About the Intensive
Course Work
ACTING- Ensemble-based Stanislavsky training at Chekhov scene study with working theatre artists and MATS Professors.
Sergei Shchedrin and Yuriy Kviakovskiy will lead our Advanced Acting Intensive. In addition to expert knowledge in the traditional actor training methods of the Moscow Art Theatre, Shchedrin uses verbatim theatre techniques as a method of linking classic texts with contemporary life. Acting classes meet for 2.5 hours/day to work on various methods of ensemble-based actor training and scene work. By the end of the three month intensive our ensemble should have a full-length original production to perform at the Moscow Art Theatre School.
MOVEMENT- Study Droznin Movement with Vladimir Sazhin, Director of Plastic Performance at the Moscow Art Theatre School and graduate of the Droznin program at the Vakhtangov Theatre Institute.
DANCE- Ballet and Russian Folk Dance with Irina Nikiforova, esteemed choreographer and Moscow Art Theatre School dance professor.
SINGING- Choral, Solo, and Duet vocal training with veteran Moscow Art Theatre School vocal instructor and Moscow Art Theatre actor Alyona Khovanskaya. Alyona specializes in Russian folk music, choral singing, and loves to train actors in diverse repertoire from Opera to Jazz.
STAGE COMBAT- Stage combat technique and training with Batraz Zaseev, MATS instructor and graduate of Shchukin school.
HISTORY OF RUSSIAN THEATRE – TBA
DIRECTING – Directing course students will study with Viktor Ryzhakov who is a Moscow Art Theatre School master teacher, Moscow-based international director, and artistic director of the Meyerhold Center. Directing students will join acting course students for some classes and excursions.
Classes are held Monday through Saturday from 10a-5p. Acting classes meet every afternoon. All other specialty courses meet on a rotating schedule in the mornings. All courses are taught in English or in Russian with an English interpreter.
Cultural Programs
As part of your training, you will see about 12 professional theatre productions and student performances.
We will also do a bus tour of Moscow, an excursion to Melikhovo, Anton Chekhov’s Estate.
Other outings and tours may include St. Basil’s Cathedral, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Kremlin, Red Square, The Bolshoi Theatre, Museums.
Housing
While in Moscow you will be housed at the Moscow Art Theatre School dormitory, which is located in the very heart of the city, 25 min by foot to Red Square. Rooms are comfortable and each floor is equipped with a shared kitchen and high speed internet access. Cooking utensils, bedding, and towels are provided.
Program Cost
- $2,400 Tuition, interpreters, excursions and cultural programs, lodging, transportation to and from airport, and visa fees
- $300 Russian entry visa
- $500 Cultural Programs and Administrative Fees
- TOTAL: $3,2000
Transportation to and from the airport in Moscow is included.
Students will be responsible for booking their own airfare at their expense.
Payment Breakdown:
- March 15: $500 non-refundable deposit
- April 15: $1,350
- May 15: $1,350
*Prices and deadlines are subject to change. Note: application deadlines and payment deadlines are not flexible. Failure to meet deadlines may result in additional fees.
To Apply
Deadline: February 15, 2022 All applicants are required to submit a headshot, resume, and letter of recommendation, along with a one to two page informal essay written in a letter style. This letter should describe your art and training background and, most importantly, who you are as a person as a person. Consider including your interests, your talents, your passions, your fears, or anything that you feel is essential to your unique personality. Also include some information about why you do theatre, what draws you to this program and what you would like to gain from it. We ask that you also submit some photos from your daily life – you with family, with pets, in a special place, with friends– anything that describes you. **Please notate if you are applying for the acting or directing track.**
Applicant Eligibility- A successful applicant will have already completed undergraduate theatre training or have equivalent experience. Must be 18+ years of age and comfortable studying in English.
We review all applications and make our admissions decisions on a rolling basis. It is to your advantage to apply early. Upon acceptance, you will have two weeks to make your decision and lock in your spot with a $500 non-refundable deposit. (The deposit will be put toward payment of your total tuition.)
If you do not already have a passport, you must apply for one as soon as possible. The process to obtain a passport can take up to 3 months.
NOTE: If you plan to travel from somewhere besides the US, the cost of airfare can be removed from your tuition. You will then be required to arrange your own travel to and from Moscow.
Additionally, if you are not a US citizen or not applying for your visa in the US, your visa fees may vary and/or you may need to apply for your visa on your own. We will provide as much visa support as possible to all students.
Email questions and application submissions to info@ifter.org