Downtown dance icon, lighting designer Carol Mullins has passed away at age 86 – May 5, 1939-March 24, 2026 – leaving behind an incredible legacy of projects she lit over five decades. Much of her work was done with numerous choreographers for Danspace Project at St. Marks Church in-the-Bowery in Manhattan’s East Village, where she was the resident lighting designer since 1982 (a role she shared with Kathy Kaufman since 1988). Mullins earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from George Washington University. She received Special Citations from the Obie Awards for her work in Talking Band's Painted Snake in a Painted Chair.
Danspace Project posted online:
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Carol Mullins, our longtime lighting designer and a force of downtown dance. She began her career in New York City performing in the Byrd Hoffman School of Byrds, run by Robert Wilson, with her husband, playwright Jim Neu, and became the lighting designer for Wilson and other avant-garde artists soon thereafter. She lit her first performances at Danspace Project in 1976 and in 1982 became the resident lighting designer under Cynthia Hedstrom’s directorship and remained so for 42 years.
Carol was an honoree for our 50th anniversary gala in 2024, for which she also designed the lighting. Carol dedicated so much of her life and energy to Danspace Project and to all the artists, neighbors, and partners at St. Mark’s Church. Her passion is infused into the floor, the lights, the walls, the windows. She was here before the fire in 1978; she knew the workers who rebuilt the sanctuary; she knew the people of the community; she knew the artists who brought their work to this place for more than two generations. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her."
Many members of the dance community also commented in memory of Mullins...to quote just a few:
“In memory of Carol Mullins, a legendary downtown designer who began her career alongside Robert Wilson and went on to define the visual language of dance in New York for over 40 years as the lighting designer for Danspace Project in the Bowery. Her impact may not have been widely recognized, but her work—and her creative essence—are deeply ingrained in the history of dance in this city. I had the privilege of doing a photoshoot with Carol in Brooklyn last summer, where she shared stories from her life. I'm eternally grateful to have known her and to have had that time together. In addition to these photos, we also recorded her reflections—something I'll continue to treasure and hope to share publicly soon. Rest in light, Carol.” – Brandon Stirling Baker
“I just read Carol Mullins has died.
Carol Mullins whose brilliant lighting designs and strong work ethics mentored so many of us in how to see and be in our world.
Without fail, it amazed me to witness how quickly Carol got each and every dance/performance that came before her.
How intimately she knew Danspace.
How in what felt like an instant, she made some notes, nodded that nod, smiled her assuring smile and made it happen.
It became clear that her lighting design was what sealed the work into a show; an instant collaborator.
But never did she make an artist feel ran over or unheard. Just the opposite.
Carol lit the shows from the balcony, such a different POV, but still it was perfect for the audience and performers.
I loved watching Carol walk the 3 sides of the balcony looking down on the stage area to tweak her lights to perfection.
Carol Mullins, gentle genius with a wild spark in her eyes and soul.
Thank you for all you taught me and the brilliant light you shone on all of us.
I loved working with you and will miss that devilish grin and sparkle in your eyes.
My solace, for now is thinking of you and Jim together again, raising a glass of cheer.
Salud!” – Lori E. Seid, production manager
“Carol – my friend, colleague, foil, esteemed lighting designer, support system, dining partner, mentor, cheer leader, sounding board, late riser colorist, scientist archivist, car lover, collaborator, opinionator, world traveler, Danspace doyenne, philosopher, creator, thoughtful artist, and so much more. I will miss you dear friend.” – Kathy Kaufman, lighting designer
Danspace notes: "If Carol Mullins lit your work at any time over the past five decades please send us the ‘title, company/artist name, year, and venue’ (if not Danspace) and any photos so that we can begin a record of Carol’s Lighting Legacy!"
Danspace Project and St. Marks Church in-the-Bowery will host Carol’s Life Celebration in the near future with the date and time yet to be determined.”