Education and Art in Soviet Russia/Document 29

DOCUMENT No. 29

Theatrical Section

The pedagogic division of the Theatrical Section attached to the Commissariat of People's Education is at work now on a plan of establishing a whole system of theatrical schools in Russia (these schools already function throughout Soviet Russia. Translator's note.) Dramatic schools (State and private) are divided into lower and secondary schools. In the lower grade is taught the technique of dramatic art: diction and gesture. In the secondary schools the pupils receive instruction at the "studios" of individual teachers, The main object is to develop the individual capacities of each student. These schools also teach genera! science with the aid of lectures and laboratory. research. A Theatrical Academy will be at the head of this chain of schools where art will be taught chiefly from a theoretical standpoint.

The Theatrical Section at the Commissariat of Education has established instructors' courses where stagecraft will be taught.

The object being to interest new forces and talents in creative craftsmanship, the instructors' courses will train specialists on stagecraft: stage managers, scenic artists, property men, mechanics and electricians.

The two-months' course of instruction will include not only lectures on art and technique but also handling of practical problems closely connected with them. The studies will be conducted at the premises of the Theatrical Section and at the Communal and State theatres and studios. Studies and instruction are under the direction of the following persons:

V. E. Meirhold, stagecraft science; M. P. Zandin (scenic decorator of the Maryinsky Theatre), scenic decoration; S. A. Yevsejev (director of properties shops of the Maryinsky Theatre), properties studios; F. P. Graff (technical director of the Maryinsky Theatre), stage technique; F. M. Paschuk, master-electrician in charge of electrical work.

No fees are charged for the lecture course and instruction.