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OUT OF THE BOX THEATRICS INC
NEW YORK, NY · EIN 811995164 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE A65 · Arts, Culture & Humanities · Medium ($1M-$10M) · ootbtheatrics.com
revenue
$1.2M
expenses
$1.3M
net assets
$-547K
employees
75
volunteers
6
program ratio
79%
mission · from form 990

OOTB IS AN OFF-BROADWAY NOT-FOR PROFIT COMMITTED TO LIFTING THE VOICES OF MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE STORIES WE TELL. WE PRODUCE INTIMATE EXPERIENCES FOR ARTISTS AND AUDIENCES BY SHIFTING THE PERSPECTIVE OF EXISTING WORKS AND PROVIDING A PLATFORM FOR NEW MATERIAL.

profile · synthesized from sources

Out of the Box Theatrics is a New York City-based non-profit Off-Broadway theater company founded in 2015 by artist Elizabeth Flemming. The organization produces intimate, story-first theatrical experiences and supports underrepresented artists through developmental programs and affordable performance space. It is committed to equity in theater by amplifying marginalized voices and reimagining existing works.

named programs · 3 · from sources

What they call their work

Building the Box
Program launched in 2017 to support underrepresented artists by providing time, space, and resources to develop new theatrical works.
Mainstage Productions
Full theatrical productions such as "Trash" and "Beau the Musical," presented at Off-Broadway venues including St. Luke’s Theatre.
The Loft Season
Developmental production series offering emerging artists the opportunity to present and refine new works in front of NYC audiences with limited production elements.
activities · 4 groups

What they do

  • Historic Theater and Arts Venue Preservation 1 activity
    • Managing and operating St. Luke's Theatre
      Assumed full operation and management of St. Luke's Theatre, a historic venue, under a 10-year lease, where it produces and presents theatrical programming. The organization plans to install a wheelchair lift by 2026 to improve accessibility.
  • Community-Engaged Theater Production 1 activity
    • Presenting theater in non-traditional and community spaces
      Stages theatrical productions and community events in non-traditional venues such as coffee shops, abandoned storefronts, playgrounds, and apartments, expanding access and engagement with diverse audiences.
  • Professional Theatrical Production 1 activity
    • Producing theatrical works that amplify marginalized voices
      Produces intimate and immersive theatrical experiences, including full productions, readings, and developmental series, with a focus on reinterpreting existing works and showcasing new material that amplifies underrepresented voices and stories. This includes mainstage productions such as "Trash," "Ain't Misbehavin'," "About Time," and the Off-Broadway transfer of "Beau the Musical."
  • New Play Development Programs 1 activity
    • Supporting underrepresented artists through developmental programs
      Runs the "Building the Box" program, launched in 2017, which provides underrepresented artists in New York City with time, space, and resources to develop new theatrical works through a developmental theater series presented in intimate settings.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$1.23M
Contributions & grants$533K43%
Program service revenue$488K40%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$205K
expenses
Total expenses$1.26M
Program expenses79%
Admin / overhead15%
Fundraising6%
Salaries & benefits$527K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$88K
Cash$67K
Investments$0
Liabilities$635K
Net assets$-547K
Liquid reserves0.6 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +207.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

paid leadership · 1
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
ELIZABETH FLEMMING FOUNDING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR 40 $49K
board members · 10
  • CAROL CHRISTENSEN — DIRECTOR
  • CHRISTOPHER CHRISTENSEN — DIRECTOR
  • GARY CHRISTENSEN — DIRECTOR
  • GUY BARUDIN — TREASURER
  • JOSHUA CHRISTENSEN — DIRECTOR
  • LIL ARBOGAST — PRESIDENT
  • MELISSA GARDNER — DIRECTOR
  • NASIA THOMAS — DIRECTOR
  • NICK FLATTO — DIRECTOR
  • VICTORIA WEINBERG — DIRECTOR
relationships · 7

Who they work with

  • Bella Vita Entertainment Partner — Co-presenter of the musical "Soon".
  • PAC NYC Partner — Partnered with PAC NYC for the production of "Trash".
  • Red Horse LLC Partner — Co-presenter of the musical "Soon".
  • St. Luke's Theatre Partner — Operates St. Luke's Theatre located at 308 W 46th St, New York, NY.
  • St. Luke's Theatre Partner — Out of the Box Theatrics operates within and is responsible for accessibility improvements at St. Luke's Theatre.
  • The Loft Season Network — Participates in The Loft Season as part of its mainstage programming
  • The New Ohio Partner — OOTB occupied the former space of The New Ohio at 154 Christopher Street.
strategies · 3

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Developmental Equity Model for Underrepresented Artists
    methodology: representation_through_development
    By creating funded developmental opportunities and providing affordable creative space, the organization increases representation in theater, because systemic barriers to entry are reduced when resources and platforms are equitably distributed.
  • Immersive, Site-Specific Storytelling for Inclusivity
    methodology: site_specific_storytelling
    By using site-specific and immersive formats, the organization reflects the diversity of its artists and communities, because place-based narratives foster deeper connection and inclusion in theatrical experiences.
  • Story-First Approach to Amplify Marginalized Voices
    methodology: story_first_approach
    By prioritizing narrative and artistic development, the organization fosters innovative and inclusive storytelling that centers underrepresented perspectives, because authentic stories drive deeper audience engagement and artist empowerment.