Rangayana founded by Government of Karnataka
History
Rangayana was started by Government of Karnataka in 1989 for  promotion of stage crafts and plays. The project was the brainchild of B.V. Karanth and he was appointed as the first director of the institute. He continued in that position till 1995 when C.Basavalingiah took over from him. Prasanna was appointed as the third director of Rangayana in 2001. It was during his time that Rangayana started weekend performances. However Prasanna resigned from the position in 2003 due to conflict of interest between him and the Department of Kannada and Culture. Prasanna had a clash with the Government of Karnataka too when the government decided to cut back on the annual grants provided to Rangayana in 2003. However, due to strong protests by various cultural bodies the government continued with its grants. Chidambara Rao Jambe of Ninasam fame was appointed as the fourth director . Addanda C  Cariappa is the present director.