Theatre productions in Malaysia have been enacted in many performance spaces. A mega show will be performed on a cutting-edge technology stage, such as Istana Budaya. Some may also prefer an intimate room such as Stor Teater Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP). These two productions are different when we discuss their visions in producing theatre. Their audience members also come from other types of people based on demographic, economy, and education. The paper aims to discuss the issues and viewership differences between both productions. This paper also aimed to compare the operational and production of both theatres -types of shows, technological possibilities and how productions solve limitations of space scale using creative performance concepts to perform a play. The researchers are focusing on contemporary theatre production from 2010 until today; the research may open a new spectrum of studies in making theatres in Malaysia. Using library research and qualitative in-depth interviews with theatre producers, managers, and performers will assist the research in finding relevant information about the studies. Alternative audience members mostly view small scale theatres. The audience members have more critical ideas and the desire to get more intimate experiences. In comparison, the show in Istana Budaya offers mainstream performances suitable for the masses since Istana Budaya is a national theatre in Malaysia. Therefore, the business model is also different in marketing and production.

In contrast to the other theatre form, which requires a more predominately dominant combination of acting, singing, music, and choreography, a musical theatre performance is a sophisticated piece of art. Similarly, paying greater attention to the technical special effects design is essential, especially throughout its production process. In order to clarify their requirements and design objectives, this study explores the features of the technical special effects used in the selected case studies. The result shows how well the entire musical theatre production includes customisation requirements and solutions in developing the technical design of special effects production. Keywords: Scenography, Stage Design, Stage Effects, Technical Theatre eISSN 2514-7528 ©2023. The Authors. Published for AMER & cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under the responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour StudiesCollege of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/jabs.v8i24.424

Musical theatre performance is a complex work in contrast to the other theatre medium that requires a more dominant combination of acting, singing, music, and choreography. Similarly, the support of the technical special effects design should also be given more attention, especially during its production. This paper reviews the elements of technical special effects on the selected case studies to specify their design needs and purposes. The outcome indicates the effectiveness of the overall musical theatre performance, which features customization specifications and functions in producing technical design of special effects. Keywords: Scenography, Stage Design, Stage Effects, Technical Theatre. eISSN: 2398-4287© 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI