The SeaSun Theatre Artist Group has 70 active members. We number 100+ for major productions, such as at Ebell and La Mirada theaters. And we have several smaller ensembles of singers, dancers, instrumental musicians, and actors: fifty+ for flash mobs; ten to fifteen for more intimate performances at Colburn and the Korean Cultural Center; and four to six for focused events/conventions at places such as Hyatt and Oxford hotels.

We started with nothing. Most of our musicians, singers and actors have been volunteers. That worked to get us together and to see if we could serve the audiences. But free is not sustainable. And our work is in demand. In our short time together, we had 9 events in 2019; 3 in 2020 (Covid); 5 in 2021 (still Covid); 7 in 2022; and 12 in 2023. So far we have 6 events for 2024 with a major production at Ebell, 4 performances anticipating 4,000 audience (4,000 attendees at our 2022 event) and budget of $253k.

We are rooted in our Korean history and culture, much of which is beautiful and some of which includes war, oppression and occupation, fighting for freedom, and a settling in America. Our productions portray historical times and events. But we are also actively living in the present with all of the contemporary Korean influences in music, dance and drama.

Unedited words from our founder, Clara Shin: “My dream is to create an arts group where many people can participate in music, dance, acting, and musicals through this organization. In order to do that, I have to go through the current difficult process, but it is really difficult. It’s very burdensome and difficult.”