The Sinag-tala Filipino Theater and Performing Arts Association (SFTPAA) is a Sacramento-based charitable organization. Its mission is to train community members in, and promote the theater and performing arts through, the study, interpretation and staging of the works of Filipino musical, dance, literary and cultural artists.
The SFTPAA was first known as the Parents and Supporters of Sinag-tala (PSST). Established in 1998, the PSST's main objectives were to help raise funds and provide volunteer support for the annual theater production Sinag-tala: A Theatrical Revue SM, which was first introduced as Sinag-tala (a Tagalog word meaning starlight) to Sacramento audiences in 1990. In 2004, the PSST adopted SFTPAA as its new name and also received formal 501(c)(3) recognition from the IRS retroactive to 1998, the year the PSST was founded.
Arguably the only regional Filipino American theater and performing arts training organization of its kind north of the Bay Area, the SFTPAA has three signature programs: Sinag-tala: A Theatrical Revue SM, the Sinag-tala Theater Ensemble and the Sinag-tala Rondalla Program. In addition, the SFTPAA also presents lectures, workshops and performances by visiting artists and scholars.
Each year, the Theatrical Revue offers 12 weeks of free training in basic artistic and business aspects of the theater and performing arts. Participation is open to all interested children 4 years and older, teens and adults. All ethnicities, racial backgrounds and skill levels are welcome. No prior experience or training is required, and no one is turned away. Led by master artists, the training consists of workshops and rehearsals emphasizing the study, interpretation and staging of Filipino musical, dance, literary and cultural works and culminates in a professionally staged annual theater production during the first weekend of December. The Revue involves some 100 singers, actors, dancers and musicians each year and a similar number of production volunteers.
The Theater Ensemble provides selected participants opportunities to present a wide-ranging repertoire before diverse audiences in different venues throughout the year. The company performs regularly at the California State Fair, Pacific Rim Street Festival, Filipino Fiesta and other popular festivals, as well as at schools, college campuses, community events, conferences, concerts, corporate functions and private gatherings. The Ensemble consists of as many as 50 members drawn primarily but not exclusively from the cast of the Sinag-tala Theatrical Revue.
The Rondalla Program offers instruction in Philippine rondalla music, which is performed on string instruments unique to the Philippines.
OUR PROGRAMS
Sinag-tala: A Theatrical Revue
The culmination of a 12-week, free hands-on training in artistic, technical and business aspects of theater and performing arts for individuals of all ages who have little or no experience or training in the arts.
Sinag-tala Touring Ensemble
Performing in various events in Sacramento County and the surrounding areas, notable the Pacific Rim Festival and the California State Fair.
Rondalla Project
A training program that provides instruction and the appreciation of specific traditional Filipino musical instruments and music.
These activities of the Sinag-tala Filipino Theater and Performing Arts Association are funded in part by the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission's Cultural Arts Awards Program, with support from the City and County of Sacramento; Asian Pacific Rim Foundation; Verizon Foundation; Kaiser Permanente Foundation; and United CA State Employees Charitable Campaign. In-kind support from Herburger Publications, Inc. and Philippine and Other Asian Headlines.
