InteRussia Theatre Arts Fellowship 2026 in Russia

Applications are now open for the InteRussia Theatre Arts Fellowship 2026, an international cultural exchange programme for emerging actors from BRICS+ countries. Hosted by the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS) in Moscow, the fellowship provides participants with hands-on training, exposure to Russian theatre traditions, and opportunities to collaborate with artists from around the world.

Supported by the Gorchakov Fund, the programme promotes artistic development, cultural dialogue, and professional networking within the global performing arts community.

Programme Overview

Host Institution: Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS)
Location: Moscow, Russia
Programme Dates: 24 August – 3 October 2026
Duration: Approximately 6 weeks
Language of Instruction: English
Application Deadline: 31 May 2026

The in-person format allows participants to fully immerse themselves in both academic training and professional theatre environments.

What Participants Will Experience

The fellowship combines intensive practical training with cultural exploration. During the programme, fellows will:

Participate in workshops on acting techniques, stage speech, and stage movement
Attend masterclasses and tutorials led by experienced theatre professionals
Engage with leading cultural figures and theatre practitioners
Watch performances at prominent theatres across Moscow
Collaborate with international peers and exchange creative ideas

At the end of the fellowship, participants present their work in staged performances, including movement studies and excerpts from theatrical productions.

Eligibility Criteria

The programme is designed for early-career actors who are committed to developing their artistic skills and gaining international experience.

Applicants must:

Be citizens of BRICS+ countries (excluding Russia)
Reside outside the Russian Federation at the time of application
Be aged 21–35 years
Have at least B2-level English proficiency
Meet one of the following conditions:
- Senior student at a theatre or film school
- Graduate of an acting programme
- Young professional actor

Applicants should not be affiliated with Russian institutions when applying.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive financial and logistical support, including:

Round-trip international travel to Moscow
Accommodation in shared hotel rooms
Visa support
Stipend of 45,000 Russian rubles for the duration of the programme

Participants are responsible for arranging:

Medical insurance
Daily meals during the fellowship

Programme Structure

The fellowship is structured to provide a balanced mix of learning and performance:

Practical Workshops: Daily sessions focusing on acting, movement, and speech
Professional Exposure: Theatre visits and meetings with industry professionals
Collaborative Projects: Joint creative work with international participants
Final Performance: Public presentation showcasing the fellows’ progress and artistic output

Programme Partners

The fellowship is implemented by the Mezhdunarodniki Autonomous Non-Profit Organisation with support from:

Gorchakov Fund
TV BRICS International Media Network
Rossotrudnichestvo’s New Generation initiative
Presidential Grants Foundation

These partnerships help ensure high-quality training and strong international cultural exchange.

Why You Should Apply

The InteRussia Theatre Arts Fellowship offers a rare opportunity for emerging actors to train within one of the world’s most influential theatre traditions. By combining professional workshops, cultural immersion, and international collaboration, the programme helps participants strengthen their craft and expand their global artistic networks.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official InteRussia online platform. To apply: