National Theatre Society.
Year of foundation — 1876.
Russian theatre union celebrates 150th anniversary
Who we are
Russian Theatre Union (RTU) is a dynamic hub for theatre innovation, uniting 30,000+ professionals across Russia.
With 81 regional branches, we champion theatre as a vital force in culture, education, and social change.
President of Russian Theatre Union
Vladimir Mashkov
Elected President of Russian Theatre Union on December 4, 2023.
Russian actor and director, born November 27, 1963, in Tula. Graduated from Oleg Tabakov’s class at the Moscow Art Theatre School (1990).
Began his career at Oleg Tabakov's Moscow Theater. Directed his first play in 1992.
Famous film roles: David Gotsman (Liquidation), Going Vertical, Flight Crew, The Duelist, The Challenge.
Film Director: Sympathy Seeker (1997) and Papa (2004).
People’s Artist of Russia (2010), winner of Nika, Golden Eagle, and TEFI.
Since 2018 - Artistic Director of the Oleg Tabakov Theatre. Since 2024 - Artistic Director of Sovremennik Theatre.
Co-President of Russian Theatre Union
Valery Gergiev
Elected on December 4, 2023.
Russian conductor, Artistic Director of the Mariinsky Theatre, and General Director of the Bolshoi Theatre.
Graduated The N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov Saint Petersburg State Conservatory.
Hero of Labour of Russia, People’s Artist of Russia, North Ossetia, and Mordovia Polar Music Prize, Herbert von Karajan Prize, Sergei Rachmaninov International Award, 4xGolden Mask, State Prize of the Russian Federation, 4xGolden Sofit Award, Shostakovich Opera Prize and others.
Our history
Russian Theatre Union (RTU) is a dynamic hub for theatre innovation, uniting 30,000+ professionals across Russia.
With 81 regional branches, we champion theatre as a vital force in culture, education, and social change.
Mutual Aid Society of Russian Artists
Society for Assistance to Theater Figures in Need
Russian Theatrical Society
Imperial Russian Theatrical Society
Russian Theatrical Society
All-Russian Theatrical Society
The Theatre Union of the RSFSR
The Theatre Union of The Russian Federation
Alexander Kalyagin elected President of the Union of Theater Workers of the Russian Federation
Vladimir Mashkov elected as the new President. Valery Gergiev elected as Co-Chairman
What we offer
Support for Members
• Health benefits, and access to exclusive resorts
• 50+ grants for professional development
• 70+ scholarships for emerging artists
• Financial aid
Artistic Growth
Host and sponsor festivals, workshops, and masterclasses led by industry leaders
Support for drama, musical theatre, puppetry, scenography, and more
Promote cultures of different peoples of Russia and support their National Theaters
Knowledge Hub
A 450,000+ volume library spanning 30+ languages.
A 450,000+ volume library spanning 30+ languages.
Sound Drama “Time, which” about Vsevolod Meyerhold' life is played only for one viewer in the library setting
Publish “Scena” (Stage) theatre magazines
Publish “Strastnoy Bulvar 10” theatre magazine
International department
is by uniting theatre figures of the World, enrich the cultures of our peoples and promote the development of theatrical art
• Love and Courage
• Openess to the World
• Friendship and Cooperation
• Devotion to the theatrical art
• By respecting the Past, create the better Future
What we do
Support Russian theaters abroad
Establish international ties with theaters worldwide
Bridge gaps between regional artists and global stages
Russian national centers
International Theatre Institute
International Puppetry Association
Theatre & Performing Arts for Children & Young People
The International Amateur Theatre Association
International Organization of Scenographers Theatre Architects and Technicians
The support center for russian theatres abroad
