About CATS
Learn more about who we are and what we do
CATS was founded in 1996 by Dr. Jerry Hiura, Steve Yamaguma, and Miki Hirabayashi to address the lack of representation for AAPI artists in Silicon Valley. Dr. Hiura and Steve Yamaguma, who have since passed, were instrumental in shaping the organization’s vision, and their legacy continues to inspire our work today. What began as a grassroots effort has evolved into a cornerstone of San Jose’s cultural landscape, producing thought-provoking programs like the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific Film Festival, Asian Comedy Night, and staged readings. For nearly three decades, CATS has empowered AAPI artists, fostered cross-cultural dialogue, and created spaces where diverse stories are embraced and celebrated.
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Our Mission
At Contemporary Asian Theater Scene (CATS), our mission is to celebrate and elevate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voices through the performing arts. By creating platforms for artists of all experience levels, we aim to inspire creative expression, foster cultural connection, and build a vibrant community. Through storytelling, performance, and collaboration, we strive to break barriers, promote inclusion, and connect people through the transformative power of art.
Our Founders
FOUNDERDr. Jerry Hiura
FOUNDERSteve Yamaguma
FOUNDERMiki Hirabayashi Bellon
Our Team
Our dedicated team, comprised of accomplished leaders from diverse backgrounds, passionately drives our mission by leading with integrity, wisdom, and compassion.
PRESIDENTLeianne Wong Lamb
VICE PRESIDENTCindy Toy
Miki Hirabayashi Bellon
BOARD MEMBERReiko Iwanaga
BOARD MEMBER
BOARD MEMBERCheryl James
BOARD MEMBERNeil Kozuma
BOARD MEMBERAudrey Munnerlyn
BOARD MEMBERMark Young
LaDonna Yumori Kaku
BOARD MEMBERADVISORY COUNCILKaren Chow
ADVISORY COUNCILDiem Ha Mai
Caroline Kondo Moore
TREASURERJoanne Ho
SECRETARY
Advisory Council
ADVISORY COUNCILNelson Ng
ADVISORY COUNCILChris Sicat
ADVISORY COUNCILJoanne Lin
ADVISORY COUNCILFlo Oy Wong
Racial Equity Statement
Contemporary Asian Theatre Scene (CATS) believes in using the arts as a means for supporting and encouraging diversity and engagement within our larger community. By actively embracing and celebrating diversity, we can truly leverage the overarching strengths we all bring forth. In a world that hosts people within an entire spectrum of beliefs, upbringings, and experiences, it is our role to acknowledge this humanity and how we can create programs that are inclusive. Through the power of storytelling and resource sharing, we believe that we can propel our society towards one that brings out the best in the communities we serve.
Every person in CATS has a role in pushing our vision forward, and this will manifest in a variety of ways for each individual. We hereby commit to bringing to life our REDIR (Racial Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Respect) values through:
Community Collaboration
Collaborating with local artists and organizations to uplift AAPI voices.
Reassessing Practices
Evaluating policies to ensure equity, accessibility, and fair representation.
Encouraging Participation
Welcoming diverse voices and fostering open dialogue for change.
Racial Justice
Confronting racial inequities and advocating for systemic change.
Through an appreciation and respect for our diverse community, we can make meaningful strides towards a society that works as a collective. The world has no room for hatred of any kind. Regardless of what someone looks like, who they love, or where they come from, there should always be space for everyone. We must confront prejudice and discrimination based on our immutable characteristics, be it implicit, explicit, present, or systemic.
Our Partners
We’re appreciative of the following businesses and nonprofits that help and support us in our nonprofit programs.
GET INVOLVED
Interested in joining the CATS team? Feel free to reach out with a little bit of information about yourself and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
