St. Petersburg is set to debut a Theater Festival for Youth titled “What do you mean?!”, backed by the Presidential Cultural Initiatives Fund. Over six months, the city will host performances and activities at several venues, including the Alexandrinsky Theatre and the Social and Art Theatre, bringing together young audiences, emerging directors, and dedicated educators.
The festival organizers describe the event as a groundbreaking effort to engage a new generation in the art form. In addition to performances, the program will feature a range of training activities such as master classes, workshops, and creative laboratories, all designed to deepen practical understanding and creative expression among participants.
One key component is the Paraobrazovaniye Festival’s first training program, which explores the history of theater and contemporary staging practices. The Social and Art Theatre will host lectures, hands-on sessions, roundtable discussions, laboratories, performances, and conversations with visiting directors to stimulate youth involvement and dialogue.
Earlier, the Presidential Cultural Initiatives Fund reviewed the 2022 results, noting six competitions in total: two main grant competitions and four special contests. This record highlights the fund’s ongoing commitment to nurturing emerging talent through a combination of financial support and hands-on opportunities for creative exploration.
Throughout its six-month run, the festival will serve as a platform for experimentation and mentorship. Students will be invited to observe professional productions, analyze directorial decisions, and participate in collaborative projects that encourage independent thinking and artistic risk-taking. The event will also feature public discussions and post-show conversations, giving young participants direct access to seasoned practitioners in the theatre world.
As part of its outreach, the festival intends to partner with local schools, arts organizations, and cultural institutions to broaden participation and ensure inclusivity. By weaving together performances, educational programming, and professional exchange, the festival aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports youth-driven theatre in the region. Attribution: Presidential Cultural Initiatives Fund and festival organizers.