Jared is originally from Iowa and now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Growing up surrounded by the performing arts sparked a lifelong passion for theatre. His background includes training in music, dance, and theatre, including BFA-level musical theatre studies. He earned a bachelor's degree in Marketing and Communications with coursework in Music and Theatre, along with a master's degree in Organizational Management and Public Administration.
His favorite stage credits include State Fair, Oliver!, Guys and Dolls, Working, Damn Yankees, A Chorus Line, and The Crucible (opera).
Outside of his professional work in workforce development and IT, Jared is a photographer, commercial model, and host of the podcast Curtain Wire with Jared, where he interviews performers, creatives, and industry professionals from across the theatre community. His photography and modeling work has been featured in campaigns for major national brands.
Theatre continues to be a central part of Jared's life. He regularly attends productions, participates in workshops, and occasionally returns to the stage. He also enjoys covering concerts, sporting events, and other live entertainment through his photography and writing.
A longtime BroadwayWorld reader, Jared is thrilled to contribute to the publication that has been part of his theatre journey for years.
Follow Jared on Instagram: @jaredfessler, @jaredfesslerphotography, and @curtainwirewithjared.