Jared is originally from Iowa and now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He grew up surrounded by the performing arts, which sparked an early and lasting connection to theatre. His training spans music, dance, and theatre, including BFA-level musical theatre work. He holds an undergraduate degree in Marketing and Communications with coursework in Music and Theatre, as well as a master’s degree in Organizational Management and Public Administration.
Some of his favorite stage experiences include State Fair, Oliver, Guys and Dolls, Working, Damn Yankees, A Chorus Line, and The Crucible (opera).
Professionally, Jared works in workforce development and IT. He is also an accomplished photographer and a commercial model, having appeared in numerous advertisements for large corporate companies. While his career has taken him beyond the stage, his love for the arts remains central to his life—he regularly attends productions, participates in workshops, and occasionally performs.
A longtime reader of Broadway World, Jared has come full circle as the platform now features his own work, reflecting the role theatre continues to play in his life.
You can follow his creative journey on Instagram at @jaredfessler.
LEARN MORE ABOUT Jared Fessler
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When it comes to musical preferences, Jared’s top favorites include A Chorus Line, Aladdin, Allegiance, Beautiful, Company, The Color Purple, Hamilton, Jekyll and Hyde, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Light in the Piazza, The Notebook, Phantom of the Opera, The Prom, Ragtime, Six, Sweeney Todd, Waitress, Wicked, and The Wiz.MOST POPULAR ARTICLES
March 10, 2026
A tornado, a pair of sparkling shoes, a yellow brick road, and a loyal dog named Toto—The Wizard of Oz has been delighting audiences for generations.
March 8, 2026
What did our critic think of STRANGE HEART: THE DREAM SONGS OF JOHN BERRYMAN at Open Eye Theatre And Skinny Dog Production?
March 7, 2026
Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None has been keeping readers and audiences guessing for decades, and Lyric Arts’ current production shows why the story still works so well. Running through March 22 in Anoka, the play delivers plenty of suspense, a steady build of tension, and a mystery that keeps the audience trying to figure things out right up until the end.
March 6, 2026
Singer-songwriter Morgan James has built a career around doing things her own way. The Broadway veteran and soul powerhouse has never been content to simply cover a song—she reshapes it, pulling new emotion and perspective from music listeners thought they already knew.
March 5, 2026
We’re excited to chat with DeVon Wycovia Buchanan, who plays Andre Mayem in the touring production of Mrs. Doubtfire at the Ordway in Saint Paul from March 17–22, 2026.
March 6, 2026
On February 27, 2026, I made the drive from Minneapolis down to the Des Moines Performing Arts Civic Center to catch the national tour of The Outsiders. I’d been hearing a lot of buzz about the show, and since it hasn’t made its way up to Minnesota yet, I figured it was worth the road trip to see it early. Turns out, it absolutely was.
March 5, 2026
Seeing The Music Man in Mason City just feels right. When the new national tour came through the North Iowa Area Community Auditorium, it felt a little different than seeing a typical touring Broadway show. This is the town where the musical’s creator, Meredith Willson, was born and raised, so the story has a real connection here.
March 4, 2026
Water for Elephants has officially set up shop at the Orpheum Theatre, and it honestly doesn’t take long to get swept up in it. From the start, it feels less like you’re sitting in a theatre seat and more like you’ve wandered backstage at a traveling circus that just happens to break into song.
March 2, 2026
The touring production of Water for Elephants will be at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis from March 3–8, 2026, bringing its thrilling mix of circus, acrobatics, and musical theater to audiences. One of the standout performers is Sam Kellar-Long, whose role has him singing, dancing, performing aerial stunts, and even puppeteering, all in the same show.
March 1, 2026
What did our critic think of AS YOU LIKE IT at Novagrex?
March 1, 2026
What did our critic think of DISNEY ON ICE ROAD TRIP ADVENTURE at Target Center Minneapolis?
February 25, 2026
Some musicals are flashy and loud, but Kimberly Akimbo captivates quietly, drawing you in with humor, heart, and honesty. From the first moment on stage, it becomes clear that this is a story about people — messy, awkward, hopeful people — rather than spectacle.
February 24, 2026
As the touring production of The Music Man makes its way to Mason City, Iowa, it feels less like just another tour stop and more like a homecoming. After all, this is the hometown of composer Meredith Willson—the very place that inspired River City.
February 24, 2026
Seeing Glen Phillips at the Dakota Jazz Club on February 23 felt easy in the best way. No production, no band, no big entrance. It was just him, a guitar, and a room full of people who really wanted to be there.
February 22, 2026
What did our critic think of THE CAKE at Theatre In The Round?
February 22, 2026
What did our critic think of BRANDI CARLILE: BE HUMAN TOUR at Target Center Minneapolis?
February 21, 2026
What did our critic think of GUYS AND DOLLS at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres?
February 20, 2026
On February 19, Conan Gray hit the Target Center in Minneapolis for the Wishbone World Tour, and honestly, it felt like we were all just hanging out in his world for a few hours. From the very first note of “My World,” the energy in the arena was insane. Everyone knew every word, screaming along like they’d been waiting their whole lives for this night.
February 18, 2026
The barricade is up at the Orpheum Theatre, and yep — Les Misérables still packs a punch. It’s in town through February 22 with the Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin series, and whether you’re a longtime fan or finally seeing what all the fuss is about, this cast makes it worth the trip downtown.
February 13, 2026
What did our critic think of BLUE MAN GROUP at State Theatre Minneapolis?
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