Penang has always played a key role in the performing arts in Malaysia, in particular English language theatre. The expatriates that settled there first introduced English language theatre to Penangites. And because of the Universiti Sains Malaysia campus nearby with its strong arts faculty, the theatre scene was active and steady streams of theatrical works were produced over the years.

Thanks to an old advertising friend, The Actors Studio @ Greenhall opened in 2002. It was a small space with basic facilities but it served its purpose. Not only was it used by theatre practitioners in Penang, it was also a favourite stopover for touring productions from KL.