Work with me
“Leo continues to guide me and is always happy to help when I run into unusual or difficult celebrancy situations. He is kind, patient and always a consummate professional.”
— Kate, Learn Celebrancy graduate
Leo Staar: Celebrant & Course Leader
My name is Leo, I graduated from drama school nearly fifteen years ago. I have been fortunate to work across theatre, television and film throughout my career. As many actors will tell you, finding the right work to supplement those difficult periods between gigs, allowing you the flexibility to do both jobs well, whilst also providing some much needed creative fulfilment, is a challenging task indeed.
About ten years ago, I decided to take the plunge and train as an independent funeral celebrant. It remains one of the very best decisions of my life. I was introduced to it by a very close family friend, who is himself, a superb celebrant. Through him, I was shown just how beautiful a funeral service can be. I realised that my creative skills and training as an actor complimented the celebrancy work perfectly. The ability to listen, to engage with an audience and to convey emotion with the utmost sincerity and warmth at all times, are really the core skills needed for celebrancy. Most importantly however, was that I discovered a real love for this vocation; it stopped being a job I needed, and became a calling that I adore. Seeing first-hand how your words can comfort those in need, and hearing how you’ve made a difference to a family’s grief, has brought me immeasurable satisfaction. Moreover, it has given me deep understanding of grief and loss, and extinguished any fear I might’ve once had around the nature of dying. Ten years later, I still consider it to be a great privilege to meet with families and learn about the extraordinary lives of those I am there to celebrate, and together, create a service that will do them justice.
My journey so far
As a celebrant with over a decade of experience, I have had the privilege of conducting over 2,500 funerals, each one a unique tribute to the individual. I have worked closely and passionately with countless families to honour their loved ones, helping them navigate their grief while celebrating extraordinary lives. Throughout these years, I have celebrated long lives, and conducted the harder services where lives have been tragically cut short. No matter the circumstance, this work has given me immense fulfilment, constantly cherishing the opportunity to support people during their most vulnerable times. Every service is a chance to tell a unique story, and I am privileged to help families find solace and meaning through personalised ceremonies. My dedication to this work reflects my deep commitment to compassion, empathy, and the celebration of life.
My approach
My approach to funeral celebrancy is centred on the belief that while a funeral might be about the deceased, it is fundamentally for the loved ones left behind. In my training program, I put the emphasis on providing families with a supportive and, I hope, comforting framework to process their grief, far beyond the day of the service. I focus on crafting ceremonies that offer a window of celebration and hope on an otherwise challenging day; transforming funerals from the sombre affairs we might think of them as, into uplifting tributes. By prioritising empathy, personal connections, and meaningful storytelling; combined with knowing the right questions to ask, I help families find comfort and joy in remembering their loved ones, ensuring each service is a unique and heartfelt reflection from the family, but channelled through me.
