Entry Guidelines (Updated: January 2026)
Entries are now open for the current edition of the ADA Drama Awards. Any Drama/Theatre production publicly performed between 1 January and 31 December of the same year is eligible for submission.
Entry fee: RM100.
Participating organisations must submit a fully completed entry form at least three (3) weeks prior to the performance date, to allow the administrative team to arrange adjudicators to attend.
If adjudicators are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, participants may arrange for adjudicators to attend rehearsals or provide a recording of the performance.
Submissions made less than three (3) weeks in advance will be treated as late entries and incur a RM100 penalty.
If fewer than three (3) adjudicators can be arranged due to late submission, the entry will not be accepted.
All entry fees and penalties are non-refundable.
The production must be primarily performed in Chinese (Mandarin or other Chinese dialects). Up to 30% of other languages or dialects are permitted.
Non-verbal performances are exempt from this requirement.
The duration of the production must be at least 45 minutes.
Entries will be judged based on the categories selected in the entry form.
Any category left unselected will be deemed as forfeited.
The Awards do not accept repeat submissions of the same production by the same participants.
However, if there are new cast members or entirely new design elements, submissions for individual categories are allowed.
Each actor in a production may only be nominated for one acting category (Lead or Supporting).
If the actor qualifies as a newcomer, they may additionally apply for the Newcomer category.
The adjudication panel reserves the right to reassign categories if deemed inappropriate.
Newcomer eligibility:
Actors who have previously played major or supporting roles in professional film/television productions, or significant roles in ticketed tertiary institution performances, will not be considered newcomers—unless their roles were minimal or cameo appearances.
If an actor performs as a newcomer within the year, only their first production is eligible for the Newcomer category.
All participants must be Malaysian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals who have resided in Malaysia for more than five (5) years.
Joint entries that do not meet these criteria will not be accepted. (Updated: 13 Jan 2026)
The organiser primarily accepts productions staged within the Klang Valley.
For productions staged outside this region, the participating organisation must bear all expenses for adjudicators, including transportation, meals, and accommodation.
For adapted works, participants must submit proof of copyright permission from the original author or rights holder.
Participants must submit all required materials within two (2) months after the performance, including:
scripts, source materials, performance recordings, original music files, etc.
Incomplete submissions will be considered as automatic withdrawal.
Late submission of materials will incur a RM300 penalty.
Entries will not be accepted if:
a) Submission is made after the performance;
b) Fewer than three (3) adjudicators can attend the performance.
If multiple productions are staged on the same date, priority will be given to the earliest submitted entry.
If adjudicators are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, participants may arrange dress rehearsal viewing or provide recordings, or choose to withdraw.
All materials must be uploaded online and emailed to:
adadramawards@gmail.com
Best Production of the Year
Best Director of the Year
Best Original Script
Best Adapted Script (source material required)
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Best Male Newcomer **
Best Female Newcomer **
Best Lighting Design
Best Original Music **
Best Sound & Music Design **
Best Set Design
Best Costume Design
Best Graphic Design
Best Short Play
Best Children’s Theatre
Best Original/Adapted Children’s Script
Starting from 2025, Best Short Play is introduced for productions under 30 minutes.
18A.
The following categories will only be awarded if there are at least five (5) eligible entries:
18B.
Categories marked ** will be merged with similar categories if there are fewer than five (5) entries.
Any decision to withhold an award must be recommended by the adjudication panel and approved by the organiser.
The organiser reserves the right to introduce special awards based on adjudicators’ recommendations.
All submissions must be truthful and accurate. Any false declaration will result in disqualification.
The organiser reserves the right to amend, add, or remove any rules where necessary.
Entry Fee: RM100
Please transfer to the following account and send the receipt to the administrative assistant:
Tammi : +6018-372 1095
Bank Account:
Persatuan Angkatan Seni Lakon Interaksi, KL dan Selangor
Maybank: 514084342374
