More than 800 million rubles are being allocated to renew and overhaul children’s theaters across regions. The information comes from the press service of the Council of Ministers of the Russian Federation, as reported through the official Telegram channel. The move signals a nationwide effort to refresh spaces where young audiences learn to love the arts, with a focus on upgrading facilities, improving safety standards, and expanding accessibility for families in both urban and rural communities.
According to the report, additional funds will be directed to numerous regions to complete the reconstruction and major repairs of theatres and puppet theatres that serve children. The total budget sums to 836.5 million rubles, and this allocation is planned to extend into the current year and into forthcoming fiscal periods. The funds are intended to cover a broad spectrum of capital improvements, from structural enhancements and modernization of stage equipment to upgrades in seating, acoustics, and public amenities that facilitate a more engaging and comfortable experience for younger visitors and their guardians alike.
The project aims to renew children’s theatres, expand the number of visitors, and boost the regions’ appeal to tourists and cultural travelers. By upgrading performance venues and theatrical infrastructure, regional theatres hope to attract more school groups, families, and international visitors who travel to Russia to experience its vibrant performing arts scene. The initiative also envisions longer seasons, more diverse programming, and partnerships with local schools and cultural institutions to integrate theatre into educational curricula and community events, thereby reinforcing the cultural fabric of regional towns and cities.
In other cultural news, a former deputy head of the Cosmonaut Training Center, Oleg Kononenko, reportedly proposed to the artistic director of the Moscow Art Theatre named after AP. Chekhov, Konstantin Khabensky, that a special performance be staged aboard the International Space Station in commemoration of the theatre’s anniversary. Kononenko suggested that Khabensky brainstorm a concept for a zero gravity performance, to which the actor replied with humor that the theatre already held a script prepared for astronauts. The exchange highlights the creative potential at the intersection of space exploration and performing arts, illustrating how cultural figures can explore innovative, boundary-pushing ideas in collaboration with scientific communities.
Earlier, Alexandra Domogarova debuted in a lead role at the Mossovet Theater, marking another notable moment in the contemporary Russian theatre landscape. This development reflects ongoing activity across the country’s theatre networks, where established talents continue to contribute to a dynamic and evolving stage culture, alongside new productions and fresh creative voices.