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, Maybe Happy Ending, The Music Man, The Notebook, Phantom of the Opera, The Prom, Ragtime, Six, Sweeney Todd, Waitress, Wicked, and The Wiz.
April 13, 2026
Hunter Hayes played Fine Line on April 12, 2026, and the whole night just felt really easy and real—in a good way. No huge production, no crazy effects, just a packed room and people who actually wanted to be there.
April 13, 2026
TWICE’s 2026 world tour “FOUR” stop in Saint Paul on April 12, 2026 didn’t feel like a typical concert—it felt more like being dropped into their world for a couple of hours. Even with how big everything is—the stage, the screens, the lights—it still somehow feels really personal.
April 11, 2026
What did our critic think of CONSCIENCE at Theatre In The Round?
April 11, 2026
Morgan Wallen's Still The Problem Tour 2026 kicked off with a sold-out U.S. Bank Stadium show featuring Thomas Rhett, an acoustic set, fireworks, and more.
April 10, 2026
The Mayhem Ball Tour stop at Grand Casino Arena on April 9 and 10 honestly felt like way more than just a concert. It was one of those shows where you could tell right away it was going to be something special—and part of that was just how good it felt to see Lady Gaga out there at all.
April 9, 2026
On April 8, RAYE took over the State Theatre in Minneapolis, and the whole night felt more personal than polished—in a good way. It was part of her RAYE: This Tour May Contain New Music tour, with Absolutely and amma opening things up and setting a pretty low-key, intimate vibe from the start.
April 8, 2026
What did our critic think of EVERYBODY SCREAM TOUR 2026 at Target Center Minneapolis?
April 8, 2026
Suffs has rolled into Minneapolis for a quick stop, and it’s exactly the kind of show that sneaks up on you—in a good way. Playing now through April 12 at the Orpheum Theatre and presented by Hennepin Arts, this Tony-winning musical about the fight for women’s suffrage feels a lot more immediate than you might expect from something rooted in history.
April 7, 2026
We caught up with McCreery ahead of his return to Minnesota to talk about the songs that still hit the hardest, what he hopes fans take with them after a show, and why crowds here have always stood out to him.
April 2, 2026
Doing 90 Down Memory Lane at the Brave New Workshop is a laugh-out-loud comedy that feels like a fast-moving road trip through some of the company’s best sketches from the past few years. Framed as a springtime detour through Minnesota road closures, the show is a perfect mix of nostalgia and fresh humor, with a few throwback sketches that longtime fans will love.
April 2, 2026
Mason Yang plays Aben in HMONG FUTURES by Katie Ka Vang, running April 9–May 3, 2026 at Gremlin Theatre. Currently a senior in high school, Mason has been building his acting experience across the Twin Cities, with credits at Children’s Theatre Company, Park Square Theatre, and Lakeshore Players. This production also marks his first time working with Theater Mu.
April 1, 2026
What did our critic think of BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - LAND OF HOPES AND DREAMS TOUR at Target Center Minneapolis? Bruce Springsteen didn’t just play a show at Target Center on March 31—he turned the whole night into something that felt bigger than a concert.
March 26, 2026
What did our critic think of MARGARET CHO THE CHOLIGARCHY TOUR at The Fillmore Minneapolis?
March 26, 2026
With over 200 million views online and love from legends like Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, and Whoopi Goldberg, the Syncopated Ladies have grown into way more than a dance group. They’ve created their own lane—bringing tap into today’s culture in a way that feels fresh, bold, and impossible to ignore.
March 25, 2026
On March 24, 2026, Bob Dylan rolled into the Mayo Civic Center Arena in Rochester, Minnesota and did what he’s been doing for years now—completely sidestepping expectations.
March 24, 2026
Morgan James turned the Dakota into something way more intimate than your typical concert. It felt less like a formal show and more like you were sitting in on something personal—just her, the band, and a room that got quieter the longer she sang.
March 23, 2026
What did our critic think of THE NEW EDITION WAY TOUR 2026 at Target Center Minneapolis?
March 21, 2026
What did our critic think of DAUGHTRY at Treasure Island Resort And Casino?
March 21, 2026
Ally Choe is taking the stage as Sora on this new K-POP tribute tour, and she couldn’t be more thrilled to represent South Korea through her performance.
March 21, 2026
What did our critic think of THE WELKIN at Gremlin Theatre?
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