Hypocrites,

On Broadway, Gilbert has designed Bug, The Fear of 13, Little Bear Ridge Road, Good Night and Good Luck, Dead Outlaw, Parade, The Sound Inside, and Cult of Love.

Gilbert is a professor of lighting design at the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Previously, she was a professor at Columbia College Chicago 2021 Tony Award Best Lighting Design of a Play

Tony Award Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Drama Desk Award Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical

Tony Award Best Lighting Design of a Play Good Night, and Good Luck Drama Desk Award Outstanding Lighting Design Dead Outlaw

Bug The Fear of 13