Karnataka also has one of the best theatre repertory companies in India, Nataka Karnataka Ranngayana (state Theatre of South India). Rangayanaa's two open air theatres, 'Vanaranga' and 'janapadaranga' and an indoor theatre called 'Bhoomigeetha', alternative spaces, have been continuously landscaped by members of the company according to different events.

Karnataka's very own talented playwright, Mahesh  Dattani, who runs 'Playpen'  recently  staged a production of his play 'Bravely fought  The  Queen'  to  much  critical  acclaim in London. The Artist's Repertory Theatre (ART) is run by Jagadish and Arundathi Raja, threatre has produced many great like Girish Karnad, C .R. Simha,  late  Lankesh,  Basavalingayya, Mukhyanmantre Chandru and Prasanna, who are among the most eminent  in India.

Yakshagana, native to Dakshina (south) Kannada, has come down the ages to emerge the most invigorating form of theatre-song-and-dance, a rural phenomenon whose versatility and beauty has gained it national and international recognition today.  The age old Bharatnatyam dance form has a number of proponents in Bangalore .

The "Vasanthahabba" (festival of spring) celebrated at Protima Gauri's dance village. Nrityagram, brings together artists from all over India, once a year.