The intent of this thesis is to provide a written account, from an academic and artistic perspective, on the process of the lighting design for the University of Maryland, Department of Theatre's 2003 production of Romeo and Juliet. The development of the lighting design is discussed through four chapters from its conception to the opening of the production. The first chapter discusses the origins of the play, the historical context of the era in which the play was written, and presents a broad analytical perspective on the dramatic elements of the text. The second chapter details the conceptual approach to the production and explains the research and preliminary ideas of the lighting design. The third chapter focuses on the execution of the lighting design, emphasizing the development of the design through the technical and dress rehearsals. The final chapter is an analysis of the production and self-evaluation of the lighting design.