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 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
Aureen Almario, Artistic Director
Oliver Saria, Managing Director

Venue Staff
Ed Mabasa, House Manager
Darius Muñoz, Technical Director
Lyle Prijoles, Box Office Manager
David Ragaza, Production Team Leader

Consultant
Vinay Patel, Facilities Manager

Production Team
Manny Cabrera (New Media)
E. Fructuoso (R.I.P we love you!)
Ed Mabasa
Conrad Panganiban (Web and Graphic Designer)
David Ragaza
Golda Sargento

Board of Directors
Gemma Mondala, Board Chair
Oliver Saria, PR/Marketing
David Ragaza, PT Liaison
Conrad Panganiban

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

CONTACT
Mailing Address:
PO Box 190205
San Francisco, CA 94119-0205

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.