Broadway and Beyond: How Jenn Stafford Keeps Elevating Her Art!
From Canada to Broadway
BY: JESSICA WALZ
It’s impossible not to feel the spark when you meet Jenn Stafford—a bubbly Canadian-born actor, dancer, and performing artist whose energy lights up every room she walks into. There’s something magnetic about her energy “bright, warm, endlessly curious, and absolutely contagious.” What struck me most, though, was the remarkable balance she carries so naturally. She is both fierce and gentle, grounded, yet ambitious, confident, yet deeply humble. From her early training days in Calgary to the world’s most dazzling stages, Jenn’s career has been a whirlwind of artistry, resilience, and reinvention. Her journey has taken her across North America and beyond—from Vancouver and Toronto to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and now the heart of it all; New York City. Each stop along the way has added another layer to her story: circus artist, commercial dancer, film performer, and now Broadway powerhouse in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. With her sights set on directing and movement artistry in film and television, Jenn’s next act promises to be as bold and inspiring as the path that brought her here. We sat down with Jenn to talk about her incredible cross-country journey, the magic of performing eight shows a week, and what fuels her unstoppable passion for the arts.
Coast to Coast: A Career in Motion
From coast to coast, tell us about your unique career journey that has now landed you in The Big Apple!
My career has taken me to more places I’ve called home than I ever dreamed possible. It’s led me from Calgary to Vancouver, then Toronto, Las Vegas, on to Los Angeles, and now New York City. I never expected my dream job to arrive so early in my career. At 19, I auditioned for Cirque du Soleil and ended up being cast in their show The Beatles LOVE. I became the youngest artist in the company at the time and I had the privilege of learning from some of the most incredible performers from all over the world. Cirque taught me that we’re not just dancers or acrobats— we’re athletes and artists all at once. After my time with the circus, I took a leap to Los Angeles, eager to grow as a dancer. There, I performed in music videos, award shows, television, and film projects and more. I was lucky to work and perform at the Grammy Awards with Katy Perry, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. I became involved in streaming series on Netflix and Amazon but my greatest adventure began while working on the Avatar sequels, The Way of Water and Fire and Ash. While on set I learned what an asset my dance and movement experience was. Creating characters through movement while learning more about acting, filmmaking and technology. New York came as a beautiful surprise after auditioning for Moulin Rouge the Musical. I’ve always loved theatre but hadn’t experienced much in LA. I was cast as a part of the First National Tour, where we performed all across the US. I was then asked to join the broadway company in 2023, which brought me to New York City!
Photo Credit: Chris Silox
From Tour to Broadway: The Dream Unfolds
From tour to Broadway, how has this wild ride shaped you?
I was cast in the first National Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical right before the world shut down due to COVID. When we finally began rehearsals in early 2022, the energy in the room was electric. It was the first time in two years that so many of us were working or even sharing a creative space together. Once we were performing, each show felt like we were part of something bigger, as it was the audience’s first time back in a theater as well. That collective joy? Palpable. Unforgettable. It was my first tour, and it became one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I made lifelong friends, and every performance reminded me why I love what I do. Showtime Rituals & Backstage Magic
Any pre-show rituals that are a must before curtain?
Aside from a solid warm up, we do have quite a few other rituals or bits as I like to call them. Almost all of the Can-Can Dancers have a special unique handshake with our security team member, Lorenzo. He somehow has each one of them memorized and never misses a beat. I’ve also created a “SNOB” (Saturday Night on Broadway)
ritual where some of us get a sweet treat in a small glass before the last number. I love that everyone—from wardrobe to stage crew—has their own mini-rituals before the curtain rises.
Pinch-Me Moments and Endless Curiosity
Your proudest ‘pinch-me’ moment so far?
I think it would have to be sitting sixth row at the Avatar: The Way of Water premiere at the Dolby Theatre and seeing my scene on screen. Watching it in 3D with my cast mates was pure magic.
What keeps your passion for performing alive?
Curiosity. I’m constantly exploring new ways to express a story—through movement, acting, and connection. I love helping others find their artistry too. Every performance is an opportunity to rediscover why I fell in love with this craft in the first place.
