Zaporizhzhia Academic Theatre for Young Spectators | Zaporizhzhia

Here is a detailed overview of the Zaporizhzhia Academic Regional Theatre for Young Spectators (Запорізький академічний обласний театр юного глядача):

📜 History and Foundation

Established: 1979

Founder and First Director: Oleksandr Korol, Honored Artist of the Ukrainian SSR.

The theater was formed with the mission to offer high-quality theatrical performances tailored for children and youth across the Zaporizhzhia region.

The first premiere was “Драматична пісня” ("Dramatic Song") on November 20, 1979.

Initially, the theater had no permanent building and toured extensively.

In 1988, it was renamed simply as the Youth Theatre, signaling a broader audience focus, including teenagers and young adults.

In 2012, the theatre gained the prestigious status of academic, recognizing its excellence in the performing arts.

🏛️ Location and Building

Current Address: Nezalezhnoi Ukrainy Street, 55A, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine

Building Features:

Fully renovated and equipped with modern stage and sound technology

Main Stage (Big Hall): Seats 359 people. Suitable for large productions and public events.

Small Hall: Seats 55 people. Used for chamber performances, workshops, and experimental theatre.

The building includes rehearsal spaces, dressing rooms, a foyer with dynamic lighting, and accommodations for interactive events and community gatherings.

🎭 Artistic Direction and Repertoire

The theater maintains a rich and diverse artistic program focused on:

For Children:

Classic fairy tales with modern interpretations

Puppet and visual theatre

Educational plays that teach moral or social lessons

For Teenagers and Youth:

Modern Ukrainian and international drama

Performances that address identity, adolescence, peer relationships, and social justice

Satirical comedies and dynamic musical productions

For General Audiences:

Comedies, lyrical dramas, and family-friendly shows

Ukrainian literature adaptations and international classics

Notable Productions:

Orange Princess – fairy tale for children

In Search of the Dragon – fantasy adventure

Dad in the Web – on parental attention and the digital age

Dinner of Fools and Boeing-Boeing – adult-oriented comedies

Wolves and Sheep – satire by Alexander Ostrovsky

🎓 Cultural and Educational Mission

Strong emphasis on youth education and emotional development

Interactive performances involving audience participation, especially for younger children

Workshops and discussions hosted post-performance to engage audiences in deeper reflection

Collaborations with schools, child psychologists, and social services

Hosts psychological drama programs to support children affected by war or trauma

🌍 International and Regional Engagement

Regular participant in Ukrainian and international theatre festivals

Cooperation with Theater Oberhausen (Germany) on multicultural projects

Tours across the Zaporizhzhia region and beyond, especially to bring theatre to children in remote or underserved areas

Supporter of artistic initiatives and cultural recovery efforts during wartime

🤝 Community and Social Projects

Partner of Voices of Children Foundation, providing therapeutic performances for displaced children

Hosts inclusive performances for children with disabilities

Engages in volunteer and charitable activities, including free performances for schools, orphanages, and military families

📅 Visiting the Theatre

Box Office Hours: Typically open on weekdays and performance days from 10:00 to 18:00

Languages: Primarily Ukrainian, with occasional bilingual or surtitled performances

Accessibility: Fully accessible for people with disabilities

Tickets: Available online via Concert.ua, Kontramarka.ua, and in-person

Events Calendar: Posted monthly on the official website

📞 Contact Information

Phone: +380 (61) 286-29-71

Social Media: Active on Facebook and Instagram

The Zaporizhzhia Academic Regional Theatre for Young Spectators is not just a performance venue—it is a cultural institution deeply integrated into the educational and emotional lives of children and youth in Zaporizhzhia and across Ukraine. It plays a vital role in the post-war cultural revival and continues to inspire through creativity, resilience, and artistic excellence.