Las Vegas Mourns the Loss of Levi Fackrell: Visionary Founder of Vegas Theatre Company and Beloved Community Leader Dies in Tragic Vehicle Accident, Leaving an Indelible Legacy in Southern Nevada’s Theatre Scene”
Las Vegas Community Reeling from the Loss of Levi Fackrell, Visionary Theatre Founder
Las Vegas, Nevada — The Las Vegas arts community is grieving the sudden loss of one of its most beloved figures, Levi Fackrell, who passed away tragically in a vehicle accident this past weekend. Fackrell, a founder of the Vegas Theatre Company (formerly known as Cockroach Theatre), was a driving force in cultivating the city’s theatre scene and a cherished leader whose dedication left an enduring impact on the cultural landscape of southern Nevada. His death was confirmed in a statement that expressed the profound sense of loss felt by his colleagues, friends, and the community he helped build: “I am heartbroken to share news of the sudden and tragic loss of Levi Fackrell, our beloved founder, former Artistic Director, and longtime Board Member.”
The Vegas Theatre Company, which began its journey as Cockroach Theatre in 2003, has become a pillar of creativity and inclusivity within the city. Fackrell was a founding member and visionary, known for his unwavering commitment to enriching the arts and providing a platform for emerging and seasoned talent alike. Over the years, Fackrell’s impact on the theatre extended beyond the stage, inspiring others in the community and creating a supportive environment for artists in Las Vegas.
A Life Dedicated to Building the Vegas Theatre Company
Fackrell’s journey with what is now known as the Vegas Theatre Company began in 2003, when he and a small group of like-minded individuals established Cockroach Theatre. Starting as a modest endeavor, the group performed at various venues across southern Nevada. They aimed to bring raw, thought-provoking, and avant-garde performances to Las Vegas. Levi’s vision was instrumental in fostering a sense of community among local artists and making theatre accessible to all.
Cockroach Theatre gradually gained recognition for its commitment to high-quality, bold productions, and its grassroots approach resonated with Las Vegas residents. Under Fackrell’s guidance, the theatre tackled a wide range of productions, from contemporary plays and improv acts to more experimental performances. His creative vision also embraced opportunities for children and adults alike, offering workshops, camps, and educational experiences. In 2013, the company found a permanent home in the Arts District of Las Vegas, renaming itself the Vegas Theatre Company and establishing a dedicated 80-seat black box theatre within Art Square. The new venue became a beacon for performing arts in the community, offering an intimate space where audiences could engage deeply with the stories unfolding on stage.
The transition from Cockroach Theatre to Vegas Theatre Company marked an exciting new chapter. This move allowed Fackrell and his team to expand their reach and ambitions, with the 80-seat venue enabling the theatre to establish a lasting presence in the city’s burgeoning Arts District. The theatre became a community-driven venture, fueled by volunteers and supported by contract-based cast and crew. Each production, regardless of scale or genre, was infused with the same passion and dedication that Fackrell brought to the company’s founding vision.
Fackrell’s Legacy of Inclusivity and Community in Las Vegas
Fackrell’s influence extended beyond the Vegas Theatre Company; he was a prominent figure in the wider Las Vegas cultural community, beloved for his humility, warmth, and dedication. His commitment to inclusivity and his mission to create a safe, welcoming environment for artists and audiences alike helped foster a more inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape in Las Vegas. Many recall him as a mentor who tirelessly supported the growth and development of aspiring actors, directors, and other theatre professionals. He had a unique ability to inspire those around him, encouraging artists to push boundaries and express themselves authentically.
Colleagues and friends often describe Fackrell as a visionary leader whose dedication to the arts was matched only by his kindness and generosity. His impact on the community is immeasurable, with many describing him as not only a leader but a friend and mentor who invested deeply in the success of those he worked with. As word of his passing spread, tributes began pouring in from community members who credited Fackrell with shaping their lives and careers.
One actor who worked under Fackrell’s direction at Vegas Theatre Company shared, “Levi believed in the power of storytelling. He saw theatre as a way to bring people together, to shine a light on truths, to provoke thought, and to create empathy. He was always pushing for new ways to reach audiences and give them a meaningful experience.” Another colleague added, “He truly cared about everyone he worked with. Levi saw talent in people even before they saw it in themselves, and he lifted us all up.”
A Visionary Leader Who Brought Art to the Heart of the Community
Under Fackrell’s direction, the Vegas Theatre Company continued to grow and diversify. He was passionate about creating space for innovative theatre, embracing a diverse array of productions that included classics, contemporary works, improv, and collaborative projects with other local organizations. The theatre also served as a platform for workshops and educational programs aimed at inspiring the next generation of artists. Fackrell believed that art should be accessible, relevant, and impactful—a philosophy that guided the programming at the Vegas Theatre Company.
Fackrell also sought to bring together different forms of art under one roof. Over the years, the venue played host to theatre festivals, opera, dance performances, and other cultural events. This eclectic approach earned the Vegas Theatre Company a reputation as one of the most dynamic cultural hubs in the Las Vegas Arts District, attracting not only local talent but also audiences and performers from across Nevada and beyond.
The sense of community that Fackrell built within the Vegas Theatre Company extended to its audience, who felt deeply connected to the theatre’s mission and values. Local residents were drawn to the intimate performances at the 80-seat venue, where they could experience powerful storytelling up close. Fackrell’s vision for the Vegas Theatre Company was more than just a place to see a show; it was a space for reflection, connection, and inspiration.
A Lasting Impact on the Las Vegas Arts District
The Vegas Theatre Company’s home in Art Square has come to symbolize the transformative power of Fackrell’s vision. The Arts District in Las Vegas, once an area with limited cultural venues, is now a thriving hub for creative expression, attracting artists and audiences alike. The Vegas Theatre Company’s presence in the Arts District helped bring foot traffic and visibility to other local businesses, further enriching the cultural ecosystem of the area. Fackrell’s contributions to the development of this district have left a lasting imprint on the community, making it a vital space for the arts.
Fackrell’s colleagues and supporters are committed to ensuring that his legacy lives on in the work of the Vegas Theatre Company. “Levi’s spirit will always be a part of this space,” said a current board member. “He envisioned a world where art and community were inseparable. We are heartbroken by this loss, but we’re determined to honor his legacy by continuing the work he dedicated his life to.”
Honoring Fackrell’s Legacy: Community Plans and Future Memorials
In the wake of Fackrell’s passing, the Vegas Theatre Company has received an outpouring of support from patrons, artists, and community members. Plans are being made to honor his memory through a series of events and performances that celebrate his legacy and the profound impact he had on Las Vegas theatre. The board of the Vegas Theatre Company has announced that they are in discussions with Fackrell’s family to plan a memorial service that will allow the community to pay their respects and celebrate his life.
The theatre is also considering dedicating a space or annual event in Fackrell’s honor, ensuring that his contributions to the arts in Las Vegas are remembered for years to come. “Levi’s work will live on in every production, every performance, and every young artist who steps onto our stage,” said a theatre representative. “We owe it to him to continue his mission and to keep his dream alive.”
In addition to a public memorial, the theatre’s board is exploring the possibility of a scholarship fund or grant program for aspiring artists in Levi’s name. Such initiatives would align with Fackrell’s vision of nurturing new talent and fostering a supportive environment for artists. By helping to break down financial barriers for young performers and theatre-makers, the fund would continue Fackrell’s legacy of inclusivity and empowerment within the arts.
A Personal Loss for Family, Friends, and the Arts Community
For those who knew him personally, Fackrell’s passing is a devastating loss that goes beyond his contributions to theatre. Friends, family, and colleagues describe him as a compassionate and genuine person who deeply valued his relationships. He was a friend, a mentor, a partner, and a beloved member of the community whose kindness and empathy touched countless lives.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by Fackrell’s family in the coming days, and community members are encouraged to pay tribute to his memory by supporting the Vegas Theatre Company and the values he held dear. Friends and family have expressed their gratitude for the support they have received during this difficult time, asking for privacy as they come to terms with their loss.
Conclusion: Remembering Levi Fackrell and His Enduring Vision
The passing of Levi Fackrell leaves a void in the Las Vegas arts community, but his legacy lives on through the Vegas Theatre Company, the lives he touched, and the community he helped build. His vision brought people together, forged connections, and created a space where stories could be told and lives could be changed.
As Las Vegas mourns, the arts community has resolved to carry forward Fackrell’s work and his mission. His dream of a vibrant, inclusive theatre scene in Las Vegas is a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. The
