Well hello, everyone! Can you believe that we haven’t sent out a Sinag-tala Bulletin since July? And it hasn’t been because nothing’s been happening. On the contrary, we’ve been so busy that there’s hardly been time to publish one. But we’re at a point, with only 7 weeks to go before opening night of Sinag-tala 2008: A Theatrical Revue, where we really need to pause to broadcast some vital information to our broad network. So here’s the story:
1. SAY IT ALOUD, PLEASE: NOVEMBER 1. No, they haven’t moved the presidential elections. But November 1 is just as crucial for us. That’s the deadline for submitting VIP Sponsorships, $300 Ticket Sponsorships, souvenir program ads and major donations. We MUST get everything intended for inclusion in the ST2008 souvenir program on or before that date in order to meet the printer’s deadline, which will be strictly enforced. Mail all forms and checks (payable to SFTPAA) to SFTPAA, 2241 Arliss Way, Sacramento, CA 95822. We urge advertisers to send their ad copy via e-mail, but snail mail is still ok as long as we get it on time. For quicker service, send ads to RaulBernaldez@aol.com . Items may also be dropped anytime in the mail slot at the Sinag-tala Studio, 8275 Florin Road, Suite 180, Sacramento 95828. Or if you wish to arrange for a volunteer pick up at your location, let us know immediately. Once more with feeling: November 1.
2. MONEY, MONEY, MONEY. The cost of renting facilities at Luther Burbank High School alone went up by about 15% this year. But then, like everything else, the cost of producing theater keeps going up. Yet here’s the thing: in hard economic times, when it comes to Sacramento’s only ongoing, non-profit Filipino-American theater production since 1990, it’s even more imperative that we keep doing our best to pay the bills. The arts and culture – especially for the Fil-Am community, where Sinag-tala offers the only consistent, free arts programming available – are a terrible thing to lose. Hundreds of participants and tens of thousands of audience members have been enlightened and entertained by this production for almost twenty years. Now we’re teaching their kids and grandkids. Why stop? Now that you know the deadline for sponsorships, please consider supporting ST2008. Sponsorships offer a range of benefits. Please see the attached brochure for details. But note that the October 15 deadline stated in the brochure is no longer applicable. The new deadline? You guessed it – November 1. To those who have already submitted their forms and payment, thank you very, very much. You know the return in your investment is a thousand fold.
3. LEARN FOR FREE: AMAZING STAGE EFFECTS THROUGH SHADOW THEATER. Sinag-tala Theater Associate Conrad Panganiban is offering a free workshop on shadow theater and how to make dazzling illusions such as kites flying above the audience and clouds rolling by, all through surprisingly low-tech uses of light, shadows and puppets. Workshop participants will actually be involved in producing and performing in a remarkable 15-minute dramatic piece that will be part of ST2008. The piece will be a “re-invention of “Kite Story,” the story about kites coming to life that was introduced as a ballet piece in Sinag-tala 2001. All teens, adults and parents are invited to be in this rare workshop, which will be limited to only 2 sessions – 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on Saturday, October 25 and 8:00PM to 9:30PM on Sunday, October 26. Conrad is leaving for the Philippines after that. Rehearsals for this number will take place when Conrad returns in November. The workshop will be held at the Studio. IT’S EXCITING AND FRESH – AND IT’S FREE!
4. WHILE WE WERE BUSY, THEY LIT UP STAGES EVERYWHERE. Because our work took up all our attention this summer, we failed to let send out bulletins and to let people know about the shining moments a number of past and current Sinag-tala artists have been having. We regretfully don’t have space to mention dates, venues, production titles, roles, companies or award nominations. But we can at least mention names. Those that we know of but unfortunately didn’t get to plug as they served their art between July and the present included Allyn Ginns, Ed Aducayen, Lorraine De Arco, Brian Rivera, Alaia Lacerna, Reyna Armour, Krystle Jong, Bong Garcia, Katelyn Torres, Apollross Reyes, Romar de Claro, and Conrad Panganiban. Thanks for making us proud! If anyone has been left out, please let us know.
5. VOLUNTEERS, THIS IS THE TIME! Money isn’t all we need. We need volunteers of every stripe, size and background. Whether you’re handy with a sewing machine, electric drill, paintbursh, lip brush, computer, camera, calculator, glue gun, skilsaw, marking pen or crockpot – we need you. We would love to have people who’d like to try their hand at being props and costumes masters/mistresses, fundraising coordinators, media relations specialists, researchers, assistant stage managers, child supervision teams, editors, proofreaders, stagehands, designers, drivers, production assistants, percussionists, cooks – you name it, we have a place for everyone. As we get closer to opening night (December 5), the work just magically gets heavier and yet more invigorating. What conditions could be better for a volunteer like you? Please attend our production meetings and just roll up your sleeves. Beginning Sunday, November 2, volunteers and production staff will meet weekly from 6:00PM to 7:30PM (ok, thereabouts) at the Sinag-tala Studio, 8275 Florin Road, Suite 180, Sacramento. Sometimes, we even have food! You don’t have to be at every single meeting. E-mail us if you’re available. Do help us – we need you. You know we won’t turn you down.
6. VIDEO, ANYONE? At last night’s production meeting, we decided to be decisive because a decision had become decidedly long overdue. SFTPAA will rent video equipment, assign a volunteer to tape each of the three performances using only one stationary camera, at wide angle (in short, no close-ups), and select only one of the three raw tapes for reproduction and sale. Only raw footage – unedited – will be provided. This decision was made because there is no guarantee that there will be enough orders to allow us to fully recover the otherwise high cost of professional videography services. On the other hand, a souvenir of the show will be available at a low cost (in the area of $15 per copy) to everyone. SFTPAA will not profit from the sale of the video (DVD, that is).
7. HOW ABOUT A TREASURE HUNT? You may have just the thing we need in your garage or storage unit. Or under your pillow. Here are a few things we will need either as props for the show or for other aspects of the production. If you would like to donate or lend any of them, just bring them to the Studio or have us come and pick it/them up at your location.
a) small car tires (2 ea.)
b) round hatboxes that we can convert into fake snare drums, 12″ diameter or larger (5 ea.)
c) foam board, large (6 sheets)
d) wooden dowels, 1/2 in. diameter or larger, any length, any quantity
e) Philippine costumes – any style or size
f) Santa Suit (medium to large)
g) Leather belts, dog leashes or similar straps, 1″ wide x 40″ or longer (or close to that)
h) butcher paper (as much as you can provide)
i) lumber – 2″ x 4″, 2″ x 6″, 4″ x 4″, 4″ x 6″ (6 feet long or longer, any quantity).
j) paint brushes or rollers
k) painter’s drop cloth or tarp, any size and quantity
l) paint stirrers, wooden
m) large tin cans or plastic containers for mixing paint and washing brushes
n) grommets, 3/8″ diameter or smaller, as many as you can provide
o) grommet tool (1 ea.)
p) coffee mugs that say “World’s Greatest Dad” or #1 Dad or similar Father’s Day slogan (2 ea.)
q) buckets, five-gallon, (any quantity)
h) work gloves, leather or cloth
Well, maybe not under your pillow. We’ll have another list for you soon.
8. COMPANY COMMITMENT. We just want to remind all company members – especially performers and key production staff – that Sinag-tala 2008 is a commitment to our community. It follows that cast members, crew and lead production staff must have a solid commitment to the show. Please show up for appointed rehearsals, training classes and work sessions. Please carefully study rehearsal schedules and announcements. Check your e-mail frequently. We guarantee that this will be a rewarding experience for everyone – but only if commitments are met. Everything must be carefully planned and executed, and professionalism and communications are a vital part of that. Anyone who is unable to attend or will be late for any activities must let the responsible staff know in advance. But more importantly, the whole company must give the production very high priority during the 7 weeks that remain. Thanks to all those who have been doing just that.
9. SELL THOSE TICKETS, PLEASE. Not much else to add to that except to remind everyone not to be shy about selling. Theater seats were made to be filled and productions to be seen.
We feel so lucky to have had the time to finally write this bulletin. But now, back to the dirty work. Thanks to everyone for your support. More news will follow.
Sonny Alforque
CEO & Artistic Director
