GAPA Theatre

Call for Queer and Transgender Asian and Pacific Islander (QTAPI) Storytellers! GAPA Theatre invites Queer and Transgender Asian and Pacific Islander (QTAPI) storytellers to join our 2026 Spring Cohort. APPLICATION DUE: FRIDAY, MARCH 27TH, 3PM Application link in bio. We are seeking QTAPI community members who are ready to explore and share stories rooted in their own lived experience—stories of finding community, building community, and showing up for one for community.   Through a collaborative, workshop-based process, participants will develop original solo performance and spoken word pieces. These works will be presented in a GAPA Theatre production on June 6, as part of 2026 QTAPI Week celebrations and the United States of Asian American Festival, presented by the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center.   No prior writing or performance experience is required. We welcome anyone with a desire to tell their story, engage in collective creative process, and support fellow cohort members in a space grounded in trust, care, and artistic growth.   Production and Theme: As One Community + Care + Resilience A collection of original performances by Queer and Transgender Asian and Pacific Islander (QTAPI) artists, As One uplifts stories of community—discovering community, building community, and showing up for one another. These works reflect the care and resilience that sustain and connect us. Presented as part of the 2026 QTAPI Week celebrations and the United States of Asian American Festival, presented by the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center. 30-minute informational Zoom call, Saturday March 21, 7PM Zoom link in bio. Questions? Contact: [email protected]

Ngoc is a Gay Vietnamese American multidisciplinary artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Born in Vietnam and raised in the U.S. as a refugee, Ngoc’s journey of cultural adaptation, identity formation, and creative discovery is central to his work. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Arts from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Ngoc’s practice is rooted in portraiture and figure painting, blending realism with abstraction to reflect the complexity of lived experience. Through expressive mark-making, bold color, and layered textures, his work explores themes of identity, intimacy, vulnerability, and belonging. As a queer Asian American artist, Ngoc’s paintings center LGBTIQ AAPI bodies and stories—challenging erasure, stereotypes, and invisibility. His art is both personal and political, driven by a desire to create space for healing, connection, and representation. Whether through canvas, public art, or community-based projects like his queer postcard series, Ngoc’s work invites dialogue and affirms the beauty and resilience of marginalized communities.

Runway Call for Contestants!!! The monarchs have issued a call, summoning champions of all shapes, sizes and unique character to rally and compete for a chance at the crown of Mister, Ms or Mx GAPA. Who will rise and who will fall? Who will take the crown and unite us all? Get ready for a dazzling night at GAPA RUNWAY 2025: Myths & Legends! What is GAPA Runway? It is a 30+ year community production which aims to showcase queer and transgender Asian and Pacific Islander (QTAPI) artistry, humanity, and excellence. Don’t miss out on your chance to feel the magic at Herbst Theatre on September 13th, 7pm PST. Performers and personalities of all experiences are encouraged to apply for GAPA RUNWAY 2025: Myths & Legends! To apply for Runway, click the link in the bio. For more details, email Jethro Patalinghug, [email protected]. #qtapi #dragqueen #lgbtqia🏳️‍🌈 #performance #pageant #aapi

Join GAPA Theatre as we celebrate QTAPI artist Eddie Jen! ONE NIGHT ONLY! Seeking a Penpal for the End of the World Written and performed by Eddie Jen Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 Doors Open 7 pm, Show starts 7:30 pm Eclectic Box SF 446 Valencia Street San Francisco CA 94103 Ticket link in bio. After Trump 1.0 tried to end America’s democracy on January 6th, 2021, a gay immigrant drag queen in San Francisco began corresponding with a retired, White, Republican woman from Bountiful, Utah — his high school English teacher. But what happens when the political discussions veer into the personal? How far can you explore being “friends” with a former teacher? And how does this friendship shed light on America under Trump 2.0? After this San Francisco premiere, the show will do the full run at Edinburgh Fringe. For more info, check out

Join us as GAPA Theatre collective member and emerging artist Ngoc Nguyen makes his visual art debut at Strut! Reflecting Us, Seeing Ourselves Friday, July 2025, 8PM Strut 470 Castro Street SF, CA 94114 Info link in bio. Ngoc Nguyen is a Gay multidisciplinary artist and master hairstylist, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Arts from the University of California, Santa Cruz. His early childhood in Vietnam, followed by his immigration to the Bay Area, has profoundly shaped his perspective, which is clearly reflected in his work. After experiences moving around the US and exploring the world through travel, Ngoc’s work reflects a broad worldview and personal insight. Now firmly rooted in the San Francisco Bay Area, he integrates his foundational artistic skills across various mediums, whether on a canvas or in the transformation of clients. Ngoc has years of experience developing his skills in portraiture and figure painting. His background as a hairdresser and business owner has honed his attention to detail, influencing the precision and care visible in his art. Ngoc’s artwork blends representation with abstract expressionism, inviting viewers to explore themes of identity and connection. He resides in Alameda, CA, with his husband, son Kiên, two chihuahuas, and his mother, Lieu.

Runway Call for Contestants!!! The monarchs have issued a call, summoning champions of all shapes, sizes and unique character to rally and compete for a chance at the crown of Mister, Ms or Mx GAPA. Who will rise and who will fall? Who will take the crown and unite us all? Get ready for a dazzling night at GAPA RUNWAY 2025: Myths & Legends! What is GAPA Runway? It is a 30+ year community production which aims to showcase queer and transgender Asian and Pacific Islander (QTAPI) artistry, humanity, and excellence. Don’t miss out on your chance to feel the magic at Herbst Theatre on September 13th, 7pm PST. Performers and personalities of all experiences are encouraged to apply for GAPA RUNWAY 2025: Myths & Legends! To apply for Runway, click the link in the bio. For more details, email Jethro Patalinghug, [email protected]. #qtapi #dragqueen #lgbtqia🏳️‍🌈 #performance #pageant #aapi

#Repost @katevascostories with @use.repost ・・・ 📣 WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT 📣 I’m so thrilled to share my love for personal narrative storytelling with you!! STORIES THAT CHANGE US Personal Narrative Solo Performance Workshop Tuesdays June 17-July 8, 2025 7-9:30pm PT | Online In a time when authentic storytelling has never been more crucial, “Stories That Change Us” equips participants with both the narrative structure and performance techniques needed to transform pivotal life experiences into compelling solo performances that build bridges of understanding and inspire action. Transform your life-changing moments into powerful solo performances that connect personal experience to social impact. Over four sessions, you’ll: ✨ Identify your transformative story ✨ Develop performance techniques ✨ Connect personal experiences to universal themes ✨ Create a polished 5-8 minute solo piece Using methodology developed by Kat Evasco and integrating narrative strategy framework, this workshop helps you craft stories that matter. Limited to 12 participants. Registration opens today! Link in bio to secure your spot! #PersonalNarrative #SoloPerformance #Storytelling #PublicNarrative #NarrativeStrategy

Thank you and congrats to the GAPA Theatre Spring 2025 cohort and newest members for the GAPA Theatre Artists Collective on a great performance/reading celebrating QTAPI Week 2025! OUR VERY FIRST DREAM aLoe huynh phuong BAREBONES Bree Ahmed MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE Brian Palac @doybrian KINK Day MY BODY WASN’T MINE Delaney Bantillo @itsthe.littlethings ENSENADA Dino Duazo @kalookenyo BELONGING Fay Cordeiro TONY & JANE Hy (Teddy) Truong @teddydatotter SAFE SPACES WHERE NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU SCREAM Jake Montano @dorsiatic WHAT IS A FOREST Mayo Arbues @mayo.arbues LESSONS FROM SWIMMING IN THE BAY Shijia Lu

Our stories matter. Our stories are sacred. As the Artistic Director of GAPA Theatre, I’m excited to introduce the emerging storytellers to join our artists collective from our latest 2025 Spring cohort. It has been a privilege to work with these QTAPI individuals these past few months. Come hold (queer) space with us as they share their new works-in-progress, their stories. Stories that are intimate, vulnerable, powerful and joyful. The event is free but please RSVP at Link in bio ❤️

Congrats to GAPA Theatre Artists Collective member Jethro Patalinghug on his upcoming exhibit! The event is free to attend, but a suggested donation of $10 to support the GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance would be welcome. A portion of the art sales will also benefit Oaklash. Ticket link in bio! KAANYAG: An Art Exhibit by Jethro Patalinghug In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, join us at The Chan National Queer Arts Center for an immersive and thought-provoking experience showcasing the latest works by multidisciplinary nonbinary artist and activist, Jethro Patalinghug. Kaanyag, an Indigenous Cebuano term meaning "beauty" or "charm," holds deep personal significance for Jethro. First introduced to them during a queer and trans beauty pageant in their hometown in the Philippines, this term embodies their queer Indigenous roots and the vibrant beauty of marginalized identities. In this powerful exhibit, Jethro honors the resilience, artistry, and unapologetic spirit of queer and trans Asian and Pacific Islander drag performers from across the Bay Area. The works on display are not only a celebration of their contributions to the arts but also a bold statement against the ongoing political and social attacks faced by drag performers, as well as trans, nonbinary, queer, and immigrant communities. Join us for a dynamic evening of art, activism, and celebration. The event will feature a program with special participation from AAPI drag artists from across the Bay Area, as well as a cash bar and opportunities to win tickets to future performances at the Chan National Queer Arts Center. This event is presented in partnership with The Chan National Queer Arts Center, the Center for Immigrant Protection, and Oaklash. The Art exhibit is curated by @billsamios_studio ). Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Jethro’s inspiring vision and connect with the vibrant

Congrats to GAPA Theatre Artists Collective member @ngocnguyen_art , an inspiring storyteller in both spoken word and visual art, on his latest exhibition! #Repost @sentro_filipino with @use.repost ・・・ Our Window Gallery at Sentro Filipino has a new artist on display* Watch to learn more about Ngoc Nguyen ( @ngocnguyen_art ) and follow his art journey at *while Sentro Filipino is rented as a venue for RSA, Ngoc’s exhibition will be temporarily down for its duration: April 26-May 2nd - Music: Secret Sauce Musician: Jeff Kaale

Join us for GAPA Theatre’s special presentation celebrating QTAPI Week 2025 and Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month, a public reading of a collection of new works-in-progress by the Spring 2025 writing cohort of GAPA Theatre. GAPA Theatre is an intergenerational collective of Queer and Transgender Asian and Pacific Islander (QTAPI) storytellers. QTAPI Week 2025: Weaving Our Community Together San Francisco’s Queer and Trans Asian & Pacific Islander (QTAPI) Heritage Week returns for its fifth year, celebrating the resilience, diversity, and unity of QTAPI communities. First proclaimed by the SF Board of Supervisors in 2021, QTAPI Week was created as a bridge between Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May and Pride Month in June, highlighting the interconnectedness of our identities and experiences. Born from the Bay Area QTAPI Coalition’s response to rising anti-Asian violence, QTAPI Week has grown into a vibrant movement of cultural celebration, activism, and community-building. This year’s theme, “QTAPI Tapestry,” symbolizes the rich and intricate ways our identities weave together—distinct yet interconnected, each thread contributing to the strength and beauty of the whole. For the first time, QTAPI Week will feature an opening weekend in Chinatown, anchored by the historic first-ever Chinatown Pride Parade, where a rainbow flag will be proudly carried through the heart of the neighborhood. Plus, after a year’s hiatus, the highly anticipated QTAPI Block Party is making its return, thanks to OEWD funding, with centralized programming and an electrifying lineup of performances. Join us as we honor five years of QTAPI Week with a powerful showcase of community, culture, and pride. QTAPI week events listed here: https://linktr.ee/qtapiweek #QTAPIWeek #QTAPITapestry #QueerAPI #Pride