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Let Me Introduce RITS!

Russian newspaper 'Angliya'
1st June 2007

Interview in the wings

RITS - Russian international theatre school for children and young people is very young. Its not even six months old yet, but it has already had the opening of its first show.

During these tense days for the students we still decided to meet the future debutants. I would like to tell you that the age of the students at RITS varies between 4 and 20+; and the absolute majority of them will be braving the stage in the very first time.

Peter was the first student whom I asked to tell us a bit about himself.

RITS student PeterPeter:
"I have been studying at RITS from the 7th of January 2007— the first day of its existence. I also keep up my sport training. I am simply trying to make time for both of my favorite hobbies. It is possible to fit everything in if time is used productively. It fact, there are stacks of it available; to surf the internet, talk to friends about the upcoming rehearsal, or to read Pushkin. A lot of things are possible and achievable! As my king Dadon from The Tale of the Golden Cockerel says, "Soldiers are marching day and night". I would like to say: Work is on day and night. And that is great!"

RITS student AnastasiaAnastasia (age 14):
"I was born in Ukraine. I’ve lived in London since I was five. I always liked theatre, but there wasn’t the possibility of developing this interest, especially in the Russian language.

Now I study at RITS. It is interesting and exiting. Today I had a costume fitting. I feel very nervous due to the upcoming opening night of our show. But at the same time I can’t wait for it to come."

RITS student VeronikaVeronika:
"I haven’t been in England for long. When I arrived, I didn’t know anyone, and had no friends. It wasn’t easy. My mom suggested that I enter RITS. I agreed because I wanted to connect to people of my age, especially if they also are Russian speakers. So, I came to the school, and it all started. Dance lesson, then acting, and afterwards singing. Help!

Actually, I like music. I finished chello classes in the musical college back home, but somehow was convinced that this instrument will ever come handy in England. When Lyudmila, our principal learned about my ability to play, she gave me the instrument and said, “Your Tatiana Larina shall play”. I was glad to hear that, as I wouldn’t want to forget the skill I worked so hard to gain."

RITS student AngeloAngelo (age 16):
"I decided that I am going to enter the theatre of the University of London in the future. I am not sure yet which drama school I am going to choose. Hopefully, RITS will help me with that. I am from Moscow and know some famous actors. Theatre is, and always will be, my dream. I also play basketball and like listening to music. I like the way lessons are conducted in the theatre school. Especially I favour singing lessons. My favorite song is, They Lived at Grandma's (laughing).

No, seriously, I truly enjoy studying at RITS. I wanted to find here many interesting friends, and I found them. After the lessons we often go together to the cinema or a cafe. We don’t want to part, we feel happy in each other’s company and we share similar interests. Everyone who wants to know me is welcome to call and to visit."

RITS student YuliaYulia:
"I was going to the first lesson without any particular hope of finding something interesting. Now I understand that my introduction to RITS was a lucky event, though at first I had a very little enthusiasm in me. But as soon as I entered the class and received a warm greeting and saw friendly smiles I decided to stay. After the first five minutes I felt at home.

This feeling remains with me till this day. We have our own little celebrations and that makes us into one big and close family."

Rits student MashaMasha:
"I am 14 and glad that I live in London.

A couple of weeks ago I was reading the newspaper Anglia, and saw the ad regarding the theatre school. So, I decided to go and see for myself.

Now I rehearse and put my best efforts into preparing for the show."

RITS student IlonaIlona:
"My name is Ilona. I came to England mainly to study the language. I have been interested in theatre for a long time, and this interest became a part of my life. I studied in the theatre school in Moscow for three years, so when I came to London I decided to carry on with my theatre studies.

Lessons in RITS are various. Some are full of fun, some are difficult. There are tasks that are not easy to perform to start with. But, with every failed attempt I gain more experience."

RITS student DmitryiDmitryi:
"I am 21. I am attentive, communicative, energetic, funny. I like photography and am popular with girls. I became involved with the theatre not long ago. I look only for the positive things during our lessons at RITS. I ignore negativity. But if something is not working out I listen, not only to the teachers, but also I ask for advice from my classmates.

I believe that in theatre you can express your individuality in all the possible ways. With every rôle you are trying to live someone else’s life, making it your own. I always am interested in trying out something new. I hope that theatre will help me with that."

RITS student LuizaLuiza:
"I’ve been in London for ten years now. For four years I studied at an English drama studio. I saw the ad about the opening of the Russian drama school by accident and was pleasantly surprised. I wasn’t sure that I would be accepted since I already was 18 and my command of Russian wasn’t very good. But I knew for sure that it would give me a rare chance to learn about Stanislavsky’s method in my own language. (I plan to hold exams for the theatre academy this year.) My doubts proved unfounded.

Now I am studying at RITS and obtaining skills, not only in acting, but also in singing and dancing. I am getting help with losing my accent and purifying my speech. Apart from that, I now have many friends and I became more confident in expressing myself in my native language."

RITS student NastiaNastia:
"I strongly believe in the future of our theatre school and hope that it’ll keep up its rapid progress. From my very early childhood I dreamed about theatre, shows, dancing and generally performing. Soon our school will launch its first show on the big stage. It is exiting! I am grateful to RITS for making my dreams come true."