Established in 1997, Bindlestiff Studio is 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 aims to cultivate, inspire and mentor the next generation of Filipino American artists and community leaders in an affordable, community-based professional theater setting. The theater's programming encourages bold artistic productions which represent the diverse values, traditions and histories of Pilipino & Filipino American cultures.

• FAMILY
• COMMUNITY
• KNOWLEDGE SHARING
• RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHER
• ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE
• PERSEVERANCE

OUR HISTORY

Bindlestiff Studio was founded in 1989 and for many years flourished as an experimental theater space. In 1997, Allan Manalo, artistic director for the Filipino theater company Tongue in A Mood, became Bindlestiff's artistic 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.

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.

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

RESERVATION POLICIES

Our box office opens 30 minutes before showtime (welcome for walk - ins).
When you call 415.255.0440 to make reservations you must leave:

Your name
Name and date of show
Number of tickets
Phone number where we can reach you to give you a confirmation #

You must have a confirmation # to purchase reserved tickets by 15 minutes before show time otherwise your tickets will be released for walk-ins.

We accept reservations until 3pm the day of a show unless otherwise noted on this site.

What if it's after 3pm and i want to see the show tonight?
You must call after 5pm to ensure that the show is not sold out (the outgoing greeting will announce any sold out shows).

DIRECTIONS TO BINDLESTIFF STUDIO

505 Natoma corner 6th St. (between Howard and Mission), San Francisco, CA 94013

From the South Bay:
Take 101 North
Take 280 split (towards Sixth street)
Take Sixth Street off ramp
Drive straight until you reach Howard
Find street parking. Bindlestiff is located 1/4 block up on 6th from Howard

From the East Bay:
Take Bay Bridge
Exit Fifth Street & Harrison
Go straight on Fifth Street
Make a left onto Howard
Find parking around Sixth and Howard. Bindlestiff is located 1/4 block up on 6th from Howard

CONTACT

Bindlestiff Studio
505 Natoma Street @ 6th Street (between Howard and Mission)
San Francisco, CA 94103
415.255.0440

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

Alex Torres
Executive Director
415.255.0440
alex@bindlestiffstudio.org