Dr. Lauren Britt-Elmore has been announced as the new executive director for The Flea Theater. The downtown company dedicated to developing and producing works by Black, brown, and queer artists was recently refounded with a new mission centering the core values of transparency and collaboration.

Dr. Elmore, an arts management practitioner, has over 20 years of experience leading artistic teams. Initially trained as a dramaturg, Dr. Elmore has since ventured into numerous realms of arts management and leadership, serving as a manager and coalition builder. Dr. Elmore has implemented strategic plans and leading programs at the New School for Drama, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Columbia University School of the Arts, where she most recently served as the Director of Academic Administration. She will now work alongside The Flea’s executive artistic director Niegel Smith and Board Co-Chairs Nona Hendryx and Tony Tramontin in shared leadership with staff and stakeholders, including Resident Company Members on the Board.

“Words cannot express how thrilled I am to join this amazing artistic institution at this exciting time. I was drawn to The Flea from the very beginning primarily because it is a rare example of an organization living its values. I am looking forward to helping provide the necessary support and resources so The Flea can change the face of American live performance,” said Dr. Elmore in a statement.

The search for The Flea's next executive director was led by the values-driven recruiting firm ALJP Consulting, and the theatre company collaborated with members from all levels of their organization to come to a consensus, including staff, consultants, artists, and funders.

The Flea was refounded in 2021 with a new vision and leadership model aiming to foster collaboration throughout the entire company. So far, this mission has been exemplified by shifting from a Board of donors to a working Board of stakeholders including early career artists and resident company members. The Flea's staff is also invited into all decision-making discussions, Board committees and enjoy full budget transparency. 

"With a new mission and now with Lauren Britt-Elmore, our new executive director, the Flea staff and board are energized and excited for the future," said board co-chair Nona Hendryx in a statement.

For more information, visit TheFlea.org.