Remembering Laurel Feller: Beloved Artistic Director and Heart of Omaha Circus Arts Passes Away
Laurel Feller, of Omaha, Nebraska, the beloved owner and artistic director of Omaha Circus Arts, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that has forever changed the fabric of the city’s artistic community. A guiding light to so many, Laurel’s passion, creativity, and dedication to the circus arts inspired generations and cultivated a spirit of inclusion, courage, and joy in all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Laurel was far more than an artist—she was a visionary. Her ability to seamlessly blend performance with purpose, entertainment with empowerment, and art with heart made her a truly rare soul in the creative world. Under her leadership, Omaha Circus Arts became a hub of vibrant expression and a safe haven where individuals of all ages and backgrounds could explore their potential through movement, performance, and storytelling.
Known for her warm, magnetic personality and the colorful, energetic presence she brought into every space, Laurel could light up a room—or an entire big top—with nothing more than a smile and a spark of her imagination. Her workshops were more than training grounds; they were transformational experiences. Students and spectators alike found themselves lifted by her encouragement and amazed by her talent, as she showed that the circus was not only a spectacle, but a celebration of human connection and resilience.
A tireless advocate for community engagement and youth empowerment, Laurel saw circus arts not just as entertainment, but as a tool for healing and growth. She opened doors for people who never saw themselves as performers and gave countless children, teens, and adults the confidence to defy gravity—literally and metaphorically. Through her inclusive programming, she championed those whose voices often go unheard and gave them the stage to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Colleagues describe Laurel as a mentor, a creative force, and a dear friend. Many credit her with helping them find their voice, their strength, and their belonging. She had the rare gift of seeing potential in people even when they couldn’t see it in themselves, and she cultivated an environment where creativity was nurtured and individuality was cherished.
Her absence will be deeply felt—not only under the stage lights, but in every classroom, rehearsal, and community event where she once stood. Still, Laurel’s influence endures. It lives in every performer who takes a leap of faith, every child who finds confidence in the air, and every person who believes in the power of creativity to change the world.
As we mourn the loss of such an extraordinary individual, we also celebrate the incredible legacy Laurel Feller leaves behind. A legacy of love, laughter, artistry, and community. We remember her not with sorrow alone, but with gratitude for the many lives she touched and the dreams she helped bring to life.
Omaha’s skies feel a little dimmer without her vibrant spirit soaring through them, but the echoes of her joy, her laughter, and her boundless generosity will continue to inspire and uplift. Laurel Feller was—and always will be—a cornerstone of Omaha’s artistic heart.
Rest in peace, dear Laurel. You will always be part of the magic.