Culture Ministry Explains Bogomolov's Appointment as Acting Rector of MkhAT School

The Ministry of Culture has for the first time commented on Konstantin Bogomolov's appointment as acting rector of the Moscow Art Theatre School-Studio, citing his qualifications and a fixed-term contract until elections, despite opposition from graduates.

Apr 22, 2026

The Ministry of Culture outlined the qualifications behind Konstantin Bogomolov«s interim leadership role at the theater school.
Source:
Alexandra Torgushnikova / Official website of the Moscow Art Theatre named after A. P. Chekhov

The Ministry of Culture has for the first time commented on the appointment of Konstantin Bogomolov to the position of acting rector of the Moscow Art Theatre School-Studio. As MSK1.RU was told by the ministry, a fixed-term employment contract was signed with the director, which is valid until the rector elections.

«It should be noted that Konstantin Yuryevich is a Russian theater figure, director of theater and cinema, graduate of the Philological Faculty of Moscow State University and the Russian State Institute of Theatre Arts – GITIS, and holds the honorary title of »Honored Artist of the Russian Federation«. Thus, K. Y. Bogomolov meets the qualification requirements and has the necessary competencies for appointment as head of an educational organization,» MSK1.RU was told by the Ministry of Culture.

Konstantin Bogomolov already heads two Moscow theaters – the Theatre on Malaya Bronnaya, and since June 2024 also the Roman Viktyuk Theatre, which he renamed to «Melnikov Stage».

Director Konstantin Bogomolov was appointed acting rector of the Moscow Art Theatre School-Studio, as announced by Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova. Before Konstantin Bogomolov, this position was held by Igor Zolotovitsky. The actor died on January 14 from throat cancer; he had headed the acting school since 2013.

The new head has already started work: he is holding meetings with the teaching staff and discussing next steps. Among the priorities, Bogomolov named the recruitment of an acting course and the development of regional forms of work.

Earlier, a number of artists spoke out against the appointment, sending an appeal to the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation with a request to consider other candidates. Among the main arguments is the violation of traditions of succession. The authors of the appeal stated that the school should be headed by a person educated by MkhAT teachers and «with all roots» connected to the institution.

In support of director Konstantin Bogomolov, TV producer Konstantin Ernst spoke out. According to him, «the naive idea that, not studying at the school-studio, you are not a bearer of the school of Russian psychological theater».

Recall that reshuffles took place in Moscow museums. Olga Galaktionova left the position of director of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts to head the Tretyakov Gallery, and her place was taken by Yekaterina Pronicheva. It is her younger sister Elena who until today headed the Tretyakov Gallery. MSK1.RU told in detail about her path.