Russian Institute of Theatre Arts GITIS

The Russian Institute of Theatre Arts – GITIS  is the largest and oldest independent theatrical arts school in Russia. Located in Moscow, the school was founded on 22 September 1878 as the Shostakovsky Music School. It became the School of Music and Drama of the Moscow Philharmonic Society in 1883, was elevated to the status of a conservatory in 1886, was renamed the Institute of Music and Drama in 1918, and was known as the Lunacharsky State Institute for Theatre Arts (GITIS) from 1934 to 1991.

Today the Russian University of Theatre Arts (GITIS) is integrated into the world system of theatrical education. Its partners are theatrical schools of Great Britain (Middlesex University, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and East 15 Acting School in London), France (the National Conservatory of Drama Art in Paris, the Higher National School of Theatrical Art in Lyon), Holland (Theatrical academy in Amsterdam), Germany (the International Theatrical Center in Berlin), Israel (Theatrical school Beit-Tsvi), Italy (Silvio De Amiko Academy of Drama Art in Rome), United States (Colgate University, Cornell University) and more.

There are 8 faculties at the Russian University of Theatre Arts (GITIS). At each faculty there are department(s) corresponding to the specialisation of students' training. Besides, there are 9 inter-faculty departments to provide students with all-round education in the performing arts and the humanities. Upon completion of the full-time Graduate Course at a chosen faculty the student receives a diploma of higher education at Russian University of Theatre Arts (GITIS) with a Master's qualification in the applicable speciality in the Arts.

The main principle "student-teacher-student" is the main criterion in selection of the teaching staff, therefore many teachers of the University today are graduates of the GITIS.