Valley theatre community and everyone who loves Laura Durant —

Laura passed away peacefully Tuesday morning. She was surrounded by love — her friends, her “coven,” as she called us — who stood beside her not only in her final moments, but through every difficult day leading up to them. As she had always stood with each of us.

Laura was one of the fiercest friends anyone could hope for: funny, passionate, loyal, endlessly generous, deeply connected and wholly committed to the people she loved and the artistic community she helped build.

For nearly two decades, Laura was a driving force in Phoenix theatre and film through Durant Communications, tirelessly promoting actors, productions and artists. She worked in nearly every corner of media — as a radio DJ, reporter, writer, producer, photographer(she took all of our production photos here at SCP/greasepaint for decades), actor, model and publicist — but perhaps her greatest role was connector, advocate and champion for others.

She was honored with the 2025 AriZoni Distinguished Service Award for her dedication to the theatre community and was recognized by The Arizona Republic as one of the Valley’s “Movers & Shakers” among theatre women, and by Arizona Womanmagazine/The Arizona Republic business page among the Valley’s “Women in Film,” among many other honors throughout her remarkable career.

Awards tell only part of the story.

Laura was the person who made introductions happen. Who stayed up late helping actors prepare self-tapes. Who knew everyone. Who remembered everything. Who quietly lifted careers, productions, theatres and people — without ever asking for credit.

Laura was never interested in being center stage, though having performed onstage with her, I can tell you that she was one of the best.

But, she actually preferred the stealth approach, quietly shining the spotlight on everyone else. Chances are, if you are a part of this theatre community, Laura played a role in your story.

Laura believed energy never dies — that it simply changes form into something we cannot yet see. Wherever she is now, she is reunited with her beloved Doug, surrounded by her cats, and free from pain.

The Valley theatre community will never be the same without her. Neither will those who love her.

Sue Hazard

Maureen Watson