What is CATS?

Contemporary Asian Theater Scene, fondly know as CATS for over 20 years, was started by three visionaries who realized that Asian American artists needed a voice. Dr. Jerry Hiura, Steve Yamaguma, Miki Hirabayashi created CATS with the dream of supporting, mentoring and, ultimately, presenting Asian American artists and cultural disciplines to the south bay.

CATS is proud to reflect on performances by diverse Asian ethnic groups. We have showcased comedians for Asian Comedy Night, authors with our Book Series, emerging playwrights with staged readings, AAPI acting ensembles such as 18 Mighty Mountain Warriors, musicians at San Jose Jazz Festival and other venues, aspiring performers with Talent to Go, and films and commentaries through our Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest (formerly know as San Jose J-Town FilmFest) and various other AAPI film festivals.

When CATS was a kernel of a concept in 1995, Asian Americans were a definite minority in the valley and not factored into the arts community landscape. Now, as the demographics have changed and Santa Clara County has become Silicon Valley, the founders’ dreams of having a major impact on the art scene is realized. Asian American programs are popular and proliferating.

Please join us as we continue to applaud and appreciate all the enchanting, entertaining—and sometimes exotic—cultural and modern adaptations of the many Asian American Pacific Islander arts organizations and performers.

Contemporary Asian Theater Scene is a 501c3 non-profit organization.

CATS Board of Directors

Jerry Hiura

Reiko Iwanaga

Neil Kozuma

Leianne Lamb

Caroline Moore

Cindy Toy

Steve Yamaguma

La Donna Yumori-Kaku

Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest

(Formerly San Jose J-Town FilmFest)

Cindy Toy

Steve Yamaguma

Duane Kubo