Theatre is an integral component of the Indian culture. All states of the Indian Sub- continent reflect the rich heritage of entertainment. Besides amusing the people`s mind, the theatres introduced various talented personalities to the world. Karnataka also exhibits a long tradition of theatres including folk theatres as well as ritual theatres. Theatre Personalities of Karnataka contributed to the growth of and prominence of Karnataka theatre.

Modern Karnataka Theatre had beginning in 1918, with the staging of a drama by one of the famous Theatre Personalities of Karnataka T.P Kelaram. In addition to that significant personalities of Karnataka include K. S Karanth as well as A. N Krishna Rao who contributed a lot in enriching of Karnataka Theatre. Many Indian theatre personalities of Karnataka have gained fame and reputation worldwide. Theatre continued to encourage young talents and various noteworthy plays emerged with their brilliant involvement.

Among the Theatre Personalities of Karnataka, Girish Karnad and Lankesh along with their other contemporaries have influenced the Kannada theatre. Girish Karnad is known for producing various plays such as Yayati, Tughlaq, Hayavadna and Naga Mandal. Mahesh Dattani is another such personality who has introduced the concept of Gay presence. The play progresses with a homosexual relationship. This new concept has made Dattani a renowned name in the world. Govind Ballal Deval was another prominent figure of Karnataka. He was born in the year of 1855 at Haripur in Sangli district. He studied at Kolhapur and Belgaum in Karnataka up to his matriculation in 1878 and then was introduced to `Annasaheb` Kirloskar. However Govind Ballal Deval was raised in an atmosphere where theatre was devotion and thus theatre became his passion. Karnataka theatre thus became received a distinguished position in the world panorama.