Bindlestiff Studio

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. Bindlestiff is attended by over 3,000 audience members annually and serving over 80 artists.

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

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.