Sinag-tala Filipino Theater and Performing Arts Association

The SFTPAA's free theater and performing arts training programs began in 1990 as a project of another organization which discontinued the programs in 2004. That same year, Parents and Supporters of Sinag-tala, a volunteer group that had been supporting the project since 1998, adopted the programs and obtained 501(c)(3) status under its present name, Sinag-tala Filipino Theater and Performing Arts Association. The Sinag-tala programs were created to address:
1. A longstanding lack of ongoing arts programming within the Sacramento Region's Filipino community.
2. The ethnic and other barriers isolating Sacramento-based Filipino-Americans from the mainstream arts community.

Since its inception, the SFTPAA has remained the only 501(c)(3) arts organization based within Sacramento's Filipino community. For a quarter of a century, Sinag-tala programs have contributed to the development of many local Filipino-American artists and vigorously promoted the study of and appreciation for the musical, dance, literary, and cultural works of Filipino artists. Because participation in SFTPAA's membership and programs is open to all interested individuals of all backgrounds, the SFTPAA enjoys the loyalty and ongoing engagement of a diverse support and volunteer base. The SFTPAA's Board of Directors, Artistic Director, Resident Artists, and production staff are all volunteers.

Because of SFTPAA's relatively lower overhead costs - when matched against arts groups of comparable scope and operations - underserved children, teens, young adults, and their families are able to enroll tuition-free. Participants are only required to become SFTPAA members for an annual $10-per-person or $20-per-family fee. However, this fee is waived for extreme hardship cases. In addition, participants and their families are required to volunteer their time and support fundraising efforts. The most notable hallmarks of SFTPAA programs are their accessibility; a highly unique mission, curriculum, and repertoire; and the high artistic standards it pursues. The SFTPAA currently faces the challenge of maintaining its programs on a small budget while also facing the prospect of raising enough funds to support paid staff to continue, since its volunteer founder, Artistic Director, and CEO has retired. Today, the Board and membership are developing strategies for hurdling this challenge. Today, every board member/membership are volunteers that perform specific tasks to keep the organization functioning.