The winners of the "Theatrical Volga" festival were awarded in Izhevsk.

      On April 25, 2026, at 14:32, Culture and Leisure. On April 24, 2026, in Izhevsk, a solemn award ceremony for the winners of the VII District Festival of Children's and Youth Theater Groups "Theatrical Volga" (6+) took place at the State National Theater of the Udmurt Republic. The event was attended by Oleg Mashkovtsev, Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Volga Federal District, Alexander Brechalov, Head of the Udmurt Republic, project participants, directors, and theater and public figures.

      Winners were determined in the categories of "Best Children's Play," "Best Youth Play," "Best Directing," "Best Male Role," "Best Female Role," "Best Artistic Design," and "Best Musical Design." Separate awards were given to the winners of the poster and placard competition.

      On behalf of Igor Komarov, Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Volga Federal District, Deputy Plenipotentiary Oleg Mashkovtsev addressed the participants and guests: "Seven seasons is a significant milestone for any event. During this time, we have accumulated many reasons to be proud. The theater community of the district has united into a real family, our movement has grown fivefold, and the Festival is talked about far beyond the Volga Federal District – including in the expert community of Russia. 'Theatrical Volga' is part of the system of public initiatives in the Volga Federal District to support children and youth in cultural, sports, intellectual, patriotic, and social spheres. In recent years, the number of requests from other districts and new regions for participation has been increasing – this is a sign of quality."

      Oleg Mashkovtsev thanked the audience, the theater community, and Alexander Brechalov for organizing the ceremony.

      The Chairman of the Union of Theater Workers of Russia, People's Artist of Russia Vladimir Mashkov, addressed the Festival participants with a video greeting: "This festival has united young, talented artists from the Volga Federal District. It has become an important creative platform where one can make a name for oneself, exchange experiences, and gain recognition from professionals. Congratulations to the festival laureates! Undoubtedly, your success is the result of talent and hard work. May this victory serve as an incentive not to stop at what has been achieved and to surprise the audience with new accomplishments."

      The four-day Festival took place at several venues in Udmurtia: at the Republican House of Folk Art, the State Puppet Theater, and the "Yubileyny" Palace of Culture. The program included an introduction to Udmurt traditions, excursions to historical sites, master classes from renowned teachers, an evening of friendship, and a theatrical ball – all in the atmosphere of a true celebration.

      "This is a project that truly works for the development of theatrical art in every city, in every region of the Volga. And I am glad that such a festival exists and is gaining strength," shared Alexander Peskov, a lecturer from the Russian Knowledge Society, actor of theater and cinema, with the young artists and directors of amateur theater groups.

      Groups from the Republic of Tatarstan, Udmurtia, Perm Krai, Samara, Saratov, and Penza regions presented their plays, which became laureates of the Festival. This year among the honored guests of the festival were actors from the youth theater studio "Bravo" from the city of Khartsyzsk, Donetsk People's Republic.

      Deputy Plenipotentiary of the President of the Russian Federation in the Volga Federal District Oleg Mashkovtsev awarded the laureates in the category of "Best Youth Play," while Alexander Brechalov, Head of Udmurtia, awarded the winners in the children's category. The Head of the Republic also noted the winners of the regional stage with special prizes – certificates for new productions: the Exemplary Ballet Theater "Rainbow" from Izhevsk and the Institute of Arts and Design of Udmurt State University. He thanked the groups from Udmurtia for participating in the festival and reaching the district stage.

      "The festival provides a powerful impetus for the development of children's and youth theatrical art. It is in demand: annually, more than 11,000 young talents are involved in productions, even from small settlements. This year, 98 groups from Udmurtia applied for the regional stage – 43 more than last year, and this is an absolute record over 7 years. We are on the right track," emphasized Alexander Brechalov.

      The festival concluded with a performance of the children's ballet "The Colorful Flower" by the Exemplary Ballet Theater "Rainbow" from the Udmurt Republic, which took third place among children's groups. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.