Leadership
Starting in 2026, Anand Rao and Seema Shahane were appointed Co-Artistic Directors to manage the responsibilities of programming and direction of all the activities of ICS Theatre.
Anand Rao
A multi-lingual actor, writer, and director for nearly three decades, Anand has acted in over 75 plays and 200 episodes of regional TV in India, including prominent roles in popular Kannada serials, all the while balancing a career in media and communications. In the US, he has acted with professional and community theatres in Utah, Illinois, New York, and New Jersey. His playwriting credits include the acclaimed A Muslim in the Midst, Law for the Entitled, Deadlock, Broadway Toilets, and Panchatantra – Spice Trail Scrolls. His work in other media includes writing and directing films, TV series, fiction, and non-fiction. He has an MBA in Management and an MA in English Literature, in addition to higher studies in Journalism and Communications.
Seema Shahane
A multifaceted theatre practitioner, cultural leader, and community advocate with over 30 years of artistic experience. She co-founded Theatrix USA, which has staged plays in Marathi, Hindi, and English across the U.S. and internationally. Through her company, God’s Eye Productions, she presents and hosts shows for visiting Indian artists. A versatile contributor to theatre, Seema has acted, directed, designed, and curated cultural showcases, including events for the Indian Cultural Society and the South Asian Theatre Festival. A trained occupational therapist, she brings creativity and compassion to her work, continuing to build cultural bridges and promote dialogue through the performing arts.