Christina McCarthy

Christina McCarthy is a Lecturer and Director of Performance in the Department of Theater and Dance at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). As a multi-disciplinary artist, she specializes in dance, aerial circus arts, theater, puppetry, film, and visual art. Her work integrates movement training across ballet, modern techniques, and aerial disciplines, emphasizing collaborative projects with UCSB's Music Department and external theater companies.

Her teaching focuses on contemporary dance technique, choreography, puppet making, and interdisciplinary performance practices. Notable collaborations include the puppet theater adaptation of Mozart's The Magic Flute (performed in NYC Opera For Kids! series) and site-specific performances for UCSB's Library and Arts Walk events. She has directed numerous musical theater productions in Santa Barbara, including Something Rotten, Grease, and Cabaret.

McCarthy is the resident movement director for Naked Shakes and has contributed puppet designs to productions like State Street Ballet's Sleeping Beauty and Ensemble Theater Company projects. Her ceramic art has been exhibited locally, showcasing her diverse creative portfolio.

Her professional engagements include roles with Lit Moon Theater Company, Proboscis Theater, and the Arizona Shakespeare Festival. She was featured as a puppet artist at the 2018 Santa Barbara International Puppet Palooza Festival, highlighting her innovative contributions to puppetry and theater.