Yellow Earth Theatre
The Flea Theater is a NYC-based 501(c)(3) non-profit operating three intimate Tribeca venues, producing experimental theater by Black, brown, and queer artists through world premieres, artist residencies, commissions, an annual Juneteenth program, and national or international touring.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Yellow Earth Theatre does
The Flea Theater is a 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts organization headquartered at 20 Thomas Street in Tribeca, NYC, with Niegel Smith as Artistic Director since 2015 and Dr. Lauren Britt-Elmore as Executive Director. Following a 2021 strategic refounding, the organization focuses specifically on producing and investing in experimental art by Black, brown, and queer artists. It operates three intimate, technically equipped venues — The Sam (1,850 sq ft, up to 106 seats), The Siggy (775 sq ft, 46 fixed seats), and The Pete (850 sq ft, 62 moveable seats) — totaling roughly 3,475 sq ft of performance space with full lighting, sound, video, dressing-room, and patio infrastructure.
The Flea's core offerings span in-house theatrical production (world premieres including HANG TIME, BATHHOUSE.PPTX, Beyond the Stardust, Chiaroscuro, Arden: But, Not Without You, The Ritual of Breath Is the Rite to Resist), venue rental to external theater companies and film/media productions, artist residency programs (six named resident companies), commissioning programs (Production Commission, Space Grants), and an annual Juneteenth public performance series. Its technology footprint is minimal: web-based ticketing via the third-party OvationTix platform, a Squarespace-hosted website, and standard digital channels (email newsletter, Instagram). There is no proprietary software, mobile app, or technology product beyond standard digital communications.
The business model is a hybrid non-profit funding stack: the majority of operating support derives from individual donations (Flea Champion monthly subscriptions starting at $10/month), foundation grants (Mellon Foundation, Howard Gilman Foundation, Altman Foundation, Venturous Theater Fund, and 20+ others), corporate sponsors (Google, Walmart), and public funding (New York State Council on the Arts, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts). Earned revenue streams include ticket sales via OvationTix and hourly/daily venue rentals for performances, rehearsals, film shoots, and corporate events. The go-to-market motion is event-driven: seasonal programming announcements, world premieres, national/international touring partnerships (HANG TIME 2025 national tour; Edinburgh 2026 debut), the annual Juneteenth celebration, and earned media coverage. Customer segments include performing arts companies and artists (primary), corporate and private event organizers, and film/media productions, with the resident artistic community of Black, brown, and queer creators as the primary mission constituency.
Yellow Earth Theatre firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Yellow Earth Theatre
- Legal name
- The Flea Theater
- Website
- https://theflea.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Flea Theater is a NYC-based 501(c)(3) non-profit operating three intimate Tribeca venues, producing experimental theater by Black, brown, and queer artists through world premieres, artist residencies, commissions, an annual Juneteenth program, and national or international touring.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Yellow Earth Theatre industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Live Theater / Performing Arts
- NAICS
- Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (71111), Performing Arts Companies (7111)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking) (MPAGABAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Theater & Performing Arts Venue Operations (Playhouses, Opera Houses) (MPAGALAB), Regional & Repertory Theatre Companies (MPAGABAB), Fringe & Experimental Performing Arts (MPAGABAI)
Keywords
Where Yellow Earth Theatre is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Yellow Earth Theatre business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations and Contributions: The Flea relies heavily on individual donations at various levels (Flea Champion monthly giving starting at $10/month), foundation grants (Mellon Foundation, Howard Gilman Foundation, etc.), corporate sponsors (Google, Walmart), employer matching gifts, and DAF/stock contributions.
- Space Rentals: Three intimate theater spaces (The Sam, The Siggy, The Pete) available for rental for performances, rehearsals, film shoots, meetings, and events. Revenue generated from hourly/daily rental fees.
- Ticket Sales: Revenue from ticket sales for productions including Flea productions, resident company performances, and guest productions through OvationTix platform.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Flea Champion Monthly Giving |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Yellow Earth Theatre product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Yellow Earth Theatre operates three intimate performance venues in Tribeca, NYC, presenting world-premiere experimental theatrical works by Black, brown, and queer artists, and offers these venues, along with producing support, for rental to theater companies and event organizers. Programming includes annual Juneteenth public performances, touring productions, residency and commissioning programs (Space Grants, Production Commission, Resident Companies), and curated audience experiences including a trip to the Edinburgh International Festival.
Product overview
The Flea is a NYC-based theater company operating three intimate performance venues (The Sam, The Siggy, and The Pete) that support experimental art by Black, brown, and queer artists. The organization offers venue rental programs, production commissions, space grants, and residency opportunities for emerging and established artists. Key programming includes annual Juneteenth public performances, world premieres of new works (HANG TIME, BATHHOUSE.PPTX, Arden), and immersive musical experiences. The Flea also organizes special travel experiences like the Edinburgh International Festival trip.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- The Sam The largest and most flexible of the organization's three theaters at 1,850 square feet, accommodating up to 106 moveable seats with a 22-foot ceiling and fixed grid system. Features robust conventional and LED lighting, surround sound PA, and 10K video exhibition capabilities for performances, rehearsals, and events.
- The Siggy The smallest underground theater at 775 square feet with 46 fixed seats, an 11.5-foot ceiling, and a raised stage framed by 18th-century arches. Features brand-new LED lighting and a stereo PA system for intimate performances.
- The Pete An open, light performance space named for playwright A.R. Gurney at 850 square feet, with 62 moveable seats, full LED lighting, and an adjacent exterior patio (38' x 17') for performances and events.
- Venue Rental Program Rental of the organization's three theaters and event spaces for performances, rehearsals, film shoots, meetings, and events. Spaces are designed to support new work, collaboration, and creative experimentation at every stage.
- Space Grants Financial and spatial support program for Black, brown, and queer artists to develop and share their creative vision.
- Production Commission Commissioning program supporting experimental productions by Black, brown, and queer artists.
- Resident Companies Program Residency program hosting theater companies including New Georges, TOSOS, Soho Shakespeare Company, New York Deaf Theater, EMERGE125, and New York City Children's Theater.
- Juneteenth Public Performances Annual series of free, public performances commemorating Juneteenth with commissioned works by Black artists exploring liberation, queerness, resistance, and joy across NYC locations.
- HANG TIME World-premiere theatrical production written and directed by Pulitzer Prize Finalist Zora Howard, exploring Black male interiority in America. Launched with national tours and an upcoming international debut at the Edinburgh International Festival in August 2026.
- BATHHOUSE.PPTX World-premiere comedy by Jesus I. Valles about a queer latiné student presenting a PowerPoint on bathing history, directed by Chay Yew.
- The Ritual of Breath is The Rite to Exist Transdisciplinary opera responding to the murder of Eric Garner, presented as a New York premiere.
- Chiaroscuro World premiere theatrical production of Aishah Rahman's play about Black singles on a cruise, directed by abigail jean-jacques and co-produced with National Black Theatre.
- we come to collect Theatrical production written and performed by OBIE Award-winning artist Jenn Kidwell, an interrogation of capitalism featuring ASL interpretation for accessibility.
- Beyond the Stardust Immersive club musical featuring 12 original songs, stunning visuals, and aerialists and go-go dancers. Conceived by Artistic Director Niegel Smith and The Illustrious Blacks.
- HANG TIME National Tour National tour of HANG TIME presented at ASU Gammage (Tempe), ArtsEmerson (Boston), Wirtz Center (Chicago), and Apollo Theater (NYC).
- Edinburgh International Festival Trip Intimate all-access excursion accompanying HANG TIME's international debut at the Edinburgh International Festival, including behind-the-scenes access, guided cultural outings, and curated experiences.
Companies that use Yellow Earth Theatre
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Yellow Earth Theatre technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Yellow Earth Theatre partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- National Black TheatrecoreProducing partnership for Chiaroscuro world premiere. The National Black Theatre in association with The Flea produced Aishah Rahman's play about Black singles on a cruise.
- ASU GammagecoreHost venue for HANG TIME national tour kickoff. ASU Cultural Affairs and its division of ASU Gammage commissioned the national tour.
- ArtsEmersoncoreBoston host venue for HANG TIME national tour in October 2025.
- Wirtz Center (Northwestern University)coreChicago host venue for HANG TIME national tour in October 2025.
- The Apollo TheatercoreNew York City host venue for HANG TIME national tour, November 2025.
- Edinburgh International FestivalcoreHANG TIME international debut at the Edinburgh International Festival as part of curated series marking America's 250-year history, August 2026.
- Hopkins Center for the Arts at DartmouthcoreCommissioned The Ritual of Breath Is the Rite to Resist and The Flea's HANG TIME national tour. Co-producing partner for HANG TIME.
- Stanford LivemajorCommissioning partner for The Ritual of Breath Is the Rite to Resist.
- Woolly Mammoth Theatre CompanycoreCommissioned we come to collect through Weissberg Commission program; developed with support from MCA Chicago, Under the Radar's UFO series, and other partners.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Yellow Earth Theatre competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Vineyard Theatre: Off-Broadway NYC producing theater known for developing and premiering new plays and musicals with an artist-driven model. Closely comparable producing scale and programming ambition.
- New York Theatre Workshop: Off-Broadway NYC theater that develops and produces new experimental work with comparable venue scale and a similar producing-and-presenting model. Its mission-driven, artist-centric approach closely mirrors The Flea's.
- HERE Arts Center: SoHo-based multi-space venue supporting experimental performance across theater, dance, and music with a residency model. Comparable intimate venue footprint and mission to incubate emerging artists.
- Rattlestick Playwrights Theater: Small NYC off-Broadway theater producing new plays in an intimate West Village space. Closely comparable in scale, intimate-venue focus, and playwright-development orientation.
- Playwrights Horizons: Mid-size off-Broadway NYC theater dedicated to developing and producing new work by living playwrights. Comparable scale, NYC venue operation, and new-work commissioning orientation.
- Soho Rep: Downtown NYC experimental theater producing new plays in intimate spaces with a similar artist-residency and commissioning orientation. Directly comparable in scale, Tribeca-adjacent geography, and experimental programming.
- Atlantic Theater Company: Off-Broadway NYC theater producing new and classic work in intimate spaces, with an attached playwright program. Comparable producing scale and mid-size NYC venue operation.
- La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club: Long-running NYC experimental theater producing new and boundary-pushing work with international reach. Directly comparable as a downtown NYC experimental presenting/producing organization.
- Signature Theatre: NYC off-Broadway theater that commissions and produces new work through residencies and a single-artist focus model. Comparable producing-and-presenting mission with similar venue-based operation.
Emerging players
- National Black Theatre: Harlem-based Black-led theater producing new work with a producing partnership on Chiaroscuro alongside The Flea. Highly comparable mission focus on Black artists and overlapping programming slate.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks2 records
Key highlights1 record
Customer concentration
Yellow Earth Theatre social profiles
Digital presenceYellow Earth Theatre financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Yellow Earth Theatre leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Yellow Earth Theatre funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Yellow Earth Theatre M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Yellow Earth Theatre
What does Yellow Earth Theatre do?
Yellow Earth Theatre operates three intimate performance venues in Tribeca, NYC, presenting world-premiere experimental theatrical works by Black, brown, and queer artists, and offers these venues, along with producing support, for rental to theater companies and event organizers. Programming includes annual Juneteenth public performances, touring productions, residency and commissioning programs (Space Grants, Production Commission, Resident Companies), and curated audience experiences including a trip to the Edinburgh International Festival.
Is Yellow Earth Theatre a public or private company?
Yellow Earth Theatre is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Yellow Earth Theatre founded?
Yellow Earth Theatre was founded in 2015. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Yellow Earth Theatre based?
Yellow Earth Theatre is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Yellow Earth Theatre make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Contributions are the primary driver. The others are space Rentals and ticket Sales.
Who are Yellow Earth Theatre's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Vineyard Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, HERE Arts Center, Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, Playwrights Horizons, Soho Rep, Atlantic Theater Company, La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club and Signature Theatre. National Black Theatre is listed as an emerging player.
Does Yellow Earth Theatre have an API?
No public API is recorded for Yellow Earth Theatre.
What industry is Yellow Earth Theatre in?
Yellow Earth Theatre's product category is Live Theater / Performing Arts. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAGABAM, Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking), with a secondary code of MPAGALAB, Theater & Performing Arts Venue Operations (Playhouses, Opera Houses). Its NAICS code is 71111 and its SIC code is 7900.