Skelton, Thomas R.

One of America's most distinguished lighting designers, Thomas Skelton (1928-1994), enjoyed a long career in which he created the lighting for many important Broadway productions, as well as landmark dance works.

Born Thomas Reginald Skelton, Jr. in Maine, he developed an interest in modern dance while a student in the Theater Department at Middlebury College, Vermont. Upon graduating, he moved to New York City where he continued to pursue his interest in theater and modern dance. Skelton briefly studied dance technique with Martha Graham and José Limón, and composition with Doris Humphrey. He earned a living through odd jobs, including one in management for City Center Opera. His first professional experience in lighting came as an apprentice for Jean Rosenthal at the American Dance Festival. Skelton soon was working as a stage manager and lighting designer for Columbia Artists Management which represented various dance companies. Robert Joffrey invited Skelton to work as stage manager and lighting designer for his newly-formed company. In addition to his work with the Joffrey Ballet, Skelton had successful professional associations with Martha Graham, José Limón, New York City Ballet, and Paul Taylor. Dance pieces for which he designed the lighting include: the original productions of Paul Taylor's Aureole (1962), Robert Joffrey's Astarte (1967), and Jerome Robbins' Dances at a Gathering (1969), as well as revivals of Kurt Jooss' The Green Table, José Limón's The Moor's Pavane, and Leonide Massine's Parade. Among his most notable Broadway productions were the revivals of Brigadoon (1980), Death of a Salesman (1975 and 1984 productions), Guys and Dolls (1976), The King and I (1977), and Oklahoma! (1979). Skelton received Tony Award nominations for the original production of Indians (1967) and the revival of All God's Chillun Got Wings (1975). He also designed lighting for numerous productions at the Circle in the Square, Yale Repertory Theatre, and the American Shakespeare Festival. Skelton served on the Board of DANCE/USA and was Associate Director for the Akron-based Ohio Ballet. He also taught at the New York Studio and Forum of Stage Design and at Yale University.

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