Russian actor Oleg Menshikov, a People's Artist of Russia and teacher at the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS), has called for the closure of "unnecessary" theater institutes. His comments were cited by the outlet Super.
Menshikov said he regretted that out of hundreds of students who apply, only a few get the chance to actually work as actors, even though every applicant dreams of a successful career.
He said that dream gets trampled before their eyes, adding that it is unclear what many students are even taught, since the country cannot have enough talented teachers for so many students.
Actors forced into other jobs
Menshikov said this leaves many trained actors working in the service industry instead. To prevent that, he said theater schools should receive more funding, while those that fail to deliver should be shut down, leaving only six or seven institutions nationwide.
