Spencer Liff is an award-winning director and choreographer whose work is frequently seen on both stage and screen. He has earned two Emmy Nominations for Outstanding Choreography for his work on the hit FOX TV series “So You Think You Can Dance”, where he was a resident choreographer for 10 seasons. Highlights of his other TV credits include Dancing with the Stars, One Day At A Time, Parks and Recreation, How I Met Your Mother, Mike and Molly, 2 Broke Girls, B Positive, Alexa & Katie, NBC’s Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris (Choreographer & Co-Producer) The Latin Grammy Awards, The Emmy Awards, and The Oscars. Films include the upcoming Legendary Pictures feature film The Toxic Avenger, Stephen Karam’s Speech and Debate, Once Upon A Christmas Wish, and Steppin’ Into The Holiday starring Mario Lopez.
Spencer Directed & Choreographed the new Off-Broadway hit DRAG: The Musical. The show received widespread acclaim during its run, winning Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical from the Outer Critics Circle, a Queerty Award for Best Live Theater Show, and a GLAAD Special Recognition Award. It also earned 6 Lucille Lortel nominations, including Best Musical and Choreography, along with additional Best Musical nods from the Drama League and Off Broadway Alliance. DRAG: The Musical is set to play London later this year!
Broadway Choreography credits include “Head Over Heels” set to the music of The Go-Go's, The Lincoln Center Theater revival of “Falsetto's” Directed by James Lapine, the Tony Award-winning revival of "Hedwig And The Angry Inch" starring Neil Patrick Harris, and the critically acclaimed Broadway revival of "Spring Awakening". Spencer fused contemporary dance with American Sign Language for this re-imagined production that originated in Los Angeles with Deaf West Theater. He was nominated for a Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Astaire Award for the show's run on Broadway, and won both the Los Angeles Ovation Award and The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for his outstanding work.
Spencer loves to create immersive theatrical experiences. He recently directed and choreographed the 25th anniversary revival of the cult hit Reefer Madness, produced by Kristen Bell and Alan Cumming. Transforming an old nightclub on Hollywood Blvd into a 1930s reefer den, he placed the audience right in the middle of the action. It played to sold-out houses, earned rave reviews, and was extended several times. The production also earned a record breaking 14 nominations from the LA Drama Critics Circle Awards, including Best Direction for Spencer, and went on to win multiple honors—including Best Production and Best Choreography. Spencer is very excited about his next project ASTROLOGIA An immersive dance battle, fusing theater and nightlife, inspired by his love and knowledge of the Zodiac.
As a performer, Spencer earned his Equity card at the young age of 7 years old in the first National Tour of The Will Rogers Follies directed by the legendary Tommy Tune. He made his Broadway debut in Big-The Musical, followed by The Wedding Singer, Cry-baby, Equus, and 9 to 5. Spencer won the 2008 Fred Astaire Award as Best Male Dancer on Broadway for his role in Cry-baby for which he was also Associate Choreographer and dance captain. Performing credits for Film and TV include Hairspray, Across the Universe, Footloose, Smash and Gypsy starring Bette Midler.
A driving force behind Spencer’s overall creative vision has always been fashion. In 2021, he channeled this passion into a new venture, The Vintage Cheetah, a boutique collection of curated statement vintage pieces and his original jewelry designs. In 2022 he costume designed his first feature film, as well as several stage productions and high-profile nightlife events in New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles. Alongside his design work, he has a select group of clients who trust him to style them for fabulous red carpet events. Spencer's enthusiasm for fashion, costume design, and creative direction continues to flourish as he looks to the future.
Spencer's passion extends beyond his professional career success. As a proud faculty member of the Broadway Dreams Foundation, he has taken his talent and experience around the world, teaching masterclasses and providing opportunity and mentorship to aspiring performers of all ages. His commitment to making quality arts education accessible and inclusive for all has earned him a reputation as a champion of the next generation of artists.
Spencer’s personal lifestyle is a blend of dedication, adventure, and creativity. When he’s not busy working, he spends his leisure time exploring the world, practicing yoga to keep his mind and body in sync, and hunting for unique treasures at local flea markets. As a connoisseur of mid-century furniture, he adds a vintage flare to all his home decor. His biggest design project to date is renovating his 1950's homestead cabin in Joshua Tree, California. He finds dancing in the desert at sunset to be the perfect life balance for the big city energy of Manhattan.