Did you know that the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts is not only the oldest theatre university in Russia but also one of the largest educational centers for performing arts in Europe? Founded in 1779 the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts RGISI has a rich history.
Today we stand before the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts. It is a place where aspiring actors directors and theatre professionals hone their skills. Its history is deeply entwined with the evolution of Russian theatre itself.
Initially it was established as a drama school. Ivan Afanasevich Dmitrevsky a prominent Russian actor founded it in 1779. Over the years the institute has undergone several transformations. It became the Saint Petersburg Imperial Theatre School in the 19th century. This reflects its growing importance and prestige.
In 1918 a significant change occurred. The School of Acting Mastery was established. This happened on the foundation of the Dramatic Courses. Prominent figure L.S. Viven led it. The theatrical department of Narkompros was involved. Vsevolod Emilyevich Meyerhold organized it. He also announced Courses in scenic production mastery.
1922 saw the creation of the Institute of Performing Arts. It was under the leadership of A.L. Volynsky. It united the School of Acting Mastery Kurmascep the Rhythm Institute. Also the Dramatic School of Sorabis and the Choreographic College.
The Russian State Institute of Performing Arts comprises seven faculties today. These faculties encompass acting directing musical theatre puppet theatre scenography theatre technology theatre studies and production. Each faculty unites multiple departments. The best practitioners and theorists of contemporary theatrical art teach there. L.A. Dodin and V.V. Fokin are among them.
The Russian State Institute of Performing Arts is located in a historic building. This building once housed the Tenishev училище. Here the Educational Theater of RGISI resides. The building’s facade incorporates early modern motifs. The courtyard displays rationalistic modernism.
Notably the theatrical hall and lecture auditorium boast a unique design. The project for the building was approved in 1899 for the Tenishev училище. Lessons began in the new premises in September 1900. Poet Osip Mandelstam and writer Vladimir Nabokov studied here.
Graduates of the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts have shaped Russian theatre and cinema. Nikolai Cherkasov and Arkady Raikin are among them. Nina Urgant and Alisa Freindlich also studied here. The institute continues to foster new talent. It maintains its commitment to theatrical innovation. It develops traditions of the Petersburg Theatre School. This ensures its enduring legacy in the world of performing arts.