In 2026, young drama theatre actors from BRICS+ countries will once again come to Moscow to participate in the InteRussia Theatre Arts Fellowship programme. The programme is organised by the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts – GITIS in cooperation with the Gorchakov Fund, the TV BRICS International Media Network and the Autonomous Non-Profit Organisation “Mezhdunarodniki”. The fellowship is held as part of Rossotrudnichestvo’s flagship initiative “New Generation” with the support of the Presidential Grants Foundation.
The programme is designed for senior students of theatre schools, film schools and educational institutions specialising in acting, as well as young professional actors. Classes will take place in Moscow from 24 August to 3 October. Applications can be submitted until 31 May 2026.
The InteRussia programme will enable participants to familiarise themselves with Russian theatre arts practices, take part in masterclasses on stage speech and acting, meet recognised cultural figures, attend performances at Moscow’s leading theatres, and exchange experience with colleagues from different countries. At the final session, fellows will present études in stage movement and excerpts from plays.
“We are very pleased that the fellowship for young artists from BRICS countries will once again be held at our venue. For GITIS, this is a special story – not just about holding classes, but about genuinely introducing colleagues from different countries to the Russian acting school, to how we work today with actors’ psychology, what new approaches we can offer in stage movement and stage speech training, and how the legacy of Stanislavski is developing overall. It is always a dialogue: we also gain a great deal from these meetings – a fresh perspective, different energy and diverse theatrical experience. We invite students and young actors who are interested in Russian theatre not merely as spectators, but as participants. We will explore, experiment and seek a common language together – both literally and figuratively. We look forward to your applications! Let us create 21st-century theatre together,” said Grigory Zaslavsky, Rector of the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts – GITIS.
Director of the International Cooperation Department at TV BRICS Aleksandra Burman noted that the media network supports and implements a number of humanitarian projects aimed at strengthening interstate cooperation. Within the framework of the InteRussia fellowships, TV BRICS traditionally acts as a co-organiser and the main information partner of two programmes: for theatre arts professionals and for specialists in the energy sector. Media campaigns organised by the network ensure broad coverage of the project’s events for international audiences, stimulate the development of expert communities, expand professional ties and promote the exchange of experience, which ultimately has a positive impact on quality of life in the BRICS countries and enhances the organisation’s international standing.
The InteRussia fellowship cycle was launched in 2021 by the Gorchakov Fund. The mission of the project is to strengthen and deepen academic, public and cultural ties, and to create conditions for constructive dialogue between young professionals from Russia and other countries.
“In 2026, the InteRussia programme marks its fifth anniversary – an important milestone confirming the project’s sustainability and its growing international authority. Over these years, more than 500 fellows from over 70 countries have visited Russia and gained the opportunity to explore a wide range of professional fields from the inside. The theatre arts fellowship occupies a special place in this palette. It rightfully remains the most creative InteRussia programme, bringing together the most ambitious young actors from BRICS+ countries,” said Sergey Orlov, Deputy Executive Director of the A. M. Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund.
The InteRussia fellowship programme in theatre arts was developed during Russia’s BRICS chairmanship year.
In 2024, participants included representatives from Argentina, Brazil, India, Iran, China, and South Africa. Following the fellowship, the TV BRICS International Media Network produced the documentary “Worthy of Applause: New Roles for BRICS+ Actors“, which premiered in several foreign countries.
In 2025, young actors from Brazil, India, China, South Africa, Argentina, Tunisia, Mauritania, and Cuba took part in the InteRussia fellowship programme.
African Times published this article in partnership with International Media Network TV BRICS
