Illuminating a New Era: RKL Lighting at the Delacorte Theater

When New York City’s beloved Delacorte Theater in Central Park underwent its first full-scale renovation since 1962, RKL Lighting was proud to be the lighting partner entrusted with bringing this iconic open‑air stage back to life.

All told, this $85 million transformation—led by Ennead Architects, executed by Yorke Construction, and guided throughout by theatre consultants Fisher Dachs Associates—addressed core accessibility, safety, sustainability, and performance needs. Notably, Fisher Dachs Associates’ design team included lighting/control systems by Team Electric, Candela Systems Corporation, and us, RKL Lighting

Our Role: Crafting Light with Precision

• System Coordination: Working seamlessly alongside Team Electric and Candela Systems, RKL Lighting designed and implemented the theatrical and architectural lighting systems, integrating cutting‑edge control and dimming solutions that enhance both on‑stage clarity and overall venue ambiance .

  
  

• Technical Innovation: We engineered a permanent lighting truss and upgraded lighting towers, ensuring safe, reliable rigging for productions—including enhanced backstage ergonomics supported by new ramps and a dedicated control booth elevator.

• Sustainability Meets Artistry: In harmony with the reclaimed-redwood façade and cantilevered canopy design, our lighting emphasized both ecological sensitivity and visual drama—accentuating curve, texture, and context under Central Park’s open sky.

Celebrating the Outcome

The Delacorte’s grand reopening on July 15, 2025 drew cast members like Peter Dinklage, Sandra Oh, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, plus civic leaders such as NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and Deputy Mayor Adolfo Carrion Jr., celebrating not just a building but renewed promise for free, accessible theater for all.

Thanks to the lighting strategies RKL delivered in partnership with Team Electric and Candela Systems, the theater now offers:

• Enhanced Visibility & Atmosphere: Balanced front-of-house and architectural lighting that preserves the natural feel of outdoor performance with state‑of‑the‑art control.

  
  

• Safety & Flexibility: Upgraded lighting infrastructure supports crews, cast, and patrons with better sightlines and accessibility around trusses and backstage areas.

  
  

• Long-Term Resilience: Durable fixtures, improved maintenance access, and efficient controls built to last decades in an outdoor environment.

Our Partners Who Shaped the Project

• Architect: Ennead Architects

• Builder: Yorke Construction

• Theatre Consultant: Fisher Dachs Associates

• Electrical & Controls: Team Electric, Candela Systems Corporation

Together, we delivered on the shared goal of restoring the Delacorte as a world‑class, sustainable, fully accessible performance venue.

Looking Ahead: Shakespeare in the Park 2025

With the theater reopening ahead of schedule, Shakespeare in the Park returns on August 7, 2025, featuring a star‑filled production of Twelfth Night. From lighting towers to control systems, RKL Lighting is thrilled to see our work illuminate every performance under the Park’s open sky.

Why is this important?

For RKL Lighting, the Delacorte Theater revitalization reaffirms our commitment to lighting excellence, seamless integration, and collaborative craftsmanship. Working alongside Candela Systems, Team Electric, Fisher Dachs Associates, and other partners, we helped reimagine a landmark stage that blends heritage, performance, and inclusivity. We’re honored to have cast new light on Shakespeare in the Park—for New Yorkers today, tomorrow, and beyond.