From Stage to Screen: Powering AAPI Stories in Silicon Valley
Our Mission: A Home for the AAPI Storytelling
For nearly three decades, Contemporary Asian Theater Scene (CATS) has been the leading voice for AAPI artists in the South Bay. We don't just host events; we build a creative home for AAPI Storytelling. Whether through the intimacy of a live staged reading or the grand scale of a film premiere, CATS ensures our community is seen, heard, and celebrated.
The CATS Ecosystem: Our Core Pillars of Impact
1. The Stage: 3rd Annual AAPI Playwright Festival
We have moved from presenting stories to creating them. Our festival is an incubator for new talent, providing a launchpad for 6 playwrights and dozens of local actors each year. Our upcoming Festival takes place on Saturday, July 11, 2026!
Our Goal: To make this festival a permanent, annual pillar of Silicon Valley theater.
2. The Next Generation: Young Artist Programs
We are deeply committed to nurturing the artists of tomorrow.
Sisters Matsumoto (June 19-21): A staged reading of Philip Kan Gotanda’s masterpiece, featuring a dynamic cast of young artists. Performed at the Japanese American Museum of San Jose, this production proves our classic stories remain vibrant in the hands of the next generation.
Dr. Jerry Hiura Inspirational Artist Contest: This contest invites young creators to convey their stories through any medium—poetry, music, visual art, or performance—empowering them to find their voice through the arts!
3. The Future Legacy: New Work Commissions
CATS is actively shaping the future of the American Theater by commissioning acclaimed playwrights to create original, full-length works.
Our First Commission: Award-winning playwright Jeffrey Lo developed (The) Foundation, which culminated in a powerful staged reading in November 2025.
Our Second Commission: To kick off AAPI Heritage Month, we produced the world premiere reading of Aftermath Liturgy on May 2nd, 2026—an experimental new work by acclaimed musical theater composer and playwright Min Kahng.
The Artist’s Vision
"The goal of CATS is to highlight and uplift established and up-and-coming AAPI artists—to encourage them to keep creating stories that bring us joy, challenge us to be better, and help us feel heard."
— Jeffrey Lo, Artistic Producer
4. The Cinematic Screen: 12th Annual SVAP Film Festival
Coming this October, our film festival is a vibrant celebration of AAPI storytelling through a unique hybrid format:
The Live Experience: 4 days of in-person screenings featuring moderated discussions after every program, filmmaker networking events, and the excitement of being among fellow film fans.
The Global Reach: 7 days of online screenings that bring these stories to audiences everywhere.
The Community: We provide a "cozy" and intimate opportunity to meet filmmakers and connect with like-minded supporters who believe in the power of the AAPI lens.
Why Give in May?
We are aiming to raise $5,000 to fuel our 2026 season. Your donation doesn't just sit in a bank—it goes directly to:
Artist Honorariums: Paying living wages to the playwrights, directors, and actors who bring our stage to life.
Film Production: Supporting the logistics and venue costs for our 12th Annual Film Festival.
Community Access: Keeping ticket prices affordable for our San Jose and Bay Area neighbors, ensuring theater and film are accessible to all. No one is turned away due to lack of funds.
See the Impact in Action
Photos: Rehearsal shots of Aftermath Liturgy, posters from past Film Festivals, and snapshots of our J-Town walking tours.
Video: A "Look Back" reel featuring the energy of our sold-out 2024 festival.
