Honoring Two Decades of Artistry, Activism, and Asian American Theater-Making

New York, NY — January 2026 — As the Consortium of Asian American Theaters and Artists (CAATA) prepares to mark its 20th Anniversary in 2026, we find ourselves reflecting deeply on the power of community, the strength of our shared history, and the transformative possibilities of theater. Two decades ago, CAATA was founded with a simple yet vital mission: to advance the field of Asian American theater through a national network of organizations and artists. Since then, our goals have evolved, and our mission has expanded to build a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable cultural future for artists and communities that identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI), Southwest Asian, North African (SWANA), Middle Eastern North African (MENA), and mixed-race diasporas. Today, CAATA continues to serve as a vital national network that fosters a space where culture, identity, and justice converge.

As we step into this milestone year, we are not only celebrating where we have been, but also how far we have come and what we are capable of achieving together. Our 20th anniversary celebration is a time for reflection, joy, resistance, and evolution. It is a chance to honor the resilience of our community and to look boldly into the future.

Honoring Our Legacy: Where We’ve Been

When CAATA was founded in 2006, it began as a gathering space. It was a place for Asian American artists to share their stories and to build a network of solidarity in an industry where we were often marginalized or erased. We have always believed in the power of theater as activism, and our work has been rooted in creating spaces for artists to share their truths and to stand against injustice. Whether through national convenings, advocacy, or ConFest (National Asian American Theater Conference and Festival), CAATA has played a pivotal role in shaping the Asian American theater movement and amplifying voices that have long been overlooked.

In these 20 years, CAATA has not only created a platform for artists to thrive but has also paved the way for deeper, more meaningful conversations around representation, equity, and the role of theater in activism. Since those early days of collective imagining, our legacy of resistance has remained as a guiding force. We know that as artists, we can disrupt, challenge, and transform through our voices, our stories, and our work.

Activating the Present: Our Work Today

As we honor our roots, we must also celebrate the brilliance of our present-day community members, who are carrying forward this legacy with incredible courage, vision, and resilience.

This year’s anniversary celebrations will bring together the artists, organizers, and activists who make up CAATA today through virtual roundtables and regional gatherings across the country, highlighting the extraordinary ways in which our community continues to redefine what theater can do.

One of the most heartwarming elements of CAATA’s ongoing work is our deep commitment to intergenerational connection. We are honored to bring together college students, working professionals, and elders from across our community to share experiences, ideas, and dreams for the future. This sense of belonging and mutual support is what makes CAATA more than just an organization; it is a living, breathing community that sustains and nurtures the next generation of artists. Through this community, we are creating a legacy that will continue to ripple forward for years to come.

A New Era of Leadership: Kayla Kim Votapek

As CAATA celebrates two decades of impact, we are also entering a new era of leadership. In November 2025, we were honored to announce the appointment of Kayla Kim Votapek 김난주 as CAATA’s new Executive Director. A multidisciplinary artist, cultural organizer, and advocate for justice in the arts, Kayla brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to the values that have guided CAATA from the very beginning.

Having previously served as CAATA’s General Manager, Kayla steps into this leadership role with a deep understanding of the organization’s mission and community. As a Korean American Adoptee, Kayla’s own story is one of navigating multiple identities and building bridges across cultures. Her leadership represents a powerful turning point for CAATA as we evolve to meet the needs of our community and to dream boldly about what is possible.

In her words: "Stepping into the role of Executive Director feels like a natural next step in my journey with CAATA. I’m honored to lead with care, clarity, and courage—not only to sustain our legacy but to dream even bolder for the artists, communities, and futures we serve."

Under Kayla’s leadership, we are reimagining CAATA’s role as a service organization that provides tangible resources and support to artists. “I am committed to ensuring that our community has access to the tools they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives; professionally, personally, and holistically,” adds Kayla.

Looking to the Future: Building a Sustainable Ecosystem for Artists

Our 20th anniversary is a time for us to reflect on how we will prepare for the future. As we look ahead, we know that the work of artists is always evolving, and the world around us is constantly shifting. CAATA remains committed to being an organization that responds to the needs of our community. One that builds sustainable ecosystems for artists to create, grow, and flourish.

We know that access to healthcare is a critical need for many artists, which is why we have just launched a national healthcare benefits program for CAATA members. We are proud to provide access to health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as supplemental coverage for critical illness and accidents. This is just the beginning of our efforts to provide our members with the support they need to thrive, not only in their careers but in their daily lives.

In addition to these efforts, we are also focused on deeper community engagement through our anniversary celebrations. From virtual panels and forums to regional gatherings across the U.S., we are creating space for artists to connect, collaborate, and dream together. Through these spaces, we will continue to build the collective power of our community and reflect on how we can continue to push forward in the work of justice, equity, and representation.

A National, Multi-Faceted Anniversary for 2026

CAATA’s 20th Anniversary will unfold throughout the year with a series of free, open-to-the-public events that reflect CAATA’s values of accessibility, coalition-building, and community joy.

CAATA CONVERSATIONS

Inspired by CAATA’s online series like Healing Over Hate and Return to the Source, these events will honor CAATA’s past, uplift the present-day community, and spotlight bold new works shaping our future. Co-produced with HowlRound, these events include:

Threads of Legacy: Founders & Former Theater Leaders - March 2, 2026, 6:00-7:30pm EST
Pathways Forward: College Students & Professionals - April 20, 2026, 6:00-7:30pm EST
Diaspora Stories: MENA/SWANA Over the Years - May 11, 2026, 6:00-7:30pm EST
Resistance in Action: Building Solidarity - August 3, 2026, 6:00-7:30pm EST

CAATA COMMUNITY

Held in cities where CAATA’s roots run deep, these regional in-person events will strengthen local ties and support artist-organized community meet-ups. This year we will be hosting CAATA Nights at the following citities:

Minnesota/Twin Cities (in collaboration with Theatre MU)
Boston (in collaboration with Chuang Stage)
Washington, DC (in collaboration with Heart DMV AAPI Theatre Alliance)
Chicago (in collaboration with Alexis Green, founder of (X) Collective)
Los Angeles (in collaboration with East West Players & Artists at Play)
New York City

CAATA Connects

These CAATA member-only, informal spaces are designed for connection, reflection, and relationship-building across roles, regions, and identities. They reflect CAATA’s commitment to community care and joyful gathering:

20 Years Forward: Open Forum: An open forum that creates space for connection to discuss CAATA’s evolution towards a member service-focused organization. Join artists and community members to share insights, ideas, and feedback on how CAATA can better support artists while radically dreaming for the future of our industry.

Date: January 19, 2026 from 6-7:30 pm EST

Bridging Communities: Theatre Folx of Color & CAATA Conversation: A conversation between Black and Asian communities on the TFOC Circle platform. Join artists and community members to share experiences, insights, and perspectives, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and mutual support within the theatre community.

Date: Feb 9th, 2026 form 6-7:30 pm EST

Artists in Dialogue: Discipline-Based Forum: An open forum that creates space for connection for artists to gather by job discipline (e.g., playwrights, directors). Join peers to share experiences, insights, and strategies for supporting artistic growth, fostering collaboration, and building community within CAATA.

Date: July 20, 2026 from 6-7:30 pm EST

Connecting Locally: Regional Forum: An open forum that creates space for connection with artists and community members in your region. Share updates, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations for 2027. These gatherings also help build momentum for future regional meet-ups and ongoing community engagement.

Date: Sept 28, 2026 form 6-7:30 pm EST

Connecting Campus Voices: University Students Forum: An open forum that creates space for university students to gather, connect, and begin building collaborations for the upcoming school year. Join peers to share ideas, experiences, and strategies for engaging with the broader CAATA community and fostering creative connections.

Date: October 12, 2026 from 6-7:30 pm EST

Strength in Connection: CAATA Members Forum: An open forum that creates space for CAATA members to connect, share updates, and explore potential collaborations for 2027. These gatherings also help build momentum for future CAATA programming and enhance support for artists across the community.

Date: Dec 7, 2026 from 6-7:30 pm EST

CAATA’s 10-Minute Playwriting Festival

An online presentation of new 10-minute plays by writers across the U.S., supported by dramaturgs and directors. The festival will include a post-show dialogue and serve as a platform to test interest in new work.

Why This Matters

In a world where the voices of AANHPI communities are too often silenced or marginalized, CAATA’s commitment to legacy and resistance has never been more critical. We honor the hard work and sacrifices of those who have come before us and are committed to carrying that legacy forward.

As kt Shorb, Vice President of CAATA, shares: "When we engage in a climate where even addressing AANHPI concerns encounters backlash, it is important to both recognize where we came from as well as enjoy how we have grown as a community and organization."

Our 20th Anniversary is more than a celebration; it is a call to action. It is a reminder that the work we do, together, is vital. It is a reminder that our stories matter, our voices matter, and the art we create can change the world.

Join Us: Supporting CAATA’s Future

As we celebrate this historic moment, we invite you to join us in supporting CAATA’s future. We are aiming to raise $20,000 to support our continued work and ensure that CAATA remains a lifeline for artists in the years to come.

📣 Join the movement by sharing or donating to our fundraising campaign: Donate to CAATA’s 20th Anniversary Campaign

CAATA Celebrates 20 Years of Radical Theater, Collective Imagination, and Community Power