Bindlestiff Studio

Nice. Was here for Filipino music festival. Small theater for intimate performances. It’s located on 6^th street off Harrison so not the best but no trouble for us while we were there. Just Über it LOL

Attended my first staged version of Cabaret here today. One thing that was lovely, they tell you to bring in your own food & drinks – allow for a 15 minute intermission that permit patrons to support nearby local businesses. The real discovery was experiencing how the cast & directors & support staff staged this well-​known work & made it their own. It was not a copy cat production of Joel Grey & Liza Minnelli, but the actors made it uniquely their own. They kept their production simple, but effectively showed the evolution of each character making choices in the face of what we know to be a form of doom. The production was made more powerful by avoiding imitation of the rightly celebrated film. Each actor gave performances that were individual without anyone attempting to steal the show. What the audience got was true collaboration in the telling of a horrific chapter of Western history. – Only wish they had provided programmes, to help those of us who would like to comment about these outstanding actors. I hope to see more productions in the future. And, if it is meant to be, maybe even work in some… BRAVO to all concerned in the making of this fine theatrical work.
Understand that they have produced shows such as HAIR in recent years – sorry I am a late arrival in terms of my awareness of this company.

Ohhhh, little theater, how I longed to love thee, to fill this review with glowing adjectives of admiration and adoration!
Alas, you are so stuffy, dusty, and poorly ventilated that I still feel like I’m gasping for air hours later. Not to mention dehydrated and desperately thirsty. Perhaps you could sell some bottles of water??? Or hack a window into your dim basement so that people might breathe?
Equally tragic that I could never come here alone after dark for fear of being stabbed. Ladies and gentlemen, bring mace.

This is a rave review for the Bindlestiff production of A. Rey Pamatmat’s Thunder Above, Deeps Below. Alternately magical and edgy, it tells the story of three street teens — an unwed mother who had to give up her baby, a street hustler who insists he’s not gay, and a transgender who dreams of her Arabic prince — who are saving up to leave windy Chicago together for San Francisco and the good and bad decisions they make to accomplish this. Despite the heavy subject matter, there is a lot of humor and lightness in the play. The actors turn in fine performances.
It is common for me to drift off now and then during a play if something is off about the writing or performance. That is definitely not the case here; the production held my attention the entire time.
Um, this one is definitely not good for kids. Definite R, with some language and adult situations.
Bottom line: the play, the director and the actors make risky choices that make for a thrilling night of theatre. See it!
Just so you know, 505 Natoma is now Boxcar Theater. Bindlestiff has moved to 185 6^th Street at Howard, just to the left of the Subway store. Make sure you go to 185 6^th Street to see Thunder Above, Deeps Below.

My favorite black box theater — from all the years of going to Bindlestiff as an audience member, actress, director, writer, and producer, I have only fallen more and more in love with the theater. It’s a safe space for artists in the community to learn, grow, and support themselves in their art.
Bindlestiff has also been a positive beacon in the SoMa community of San Francisco. They hold workshops for the public, teach youth about art, and provide a space for the community to be empowered.
If you want to see things you have never experienced before — shadow puppetry, punk rock bands, improv, stand-​up, etc. — then come watch Bindlestiff! You’ll be a fan for life :)

i’m such a fan of black box theater. bindlestiff is no exception, with its positive cross-​cultural performance arts. bindlestiff has become a beacon of inspiration for the bay area API community and continues to revitalize and redefine itself despite high rent/​gentrification of the area and other bullisht bureaucracies. not only is its spirit a living, breathing entity, but it’s also evidence of some true roots of theater art.
i was a fan since high school, back when riot act theater company was runnin sh*t and the puppets ruled the stage! :)
since i’ve moved, i haven’t had the chance to keep up with the latest. however, i’m confident that bindlestiff will warm your heart as soon as you open it to them.

Makes me kinda sad when I read the reviews from the haters. Complaining about the location or complaining about actual shows! It’s all original stuff and the actors, stage managers, tech folks, producers don’t get paid to create. It’s all for fun, life enrichment, just to have a place to let your creativity flow damn it! Maybe I’m biased because I know that each and everyone of the individuals involved in the ‘Stiff work their damn asses off to make these shows happen. I’m so happy that Bindlestiff is in my life, a group full of friends, family, and heroes.
Bindlestiff is always looking for new folks to create work, act, help with tech stuff or to just volunteer for shows. Check out the site for more info. I love Bindlestiff! Screw you haters!

This review won’t do Bindlestiff justice as I’m reviewing a place I had been to years ago. I am sure of this — I was there with friends whom I was visiting to see a Filipino comedy group. I had never laughed so hard. I only remember shadow puppets. If any of you know the group I’m referring to — please tell me!
The peeps were cool too. Some dude commented on my watch.
«Yo, is that a Nixon?»
«Yeah man. Good stuff.»
«I’ve got one too.»
«Nice.»
This was perhaps one of the lamest, GHEYEST reviews evAR. Just trust me that this place is hip, cool and funny.

BIG THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES!
Definately shooting out mad props to Bindlestiff Studios. The performances and performers/​artists kept me entertained and I give you nothing but respect.
I’ve been deprived from community events like this and the only thing close to shows like this were our own «Filipino Night» (once a year) during those college years. I like it when people can use their imagination and mix it up with culture and spit out an amazing delivery to move and make the crowd happy.
So i just want to say … THANK YOU!

In the heart of SOMA lies this gem. For many it’s a home away from home for many Fil-​am artists who are unheard, given a chance to shine and prove to the world that they are just as good… or better. This is a place where risks can be taken. An outlet of constantly flowing creativity and imagination. A living, breathing space, where in this black box theater, can come to life. All you have to do is be there, and believe.
For me, it was the music. I first went to the Stiff to attend Pinoisepop 7 at its original location on 6^th St. and it was a life changing experience. Since then my ears have been opened to great sounds, truly underground. Truly independent. Meaningful music that touches the heart and moves you. I’ve made life long friends here that I consider family.
And its not all that. There’s history, struggle, strong sense of community, which words, songs, visual arts, and various performances that speak of all this and more. It gives back in leaps i n bounds.
If you are truly looking for what it means to be Filipino, look no further. I strongly suggest visiting the space, supporting an event, or even taking part. It’s a non-​profit organization which truly gives back to the community. Just like the artists, the space is nothing without the volunteers. I look forward to the move back to 6^th St. so the ‘Stiff can rock once again…
Support the ‘Stiff!

Upon arriving to the venue i had a hard time locating the actual venue.
My friends and i embarked through a treacherous journey through a couple of dark alleys and thus arrived at the hidden location.
Man, it was so funny cuz we got lost we were totally heading in the wrong direction!!! I got a chance to see the production: The fountain of youth is a 16oz jar of vaseline. real dope!!! For Bindlestiff being a Non-​profit artistic hub for aspiring filipino americans they really put on a great show. I was told that this is the only and first Filipino american theater in the nation. This is really amazing how this community can put something together like this. The show was very creative and i can wait to see what they will be putting together in the next shows…

Yes it’s small and yes it’s situated in a scary neighborhood — it’s not a perfect world out there. But do you have an open mind and big heart to ignore that to allow yourself to be educated and entertained? I guess people don’t recognize the fact that the performers, artists and those all involved do this for free — we give our time/​dedication/​spirit and heart to this place because we are passionate and we have so much love for Bindlestiff and what it stands for. All proceeds go back to the theater to keep folks entertained. We are proud to be the only Filipino — Filipino American theater here! If you were unfortunate enough to not be seated in a chair that just means you were late and that’s your fault for assuming that you would be guaranteed a seat.
Those who have true love for us — tolerate the scary neighborhood and they get there early to get a seat!

It’s small, temporarily located in an alleyway, yet has character and a certain charm. so it’s on 6^th, between Mission & Market… big deal. i’d rather see a bunch of talented artists performing in a small stage than watching a $ 10 hollow-​wood remake of something that came out 5 years ago in Japan or Hong Kong playing in an overcrowded behemo-​plex somewhere in suburbia while getting my chair kicked and musical dial tones emanating from cell phones so thin that they’re constantly getting dropped on the floor. the people that work here voluntarily do so and they’re really friendly and love what they’re doing.

Check out Love Edition on Feb 24.
I’m going to sound like a total snob & suburbanites but I have to say, this place is located in a scary neighborhood. If I’m out with my girlfriends, we will forgo in going to Bindlestiff. I’m glad that Mr was with us that night.
Street walkers and gang were roaming the alley… scary
The place was tiny, in fact we were seated on the floor and given dirty pillow to sat on. I’m pretty disappointed and won’t go back again.

As many of the other reviews have stated this is a theater space where you CAN call home. There is some amazing original work that comes out of this space. All new and old artists colloborate on pieces about community, family and cultural issues.
I love Bindlestiff… if you’re looking for some down home grass roots art. Come home to the Stiff!
Check out the current show The Love Edition 2 —
.
Awesome show that is not to be missed!

The «Tongue In a Mood» show here had me laughing till I cried! I also went to their comedy show one year and had a great time with friends, Filipino and non (to be fair, the non-​Flips were basically honorary Filipinos, but you’d’ve enjoyed the performance no matter what!).
I just love it, love that it’s here in the Bay Area and cultivating art in a world where, sometimes, I think that’s the only thing keeping people sane…
Salamat, Bindlestiff!

It is the «Epicenter for Pilipino American Performing Arts», the only one of its kind in the nation. For years, I’ve enjoyed so many entertaining shows and performances. The talent is incredible. Even if you’re not Filipino, it’s worth checking out (peep the calendar)! Support the ‘Stiff!

The FOB Show «The Return of the Comeback» was great. Most of the shows are in Filipino/​Tagalog, but this one is primarily in English.
There is some really good talent associated with this troupe. Very good comic timing and real acting talent. Some excellent miming skills. I really enjoyed this show and watching them work together they were really like a well oiled machine.
If you get a chance to check them out you should. They moved their space and the new address is 505 Natoma @ 6^th.
check out
They do everything aside from ticket sales on donations. Well worth it that is for sure.