Samya Khanna

A passionate theatre educator, writer, and filmmaker, I believe in using storytelling to foster emotional intelligence, curiosity, and confidence in students. Since 2016, I have engaged with theatre and cinema in various roles—director, writer, actor, and educator—mentoring students in drama, voice, and movement. My pedagogy focuses on self-expression, critical thinking, and empathetic storytelling, helping children explore their identities and the world around them.

Cultural Coordinator & Theatre Educator - Gurugram Global Heights School - Gurugram

(2025-08 - 2026-05)

• Led end-to-end execution of school assemblies, all cultural events, and competitions—from scripting and direction to final stage production
• Orchestrated Annual Day productions, managing scripts, rehearsals, costumes, props, makeup references, and backstage execution
• Drove 70–80% student participation, training students in theatre and enhancing stage confidence and performance skills
• Collaborated with music, dance, and art departments to design integrated, high-quality performances
• Partnered with academic departments to align cultural presentations with curriculum and school themes
• Conceptualized and led creative direction for the Performing Arts department, providing themes, ideas, and execution frameworks
• Led the school to State-level competitions across Cluster and District platforms in music, dance, and theatre
• Managed budgets, resource planning, and vendor coordination for all cultural activities
• Ensured 100% documentation including scripts, reports, participation records, and archives
• Maintained discipline, timelines, and seamless coordination across all stakeholders

Theatre & Public Speaking Educator - PW Gurukulam School - Gurugram

(2024-06 - 2025-07)

• Designed and executed theatre-based voice, movement, and improvisation training
• Developed students' creativity and communication skills
• Directed and adapted multiple plays and literary works
• Led productions like: Toba Tek Singh, The Gift of Maggi, Anne of Green Gables, Seven Stages of Life

Theatre Instructor - Ministry of Culture

(2025-05 - 2025-06)

Production-Oriented Urdu Theatre Summer Workshop

• Production: Naak Le Lo Naak
• Staged at Sri Ram Centre, Mandi House

Theatre Educator & Maker | Assistant Director, Production & Writer - Alternative Space Project

(2022-12 - 2023-04)

Dustbin

• Researched emotional abuse and social themes
• Developed narrative and wrote script
• Created character briefs
• Managed rehearsals and production
• Performance staged at Akshara Theatre

Writer & Assistant Director - New Delhi

(2024-01 - 2024-01)

Blackest Eyes (2024)

• Researched sociopathy and psychopathy
• Devised and wrote the play
• Created character briefs
• Guided actors' performances
• Staged at Studio Safdar, New Delhi

Assistant Director & Art Director

(2020-01 - 2020-02)

Macchar, A Phone Call (Dir. Amish Sagar), The Lift (Dir. Ashish Kaushik)

• Managed casting processes and coordinated with actors
• Assisted in set design, visual development, and creative processes
• Organized rehearsals and coordinated across departments
• Managed on-set communication and problem-solving

Assistant Director

(2023-01)

Feeka (Dir. Vivek Tyagi)

• Developed character biographies and script treatments
• Facilitated collaborative storytelling with actors and crew

Director & Writer

Mukt Kavita – Documentary

• Wrote and directed documentary highlighting personal narratives and social impact

Project Coordinator - Save The Quest (NGO)

(2018-12 - 2019-06)

• Designed educational programs
• Managed social media
• Conducted children's workshops

Writer - Roots & Wings

(2017-09 - 2017-12)

• Wrote articles on social issues

Content Writing Intern - Religious Kart

(2016-10 - 2016-12)

• Wrote on spirituality and philosophy

PG - Indian Film Studies - Savitribai Phule University (2023-01 - 2024-12)

BA - Political Science & Hindi - Delhi College of Arts & Commerce, University of Delhi (2014-01 - 2017-12)