In Memoriam: Omar Leos, by San Pedro Playhouse, San Antonio - Memorial Service April 5, 2025

IN MEMORIAM - OMAR LEOS

San Antonio's arts and education communities mourn the passing of Omar Anthony Leos, a beloved educator, director, and advocate for the arts whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

Omar dedicated his life to enriching the lives of others through his passion for theater and education. A proud graduate of Thomas Edison High School and the University of the Incarnate Word, Omar combined his love for learning and the arts to create meaningful change throughout the city. As the Fine Arts Coordinator for the Harlandale Independent School District, he ensured that students had access to transformative arts education, leaving a lasting legacy in the classroom and beyond.

Omar’s creative talents shone brightly in San Antonio’s theater scene. He served as Board Chair for The Public Theater of San Antonio (now San Pedro Playhouse), guiding the organization through key moments of growth and artistic achievement. He directed many shows at the Playhouse, including 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙨, 𝘼𝙙𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙃𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙮 and many more. Omar was also a Board Member for Classic Theatre of San Antonio and made a profound impact, directing powerful productions such as 𝙂𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙨 and 𝘼 𝘿𝙤𝙡𝙡’𝙨 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚, 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩 2. His direction brought stories to life with depth, empathy, and authenticity — hallmarks of Omar's artistic vision and leadership.

Omar was never afraid to speak his mind and hold the arts community accountable for greater representation and authenticity — something he believed in deeply and expressed with care and conviction. In doing so, he upheld one of our organization’s most important core values of bravery, challenging us all to create with honesty and integrity.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Omar was honored in 2020 with The Carl Glick Creative Impact Award from our theatre — a fitting tribute to a man whose creativity and leadership elevated San Antonio's arts landscape.

Beyond his professional achievements, Omar will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of storytelling. His ability to inspire, mentor, and connect with people made him a treasured friend and guiding light in the community.

Omar’s legacy will live on in the students he taught, the productions he brought to life, and the countless lives he touched. As we remember him, let us honor his memory by continuing to uplift the arts, support education, and share the joy of creativity — just as he so beautifully did throughout his life.

May he rest in peace.

From Texas Lutheran University Dramatic Media, Seguin

We join the San Pedro Playhouse, along with the many regional artists and friends who are grieving the loss of Omar Leos. We had the pleasure to work with Omar on several occasions, including our production of THE LIAR and some educational film workshops in 2013. Omar was a tremendous collaborator and generous spirit. We remember him fondly and will miss him greatly.