Petko Koychev graduated with a degree in Drama Acting from Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv in 2009, studying in the class of Assoc. Prof. Ivan Nalbantov.
In 2009, he began his professional career at Sava Dobroplodni Drama and Puppet Theatre in Silistra, debuting in the role of Stoencho in the production “A Kingdom of Women” (Zhensko tsarstvo), directed by Rumen Velev. Following an audition in September 2010, he joined the permanent company of Racho Stoyanov Drama Theatre.
In 2012, he completed a Master’s degree in Art Management at the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts in Plovdiv.
Selected Roles Over the Years:
Lazar Glaushev in “The Iron Candlestick” after the novel by D. Talev; dir. Nevena Miteva;
Jim Curry in “The Rainmaker” by N. Richard Nash; dir. Mihail Petrov;
Bebo in “Enchanted” by Yana Dobreva; dir. Nevena Miteva;
Lord Capulet in “Romeo and Juliet” after W. Shakespeare; dir. Petrinel Gotchev;
Chushkarov in “Ah, My Mother in Yambol…” after “The Duel” by Ivan Vazov; staged by Nikolay Urumov;
Warwick and Cauchon in “Joan of Arc” after Jean Anouilh; dir. Petrinel Gotchev;
Pavli in “Oddballs” after Chudomir; dir. Nevena Miteva;
Escamillo in “Carmen”; dir. Alexandra Hong;
The Notary in “The Imaginary Invalid” after Molière; dir. Nikolay Urumov;
Pavli Kerekov in “Mother-in-Law” after A. Strashimirov; dir. Petrinel Gotchev;
The Pastry Chef in “Salieri” after P. Shaffer; dir. Petrinel Gotchev;
Ivan Geshov in “Under the Yoke – 1894” by Gergana Zmiycharova; dir. Petrinel Gotchev;
Johansson in “Moby Dick” by Gergana Zmiycharova; dir. Petrinel Gotchev;
Petko also portrayed the Barber in the feature film “A Bulgarian Ship Sinks in a Rough Sea,” screenplay by Gergana Zmiycharova and Petrinel Gotchev, directed by Petrinel Gotchev, produced by Gala Film.
Petko Koychev is a recipient of the “Golden Feather” Award for outstanding contributions to Bulgarian culture.
In 2018
Following a competitive selection process in 2018, Petko Koychev was appointed Director of Racho Stoyanov Drama Theatre.
Under his leadership, the institution has received the following accolades:
- Distinction for “Contribution to the Development of Culture in Bulgaria” from the Ministry of Culture;
- Distinction for “Theatrical Achievements and Contribution to the Development of Performing Arts” – Ukraine;
- “Volunteer of the Year” Distinction from the Municipality of Gabrovo;
- 2020 Ikar Award for Best Debut to resident actress Polya Yordanova;
- Best Actress Award to resident actress Polya Yordanova (Peja, Kosovo);
- Most Impressive Performance Award for “Under the Yoke – 1894” (Slivnitsa);
- Best Actor Award (Expert Jury) to resident actor Dimo Dimov for his role in “Salieri,” Homo Ludens Festival, Ukraine;
- Best Actor Award (Alternative Jury) to resident actor Dimo Dimov for his role in “Salieri,” Homo Ludens Festival, Ukraine;
- Best Scenography Award for “Mother-in-Law,” Homo Ludens Festival, Ukraine;
- Best Performance Award for “The Hermit: The First Bulgarian Empire” by Anna Petrova (Slivnitsa);
- “New Horizons” Award to resident actress Nadezhda Petkova for her role in “The Hermit: The First Bulgarian Empire,” European Travelling Theatre Festival (Slivnitsa);
- Student Jury Best Performance Award for “Truth or Dare,” directed by Vasil Duev (Pristina, Kosovo);
- Special Jury Prize for “Salieri,” European Travelling Theatre Festival in Slivnitsa (2022);
- Best Scenography Award for “Fools,” International Theatre Festival of Comedy and Satire – Gabrovo (2023);
- Best Performance Award (Professional Jury) for “Fools,” International Theatre Festival of Comedy and Satire – Gabrovo (2023);
- Best Performance Award (Alternative Jury) for “Fools,” International Theatre Festival of Comedy and Satire – Gabrovo (2023).