POOR Theatre society

Vikas Choudhary - Founder & Artistic Director

0+ Years in Theatre

0+ Productions

0+ Students Trained

0 Theatre Cities

About

Founder & Artistic Director

Vikas Choudhary is a theatre practitioner, actor, director, and theatre educator whose artistic journey began in 2020 in Indore. Over the years, he has trained and worked with various theatre groups, participated in numerous workshops, and developed a strong foundation in acting, performance training, and ensemble theatre.

Driven by a desire to deepen his understanding of theatre, Vikas pursued his postgraduate studies in Performing Arts from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. During his academic journey, he trained under the guidance of Dr. Danish Iqbal — renowned theatre scholar, director, playwright, and alumnus of the National School of Drama.

While studying at Jamia, Vikas had the opportunity to perform as a guest artist in Hamlet alongside second-year students of the National School of Drama. He also assisted Dr. Danish Iqbal in the pilot presentation of a short theatrical production.

His exploration of theatre eventually led him to the work of Jerzy Grotowski and the philosophy of Poor Theatre. Inspired by Grotowski's emphasis on the actor's body, discipline, presence, and truthful expression, Vikas began researching actor-centered performance practices and physical theatre methodologies.

Together with Vivek Singh Shekharwar, they established Poor Theatre Society with the aim of creating a space where actors could engage in disciplined training, artistic exploration, and authentic performance rooted in the human body and imagination.

Artistic Interests

Areas of Practice

Disciplines that define the artistic vision

🎭 Physical Theatre

🎓 Actor Training & Pedagogy

✦ Realistic & Truthful Performance

🤸 Movement & Body Awareness

🎪 Ensemble Creation

🔬 Performance Research

🧪 Experimental Theatre

🌿 Theatre for Education & Community

Expertise

Core Disciplines

A practitioner shaped by years of rigorous training, workshop participation, and ensemble creation.

Actor Training 95%

Physical Theatre 90%

Direction 85%

Ensemble Creation 88%

Performance Research 80%

Theatre Education 92%

The Journey

Career Timeline

From Indore to New Delhi — a practitioner's path

Indore

2020-2023

Artistic Journey Begins

Started theatre practice in Indore. Trained and worked with various theatre groups, participated in workshops, building foundation in acting and performance.

New Delhi

2023-2026

Postgraduate Studies

Enrolled in Performing Arts at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Began training under Dr. Danish Iqbal — renowned theatre scholar and NSD alumnus.

NSD

2023-2026

Hamlet at NSD

Performed as guest artist in a production of Hamlet alongside second-year students of the National School of Drama — a landmark experience.

Research

2023-2026

Grotowski & Poor Theatre

Began deep research into Jerzy Grotowski's methodology and Poor Theatre philosophy. Focus on body, discipline, presence, and truthful expression.

Founded

2023-26

Poor Theatre Society Founded

Co-founded Poor Theatre Society with Vivek Singh Shekharwar, united by a vision to create meaningful, rigorous theatre culture rooted in actor-centered practice.

Present

2023-2026

Artistic Director

Leading the organization as Artistic Director — guiding actor-training programs, productions, and research-based theatre initiatives.

Artistic Pillars

Vision & Mission

The driving philosophy behind the Poor Theatre Society

Our Vision

To cultivate a vibrant and inclusive theatre culture that encourages artistic excellence, authentic expression, and lifelong learning.

We envision a community where performers are empowered to develop their creative voice, engage with diverse theatrical traditions, and contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of theatre.

Our Mission

✦ To provide rigorous and meaningful actor training.
✦ To develop actors through intensive physical and vocal training.
✦ To explore the relationship between body, voice, and imagination.
✦ To create performances rooted in honesty and human connection.
✦ To encourage experimentation and artistic risk-taking.
✦ To build a vibrant theatre community in Indore and beyond.
✦ To encourage truthful and imaginative performance.
✦ To create intimate and impactful theatrical experiences.

Stage Work

Notable Productions

Performances, directions & training programs

01 Performance

Hamlet

Guest Artist

National School of Drama · 2025

Performed alongside second-year NSD students in Shakespeare's timeless tragedy.

02 Direction

Pilot Presentation

Assistant Director

Under Dr. Danish Iqbal · 2025

Assisted Dr. Danish Iqbal in the pilot presentation of a short theatrical production at Jamia Millia Islamia.

03 Training

Poor Theatre Training Program

Artistic Director

Poor Theatre Society · 2026

Developed and led actor-training programs inspired by Grotowski's methodology for emerging theatre artists.

I believe theatre begins with the actor. Before sets, lights, costumes, or technology, there is the human body, the human voice, and the courage to be truthful in front of an audience. Through Poor Theatre Society, I aim to create a space where performers can discover their fullest potential and where theatre becomes a journey of transformation, discipline, and self-discovery.

— POOR Theatre society

Visual Archive

Creative Album

Stills, performances, and memories from the Poor Theatre Society

Poor Theatre Workshop

Acting training and physical expression sessions in Indore.

NSD Hamlet Production

Vikas Choudhary performing alongside students of National School of Drama, New Delhi.

Physical Theatre Ensemble

Rigorous movement training inspired by Jerzy Grotowski methodology.

The Society

Meet the Founders

Two practitioners united by a shared vision of rigorous, truthful theatre

Founder & Artistic Director

Theatre practitioner, actor, director, and educator. Postgraduate in Performing Arts from Jamia Millia Islamia. Trained under Dr. Danish Iqbal. Guest artist at NSD. Inspired by Grotowski's Poor Theatre philosophy.

Co-Founder

Vivek Singh Shekharwar

A dedicated theatre practitioner with several years of experience in theatre performance and training. Known for his realistic approach to acting and commitment to truthful performance, he has been associated with numerous theatrical productions.

Get in Touch

Contact & Collaboration

For workshops, productions, collaborations, or inquiries

poortheatresociety@gmail.com

Phone

+91 86020 80880

Location

Aalaap Digital Audio Studio Leela Building, 27/2, Near Dhobi Ghat, Behind Industry House, New Palasia, Indore, Madhya Pradesh – 452001

Society

POOR Theatre society