M.S. Schepkin Higher Theatre School

The M.S. Shchepkin Higher Theatre School is a drama school and regional cultural heritage site on Neglinnaya Street in the Meshchansky District of Moscow. The building contains rehearsal rooms, classrooms, and a performance stage where aspiring actors and directors train.

Alexander I established the institution in 1809 with 30 students, initially housed in shifting quarters around the city center. The school moved several times before reaching its present location and continued through all the upheavals of the twentieth century.

The school takes its name from Mikhail Shchepkin, a nineteenth-century actor credited with shaping realistic performance in Russia. Students rehearse in dedicated studios and regularly perform at the adjacent Maly Theatre as part of their training.

The school is not open to casual visitors, but occasional public performances offer a glimpse into student work. Information about performance dates and access can be found on the official website or by contacting the administration.

As Moscow's first theatre training institution, the school has operated without interruption since its founding, even during wars and political upheaval. Its curriculum still follows methods developed in the nineteenth century and passed down through generations of instructors.

Location: Meshchansky District

Inception: 1809

Founders: Alexander I of Russia

Website: http://shepkinskoe.ru

GPS coordinates: 55.76034,37.62120

Latest update: December 20, 2025 02:11