Christopher Livsey
Christopher Livsey is a New Jersey–based teaching artist with over 20 years of experience working with children and young performers through acting, musical theater, jazz, and hip-hop. His passion lies in using the performing arts as a tool to help students build confidence, creativity, discipline, and self-expression in a supportive and joyful learning environment. Christopher began his artistic journey at a young age, training with Marie Thomas and the Children’s Theatre Workshop/Peppermint Players, where he developed a lifelong commitment to arts education. He continued his studies at Montclair State University, training in acting under Diane Holub and Susanne Trauth.
As a performer, Christopher toured internationally and nationally, including appearing in the European tour of Hair as Hud and serving as Dance Captain, under the direction of the show’s creator, James Rado. After returning to the U.S., he was awarded a scholarship to Broadway Dance Center, where he trained in ballet, jazz, Latin, and hip-hop. He later earned his Actors’ Equity card performing at the New York Public Theater in Radiant Baby, directed by George C. Wolfe, with choreography by Fatima Robinson.
As an educator, Christopher works with students of all ages—from early elementary through high school—meeting each child where they are and helping them grow at their own pace. His classes focus on voice, movement, imagination, improvisation, storytelling, and character development, encouraging students to express themselves confidently while developing strong performance fundamentals. When teaching dance, he emphasizes safe technique, musicality, and using movement to tell a story.
For nearly 20 years, Christopher has been a core faculty member at Sharron Miller Academy of the Performing Arts, helping design and deliver artist-in-residence programs for public schools in Newark, East Orange, Hillside, and Paterson, NJ. He also serves as a drama instructor and as writer/director for the SMAPA Prime-Time Summer Arts Showcase, guiding students through the full creative process from rehearsal to performance.
Christopher currently teaches musical theater and performance at Peak Performing Arts Center (P.A.C.) in Ridgefield, NJ, working closely with Lori Michaels and Reach Out Inc. He also collaborates with Karen Love’s Umoja Dance Studio, providing musical theater training for young dancers. In addition, he continues his long-standing work with the Children’s Theatre Workshop/Peppermint Players, teaching drama and dance and helping introduce new generations of children to the joy of live theater.
Above all, Christopher is dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and engaging spaces where children feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow—both on stage and in life.