As a Penangite, it has always been the wish of The Actors Studio’s Co-Founder Dato’ Faridah Merican to create a space that will allow the arts to flourish further in her home state.
After The Actors Studio @ Greenhall closed down, The Actors Studio partnered with Eastern & Oriental Berhad to establish the Northern region’s first arts centre, Performing Arts Centre of Penang (penangpac).
This non-profit organisation aims to serve the Northern region as well as act as a base for touring productions. Its performing arts academy, the only one of its kind up North runs courses and crucial outreach to schools and community centres. More than 500 shows have been staged at penangpac attended by almost 150,000 people.
Modelled after klpac, the Performing Arts Centre of Penang is the Northern region’s dedicated arts centre. It houses a 300-seater proscenium theatre, 120-seater black box theatre, three multi-functional studios and two gallery spaces.
Strategically situated in the popular seafront retail marina, Straits Quay, it offers a unique experience for theatre goers where they can enjoy a stroll along the promenade, dine at one of the many restaurants in the mall and complete the night with a theatre performance.