The Ministry of Education of Russia has announced a national initiative to establish school theaters in every educational institution by the end of 2024. This plan was shared in a report by TASS, citing remarks from the ministry’s head, Sergei Kravtsov.
Kravtsov explained that school theater gives students a chance to explore multiple roles, from acting to assistant directing, helping them discover new talents and interests. He described it as a form of personal growth that also guides career choices, noting the experience can illuminate future paths for young people as they participate in productions.
During public remarks opening the fourth season of the Big Change in Sirius contest, the minister highlighted progress in participation. In 2022 there were about 7,000 school theaters across Russia, and by 2023 the number of involved individuals had risen to approximately 18,000. Kravtsov stressed that these theaters took root through the voluntary efforts of school leaders, rather than being driven by top-down mandates.
Earlier statements indicated that Russia’s theatre repertoire in schools would be aligned with the literature component of the school curriculum, integrating dramatic arts more closely with literary studies.