Introduction
Saint Petersburg Theatre Arts Academy, located in the very centre of the city, was established in 1779 and is the oldest and largest institution of its kind in Russia that trains and educates every possible professional needed in the field of contemporary theatre. During over two hundred years of history, the Academy evolved from realistic traditions of the Emperor's Theatre School to Vsevolod Meyerhold's workshop, world renowned stage director and faculty member of the Academy in the late teens of the XX century. Nowadays the Academy's principal approach is mainly based on Stanislavsky System, especially Method of Physical Actions and Method of Action Analysis, his later theatre technique, well known in Russia, however, not widespread overseas; system of actor's training also includes Meyerhold's Bio-mechanics. Thus, with true respect for classical school - a distinctive feature of Saint Petersburg's cultural landscape overall - the Academy manages to combine it with contemporary innovations based on main achievements of the Russian theatre in the 20th century. This is a unique feature of the Academy that majority of its faculty are working professionals, half being leading actors and artistic directors of the main Saint Petersburg theatres. This way the Academy remains in touch with current trends and skill requirements of a today theatre. - St.Petersburg State Theatre Arts Academy -
Program City
St. Petersburg is considered to be the most Western city of Russia. This is because, as Dostoevsky put it, St. Petersburg is “the most intentional city in the world.” Peter the Great built this city not only to rival famous cities of the West, but to surpass them. The city was built to be beautiful. The architects did their job well, as the beauty of the city is unsurpassed in all of Russia. From the Winter Palace to the Church on the Spilt Blood, St. Petersburg is filled with miraculous architecture. The nightly raising of the bridges over the Neva in itself is a sight to behold.
The city is also filled with history. The February Revolution and the October Revolution, events which placed Vladimir Lenin into power, both began in St. Petersburg. As Leningrad, the city became the first “Hero City” of Russia. It attained this status by not surrendering to Nazi Germany’s siege of the city which lasted 872 days.
St. Petersburg is littered with some of the best Museums in Russia, such as the Hermitage. Beautiful churches are everywhere. From the street one can smell cafés which serve delicious deserts. St. Petersburg successfully combines the best of Russia with the best of Europe.
Institution
The Academy is the oldest and largest institution of its kind in Russia. The College has been reorganized and renamed many times. Its present name dates from 1993.
The largest institution of its kind in Russia, the Academy now has approximately 950 full-time students with 200 faculty in four departments —Drama Department, Puppetry Department, Set Design and Stage Technology Department, and the Theatre Studies Department.
Academic Program
The academy offers a variety of acting and theatre classes in Russian or a Russian/English mixture. Students studying for a semester may assimilate into the Russian curriculum and take classes on anything from acting to directing, or set design to puppet theatre.
Academic Calendar
September 1 through January 25
February 7 through June 30
Accommodation & Meals
Program Cost
Budget is currently being processed.
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