Shikhar Mishra: The Theatre Revolutionary Who Built India’s First “Actor’s Gym”

From Stammering Student to India’s Premier Acting Coach

Shikhar Mishra, better known as “Theatrewala,” is a pioneer in Indian theatre education. He is widely recognized as the first acting coach in India to introduce the “Actor’s Gym” concept through his Project RAP (Regular Acting Programme). From overcoming a childhood stammer in Kanpur to becoming one of India’s most sought-after theatre mentors, his journey is an inspiring story of resilience, innovation, and passion for the performing arts.

Early Life and the Challenge of Stammering

Born in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Shikhar Mishra grew up in a musically inclined family that had stepped away from arts due to financial struggles in the 1980s. As a child, he grappled with stammering—a challenge that made communication difficult.

The turning point came in class six when he was introduced to theatre at IIT Kanpur. Theatre became more than an activity—it became therapy. Inspired by icons like Piyush Mishra and Hrithik Roshan, who had also battled speech impediments, Shikhar used theatre as a tool to transform his weakness into his strength.

The Delhi Years: Shaping an Actor

After his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Shikhar moved to Delhi to immerse himself in theatre. Over the next 15 years, he performed in 50+ plays and 100+ shows including Katha Ek Kans Ki, Train to Pakistan, Maharathi, and Ghar Wapsi.

His breakthrough came in 2020 with his role as Dheeraj Adhikari in Piyush Mishra’s thriller play San 2025. Performing at premier venues like SRC and LTG, Shikhar won multiple awards including Best Supporting Actor and Best Negative Actor at national festivals.

The Birth of “Theatrewala”

In 2017, after returning to Kanpur, Shikhar founded Scholart Sessions Pvt. Ltd. and launched Theatrewala a brand that redefined theatre as a medium not just for acting, but also for personal development, therapy, and professional growth.

The name Theatrewala soon became a household term in India’s theatre circuit, representing accessibility, innovation, and inclusivity.

Project RAP: India’s First “Actor’s Gym”

The highlight of Shikhar’s innovation is Project RAP (Regular Acting Programme), which he proudly calls India’s first “Actor’s Gym.” The idea is simple yet revolutionary: acting, like fitness, requires regular practice.

Key Features of Project RAP:

• Structured Daily Training: Regular sessions like a gym workout for actors.

• 4-Month Immersive Course: Designed for students, working professionals, and aspiring actors.

• Evening Batches: Flexible timings for busy schedules.

• Holistic Curriculum: Voice training, emotional prep, body movement, and character work.

• Practical Exposure: Students get real stage performance opportunities, not just theory.

This structured format has attracted actors from across India, including celebrities like Freddy Daruwala, who praised it for sharpening his craft.

Theatrewala Methodology: A 360° Approach

Core Programs Offered:

1. Acting Bootcamps – Short, high-intensity programs to build confidence.

2. Tools of Acting Workshops – Voice, speech, improvisation, monologues, and script analysis.

3. Theatrewala Retreat – A 10-day program blending acting with yoga, music, and personal growth.

4. Voice & Speech Masterclasses – Focused on clarity, diction, and vocal stamina.
   

Expansion Across India

Theatrewala has already conducted 10+ Tools of Acting workshops in Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore, and Pune. Permanent training centers now operate in Mumbai and Delhi, with more cities on the roadmap.

Beyond Theatre: Drama Therapy & Cinema

Shikhar is among the few Indian theatre practitioners to use drama therapy, helping individuals overcome speech issues, anxiety, and confidence gaps.

His cinematic journey includes acting in “Main Atal Hoon” with Pankaj Tripathi and MX Player web series, alongside contributions in stage production, lighting, music direction, scriptwriting, and casting.

Innovation in Theatre Education

Natural School of Drama

Shikhar built Theatrewala as a “Natural School of Drama”, favoring hands-on learning over rigid textbooks. The focus remains on:

• Passionate trainers

• Friendly environment

• Flexible schedules

• A supportive creative community
  

Digital Content & Cultural Preservation

Through his Instagram series on Natyashastra and Bharatiya Kala, Shikhar has educated lakhs of young Indians on the roots of Indian theatre and acting traditions. His digital outreach has earned him over 212K followers.

Teaching Philosophy & Personal Approach

• Mantra: “Stop procrastinating, stop thinking, and start doing.”

• Character Prep: Travels to the origin places of characters to study their lives firsthand.

• Stage Preference: Despite working in films, Shikhar gives 60% preference to theatre, valuing its raw feedback and intimacy.
  

Future Vision: The India Theatre Project

Through initiatives like the India Theatre Project (ITP), Shikhar hopes to unite theatre practitioners across India, revive interest in stage acting, and provide a platform for collaboration and cultural exchange.

Awards & Recognition

• Multiple Best Supporting Actor awards

• Best Negative Actor at national festivals

• Recognition as an innovator in theatre education

• Industry endorsements and celebrity testimonials
  

Conclusion: A True Theatre Revolutionary

From a stammering boy in Kanpur to the founder of India’s first Actor’s Gym, Shikhar Mishra has transformed not just his life but the landscape of Indian theatre education. His ability to merge traditional wisdom with modern systems has made theatre training accessible, holistic, and future-ready.

With Theatrewala, Project RAP, and his larger vision for the India Theatre Project, Shikhar continues to inspire thousands of aspiring actors, proving that theatre is not just art—it is therapy, education, and a way of life.

Aapke Sawal, Hamare Jawab! (FAQs)

Q1. What is Project RAP, India’s first Actor’s Gym? Project RAP (Regular Acting Programme) is Shikhar Mishra’s flagship program that treats acting like fitness—requiring daily practice through a structured 4-month training course with stage exposure.

Q2. How is Theatrewala different from NSD or traditional drama schools? Unlike rigid academic setups, Theatrewala works as a “Natural School of Drama,” offering flexible, practical, and community-driven training programs.

Q3. Can working professionals join Theatrewala courses? Yes. Evening batches and short-term bootcamps are designed for working professionals and students balancing jobs or academics.

Q4. Does Theatrewala also offer drama therapy? Yes. Shikhar Mishra is among India’s pioneers in using theatre for therapy, helping people overcome stammering, anxiety, and confidence issues.

Q5. Where can one join Theatrewala workshops? Permanent centers exist in Mumbai and Delhi, with regular workshops also conducted in Bangalore, Chandigarh, and Pune.