Popov made his directorial debut in 1923 at Vakhtangov's studio and gained wide recognition as the chief director of the Revolution Theatre in 1931-35.
After moving to the Red Army Theatre in 1935, Popov "perfected the bombastic style of the battle drama on the enormous firing range of a stage".
[2] Popov's theatre became known for monumental war-themed productions with expressionistic touches.
[3] Popov was appointed Dean of the GITIS theatre academy shortly before his death.
His disciples include Georgy Tovstonogov, Anatoly Efros and Leonid Kheifets.