The Actors Studio Malaysia was set up in 1989 by husband and wife team of Joe Hasham and Faridah Merican.

The prime objectives of the Actors Studio's formation were the presentation of Professional Theatre in Malaysia:

• The nurturing of the Performing Arts in Malaysia by the following means:
• The training of Actors, Directors, Writers, Designers and Production Personnel.
• The formation of a Sponsored Scholarship Scheme for the outstanding Malaysians whereby they will be given the oppurtunity to augment their Performing Arts skills abroad.
• The introduction of Cross Cultural Exchanges between the Performing Arts in Malaysia and that of other countries such as Australia, Indonesia, The Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, India, Japan and most relevant countries.

To appreciate The Actors Studio's choice of plays, it is important to understand the philosophy behind its thinking. When the Actors Studio was formed, a conscious decision was made as to the 'kind' of Theatre that would be presented to Malaysian audiences. It must be admitted that there have been times when criticism was always concerned with the fact that the Studio was not interested in presenting "popular" Theatre in the form of 'kitchen sink' comedies. The Actors Studio's criteria when choosing a play always takes the following into account:

• Is it entertaining?
• Does it say anything?
• Is it challenging to the actors?
• Is it challenging for the audience?
• Is it commercially viable?

The establishment of Malaysia's first privately owned and operated theatre The Actors Studio Theatre has brought about major changes to the presentation of the performing arts. With the support of its patrons and sponsors,it has been able to realise its dreams with the setting up of The Actors Studio Shoppe and The Actors Studio Academy.

The Actors Studio Theatre.

The Actors Studio Theatre is situated at Lot 19 Plaza Putra, in the heart of the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, beneath the historical Dataran Merdeka which also forms the base for the tallest flag pole in the world.Ample parking space is available underground and the Theatre is situated on the same level. The Theatre was designed to be wheel chair friendly, with the main aisle consisting of a series of ramps to facilitate easy access for our wheel bound patrons.

The Theatre, with a stage approximately 8 metres by 7 metres, seats 153 people but has on several occasions housed over 200 patrons.Technically, the Theatre currently has 46 lamps with a computerised lighting console capable of storing 420 lighting cues. For sound we have a 16 channel mixer with 12 mic points based at the edge of the stage area. Arrangements can also be made for the use of lavalier mics which can also double up as cordless mics as well for the use of a single lens LCD projector c/w projection screen. Backstage is a props space in addition to a dressing room with toilets and shower facilities attached.


Address The Actors Studio @ BSC
T116, Level 3, West Wing,
Bangsar Shopping Center,
285, Jalan Maarof,
Bukit Bandaraya,
59000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603-2094 0400/1400
Fax: +603-2093 8400

Ground Floor,
Zhong Zheng School Memorial Centre
32, Lebuh Light
10200 Penang
Tel: +604 - 263 5400
Fax: +604 - 263 5402