An Epicenter of Filipino American Performing Arts in San Francisco

Originally opened in 1989, Bindlestiff Studio became the only permanent, community-based performing arts venue in the nation dedicated to showcasing emerging Filipino American and Pilipino artists. Bindlestiff Studio provides the often under-served Filipino American community access to diverse offerings in theatrical productions, music and film festivals, workshops in directing, production, acting, stand-up comedy, and writing, as well as a children and youth theater program.

OUR MISSION
Bindlestiff Studio cultivates artists who reflect and celebrate the diverse
values, traditions, and histories of Pilipino and Filipino American
cultures through bold artistic expression and community engagement.

OUR HISTORY
Bindlestiff Studio was founded in 1989 by Canadian artists Chrystene Ells, Chris Brophy, and a group of local theater artists and for many years flourished as an experimental theater space. In 1997, Allan S. Manalo, artistic director for the Filipino theater company "tongue in A mood" became Bindlestiff Studio's Artistic & Managing Director. He transformed the theater into the cultural epicenter for Filipino-American performing arts in the Bay Area that exists today. In 2003, Bindlestiff lost its theater to the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency (SFRA) which acquired its building for a low-cost housing project. In reaction to public outcry for the theater's preservation, SFRA committed to building the shell of a new 99-seat, black box theater for Bindlestiff in the basement of the newly rebuilt housing complex. After delays and negotiations, the new Bindlestiff Studio finally opened its doors on September 15, 2011. In a period of three months since its opening, Bindlestiff has produced 4 full productions attended by over 2100 audience members and serving over 80 artists.

OUR VALUES
* FAMILY
* COMMUNITY
* KNOWLEDGE SHARING
* RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHER
* ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE
* PERSEVERANCE OUR HISTORY

WHO'S WHO
Staff
Alan S. Quismorio, Interim Artistic Director

Venue Staff
Ed Mabasa, House Manager
Darius Muñoz, Technical Director
Lyle Prijoles, Box Office Manager
David Regaza, Volunteer Coordinator

Consultants
Tony Kelly, Facilities Manager
Hiyato Yoshida, Board and Organizational Development

Production Team
Melvign Badiola (PT Leader)
Manny Cabrera (New Media)
E. Fructuoso (R.I.P we love you!)
Ed Mabasa
Melissa Diaz-Infante
David Regaza
Alejandro Acosta
Golda Sargento

Board of Directors
Michael Dorado, Board Chair
Wernher Goff, Vice Chair
Alan S. Quismorio, Interim Artistic Director, Treasurer
Eric Pido, Ph.D., Secretary
Oliver Saria, PR/Marketing
Melvign Badiola, PT Liaison

Bindlestiff Studio is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization

CONTACT
Mailing Address:
1072 Folsom Street,
#470 San Francisco, CA 94103

Theater Address:
185 Sixth Street at Howard Street in San Francisco's South-of-Market Area
Wheelchair Accessible
Phone: 415.255.0440
Email: info@bindlestiffstudio.org

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WHAT'S A BINDLESTIFF?
bin·dle·stiff: A hobo, especially one who carries a bedroll. Bindlestiff Studio's logo of two interlocking rings was a symbol used by Great Depression era tramps traveling the country seeking food and work. The rings let other bindlestiffs know where food and shelter could be found and signified to "never give up" hope.