Faculty - Fairfield Performing Arts Studio

Jennifer Kenny Owner/Director
Jennifer Kenny is the Owner and Executive Director of Fairfield Performing Arts Studio (FPAS). FPAS was established in 2008. Jennifer is the primary instructor and director for all studio classes, camps, and performances. Jennifer was trained at Circle in the Square Theater School in New York City and received a BFA in theater from the University of Connecticut. At Circle in the Square, Jennifer studied under Alan Langdon, Edward Berkeley, Lynn Meadows, Maria Tucci, Carol Shelley, Michael Moriarty, John Stix, John Jones, Stephen Hollis, Olympia Dukakis, Mercedes Rehl, Jacqueline Brookes, Terese Hayden, Andrea Haring, Barbara Knowles, Lucille Rubin, KC Lingon, Moni Yakim, Mina Yakim, Randolyn Zinn, Nora Kasarda, Joanna Gleason, F. Wade Russo, and B. H. Barry. Jennifer combines a variety of acting techniques, Stanislavski, Method Acting and Meisner Technique, she has learned from all of her teachers and mentors. Some of Jennifer’s areas of expertise are Monologue Coaching, Scene Study, Directing, Shakespeare, Dialectics, Improvisation, Choreography, and Voice. Her past theatrical roles include Adelaide (Guys ‘N Dolls), Irina (Three Sisters), Edward/Victoria (Cloud Nine), Veronica (The Hollow), Juliet (Romeo & Juliet) to name a few of her stage credits. Jennifer has a strong passion for inspiring students of all ages, connecting with people, and bringing out the many dimensions of a character within an actor. Her love and passion of people is what motivates her to run her classes as well as her private coaching sessions. Outside of the theater world, Jennifer is the mother of two children, Taylor and Bailey, and lives in Fairfield, CT with her loving husband Bill.

Daniel Horstmann
Mr. Daniel Horstmann is a musician, educator, and performer based in Fairfield Connecticut. In addition to FPAS, he is currently the Director of Music at Fairfield College Preparatory School ; Director of Music at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shelton, and Assistant Director of the Fairfield University Pep Band. Previously he was the Director of Praise Project Choir and Ensemble at Fairfield University, as well as the Founder of Note The Way Music Ministry in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Mr. Horstmann has more than 10 years of experience as a music professional, serving communities as a music director, pianist, cantor, and percussionist. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fairfield University with an emphasis of study in both Music and Communication as well as Entrepreneurship and Catholic Studies. Most recently, he received a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Bridgeport which focused on music pedagogy and ensemble development. Mr. Horstmann has a passion and love for music that inspires students of all ages to work hard and develop skills needed to perform with confidence.

Jessica Stekloff
Jessica Stekloff is currently a theatre major at Fordham University, studying stage management and costume design. She graduated from Fairfield Ludlowe High School in 2022. Jessica started with FPAS as a student in 2014, appearing in multiple summer camp productions over 5 years. She assisted with school-year classes from 2019-2022, and has been a camp counselor since 2021. FPAS holds a very special place in her heart, and she is thrilled to return for another summer!
Szilvi Cimino
Szilvi is currently pursuing a degree in music composition at the Manhattan School of Music (MSM) in New York City. She was a camper at FPAS for six years, which fostered her love of theatre. During her high school career, she participated in multiple drama club productions, and was a recipient of a Halo Award for Best Actress. in 2022. Szilvi is a classical vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who has been able to perform at many famous venues around the world. She is absolutely thrilled to continue to be a part of the FPAS staff and is so excited to share her passion with the campers!
Charlie Tavolato
Charlie is a rising junior at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. He has been making and performing music for as long as he can remember, as well as releasing his own music to hundreds of monthly listeners on Spotify. He has performed in numerous FPAS shows, and is beyond excited to help campers create the same fond memories of FPAS that he has made in years past.

Sydney Ward
As an FPAS student, I have learned so much about acting and also made some amazing friendships! It truly is like a family at FPAS! It’s a place to learn and grow as a performer and indeed be yourself!
Ginny LeVasseur
Ginny is so excited to be a counselor this summer at FPAS! She is a rising junior at Lauralton Hall and has been a camper at FPAS for the past 7 years. She participates in all the productions at her high school and loves dancing at Flash Pointe Dance. Ginny is thrilled to return to FPAS and make memories with the campers!
Sadie
Sadie is a rising junior at Fairfield Warde High School and has been a camper and student at FPAS for many years, where her love of theater grew. She has been a part of two musicals and one play at FWHS and can’t wait for more. Sadie is so excited to work with the campers and give them the amazing experience she had growing up!

Tess O’Connor
My name is Tess and I am a graduating senior at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. I will be attending Boston College in the fall and can’t wait to be on The Heights. I have been a dancer since I was 3 years old and have been competing for 8 years. I have grown up dancing at D’Valda and Sirico Dance and Music Center and my junior and senior year I have been captain of the dance company. I do a wide array of styles including contemporary, ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, afro, and musical theater, my favorite being jazz! Every summer I also attend Joffrey Ballet School where I am completely immersed in the expertise of professionals in the dance industry. While dance has been my main focus throughout my life I also was in the vocal company at D’Valda for 4 years, so definitely have experience with both. Being a versatile performer myself I can’t wait to share my passion with the campers this summer. I am so excited to be surrounded by such talent at FPAS and can’t wait to have so much fun!
Jack Horan
Jack Horan (he/him) is a rising junior at Fairfield Ludlowe High School and Regional Center for the Arts under the Musical Theatre department. Formerly a camper at FPAS for 7 years, Jack has been active in theatre, vocals, and dance starting at his roots at FPAS. Since starting high school, Jack has been in numerous roles in performances at Regional Center for the Arts, including Hot Blades Harry (Urinetown), George (The Wedding Singer), Prince Eric (The Little Mermaid), and Mr Duvall/Coach Carr (Mean Girls), as well as stage managing the Spring 2023 Showcase, in addition to the many performances he has done at FPAS. As well as these roles, Jack has done numerous ensemble work. Also, he takes vocal classes outside of RCA. Jack is very excited to work with the children and spread the beauty of performing arts with the campers.
Ella
Ella is a rising senior at Greens Farms Academy. Before she was a counselor she was in many FPAS productions. This will be Ella’s 9th year with FPAS and she is so excited! She also performs in her school’s productions and is in the Harbor Blues a capella group at her school. Ella has also had experience directing. She directed The Specialist, which was performed at the Connecticut Drama Association festival and received 7 awards. She absolutely loves every part of theatre and can’t wait to help others to explore their love for theatre too!