Teen Council Reimagines Theater to Hook Young Audiences in Russia
A group of young theater enthusiasts gathered at the Theater for Young Audiences (TYuZ) on February 24 to shape its future. Twelve students from Nizhny Novgorod, Dzerzhinsk, and Balakhna took part in the Teen Advisory Council's latest session. Their goal was clear: bring more schoolchildren into the world of theater with fresh, engaging ideas.
The meeting focused on ways to make theater more appealing to young audiences. One suggestion came from a young correspondent, who proposed offering backstage tours—a feature no Russian movie theater currently provides for school groups. Other ideas included a youth theater festival, short social media reels, and even theatrical memes to spark interest.
Mikhail Virozub, the theater's literary director, stressed the need for productions to speak the language of today's youth. The council also discussed practical steps like meet-and-greets with actors, a theater history festival, and post-show discussions. Plans to involve young people in script edits were also put forward.
The next session is set for March, where further details will likely take shape.
The council's proposals aim to create new ways for young people to connect with theater. If implemented, initiatives like backstage tours and interactive formats could set a precedent in Russia. The theater now faces the task of turning these ideas into reality before the next meeting.
