Ilya's appearance in Australian-Russian Theatre was a sudden one. The departure of a girl, who was meant to perform as a fastidious elderly woman who spoils the living of everybody around her, resulted in Ilya being immediately offered this unique role. For some reason, the other participants of the play deemed Ilya's candidature for the role most suitable. Once Ilya visited a couple of rehearsals, he was very impressed by the coherence and enthusiasm with which the youthful troupe performed and was convinced that he had to be involved in the play's production. Due to that, Mousetrap by Agatha Christie attained its full cast and materialised on stage. Unexpected success of the play inspired Ilya and some other participants to pursue acting career further for the sake of enrichment of their inner worlds.

Aside from theatrical activities, Ilya enjoys playing guitar, reading engaging books and studying psychology at university. He did not take part in any theatrical productions before aforementioned play.

Not just an actor, but also one of the co-founders of our theatre. She experienced theatre for the first time with her father, when he took Veronika, a 9-year old, to the opera. She loved, "Figaro here! Figaro there!" Veronika's dad told her about her great grandfather, an army officer, who won a significant sum of money, bought a theatre, travelled with it all over Siberia, then went bankrupt and was sent to war, where he died as a hero. Her charming great grandmother, when she was around 50 years old or so, was entertained by her admirers, Navy officers, who often took her for a ride in their submarines. In the evenings she used to play arias from all famous operettas of the time. Veronika's grandmother knew seven languages, was very good at story-telling and singing. She also taught Veronika to play piano. Veronika's dad was a statistician in Harbin's opera (China), her mother performed in a theatre in the same city in the role of Larisa from "Without a Dowry" by A. Ostrovsky. Since Veronika was 15 years old, she studied at a theatre studio in Alma-Ata, where she had a chance to play a deep barriton tavernkeeper before the theatre seized to exist.

At Russian school in Homebush Veronika directed a performance involving every single student: she took a number of Pushkin's fairy-tales and combined them into a play... When she saw Mikhail Ferentsev at his one-actor performance "Russia - The Silver Century", she realised that she had finally met the "right" director. Soon after, during a phone conversation, Mikhail recklessly agreed to give birth :-) to a Sydney theatre-studio...

Veronika's own words, "First it was the theatre-studio OstrovOK, and nowadays we have a more resonant name: Australian Russian Theatre-Studio (A.R.T.), which we are very much keeping true to. I am very happy to see such talented, interesting, original people in our theatre. They are very good friends among themselves, and they don't just perform on stage, they also draw, write music and poetry, design posters, costumes, stage decorations."

Lives in Sydney since 1992. She has a wonderful family: husband Nikolay, who fully supports her, daughter Natalia, sons Evgeny and Ozcan, and also a half of Sydney of relatives and friends.

Got introduced to the theatre-studio A.R.T. in 2010 during the final rehearsals for the play "Private Soldiers". Designed and published the theatre website. Born in Kiev, Ukraine, lives in Australia since the end of 1995. Works as a software engineer. In his search for life's meaningful experiences (which, by the way, not even every "alchemist" can find :-)) seeks to learn, absorb, discover everything that in his view makes this very life richer, brighter, more interesting, everything that inspires, fills our existence with substance, helps us understand ourselves and the world around us.

After being exposed to the theatre atmosphere in "Private Soldiers", he joined the studio to study basic principles of the art of performing. He then received his first role in a comedy "The Emigrant" based on Nikolai Erdman's play "The Suicide". His character Semyon Podsekalnikov passes through quite a substantial transformation within the play: from a pathetic good-for-nothing individual with a whole bundle of insecurities - to a person with a profound understanding of one of the undeniable universal truths. Being simply used by everyone around him and blindly following their self-indulgent strategies, he suddenly starts to ponder, to realise something important and, gradually moving towards a new level of awareness in life, naturally attempts to convey all of that to others.

Alexander admits that he enjoys the opportunity to not just experience theatre as a theatre goer, but also to attempt to convey the ideas of an author and a director to other people... He reckons that theatre teaches to appreciate literature more, to pay attention to life's detail, to better understand people, their actions, as well as the reality around us. Theatre is a part of inspiration, so critical for our survival as human beings. Finally, even more importantly than being means for personal fulfillment, theatre is a small family, a community of people putting their efforts towards achieving a common goal.

In addition to all of the above, our theatre have gathered a number of bright, open-hearted, passionate people, with a dedication and positive attitude to work, as well as to one another. It is also very important that our theatre is built around our director - not just a highly professional individual in his field of expertise, but a person who has a vision and is able to convey that vision to us.

Has not acted much before this, only a few lines in play back in school. In May of 2009 she attended the premier of "Before The Cocks Calls Thrice" to watch and also to take photos of her friends who were in the play. She enjoyed the performance. In September of 2009 Olga's friend (Artyom Laletin) invited her to a rehearsal. At the time the group has just started a new play and were reading through it together in order to dissect its meaning. She enjoyed the interaction between the actors so much that by next week's rehearsal she had read the whole play by herself in order to participate in the discussion. At first Olga wanted to challenge herself by demonstration of her understanding verbally, but then she got the desire to physically experience everything as the character. She sees this as an exercise to improve her memory, Russian and public speaking. Olga enjoys working and socialising with the other actors, they are all very interesting people and good friends. She looks forward to every rehearsal and has not missed one since the first time she attended. According to her, it is a privilege to work with such dedicated people and she looks forward to sharing our work with the public in the near future.

Came to Australia a little over 15 years ago. A wife, and a mother of 2 beautiful kids.

Since she was little, Elena participated in different drama plays back in Irkutsk, Russia, where she was born. Whether it was a school performance in her theatre-studio "Zerkalo" or a city celebration, she was always in. She never missed an opportunity to act. In her several years of performing with theatre-studio "Zerkalo" she has been involved in local productions and travelled to other cities in Russia, performing on both large and small theatre stage, until she has finished high-school and moved to Australia.

It so happened that her life priorities prevented her from getting an Australian degree in theatre performance, but her love for acting never went away. After accidentally meeting Mikhail Ferentsev her memories and passion for acting reignited, and she found herself a new theatre family at Australian Russian Theatre.

Since becoming a part of A.R.T., Elena had some amazing opportunities to be involved in a number of concerts / parties for adults and children (Christmas, Easter parties, End of School Year concerts).

At the moment she is a full time wife and mother. Besides A.R.T., she is passionate about cake decorating (www.fb.com/mysimplesweet) and managing a newly opened bar with her husband (www.mixologylounge.com.au)

Started attending A.R.T. acting classes in 2010, being very happy to get such an opportunity. Thanks to Mikhail's classes, acquired a lot of knowledge and practical experience in the field of acting. Since that time theatre became an integral part of her life, and the group of wonderful people involved in A.R.T. -- her second family. Besides A.R.T., regularly takes part in Kseniya Trifonova's New Year projects (at one of the Russian Orthodox churches).

In her childhood she did some puppet theatre, and, when she was between 7 and 18 years old, she took up dancing. From 12 she attended the acting studio "Lady" for 7 years, learning some basics of acting. The studio took part in local entertainment and dance programs. After that she studied at a modelling school, getting involved in some more acting and dancing. She worked in a modelling business for a few years.

Interests: drawing, yoga, meditation and other things which make the world brighter and help develop one's inner-self.

Loves animals. Takes drawing and dance classes. Started studio lessons since she was a 4 year-old.

Sydney based model and actress. She started her modelling career by attending the modelling school back in her Russian home city and modelling for the local brands. She currently lives in the Northen Beaches area in Sydney (Manly).

She has been in Australia for three years and managed to earn solid experience in both modelling and acting industries. She works with Sydney famous and international designers such as Anya Hurwood, Design by Shampz, Lena Kasparian, Rasha Strestha, Exotica Swimwear, Ruth Fattal Couture and others. She participates in various fashion and runway shows - the most memorable to mention are FashionMandu, Fashion Hablon in Canberra and Philippine Embassy, Hablon runway at the Art Gallery of NSW, etc.

She specialises in photo modelling doing a number of editorial, swimwear and wedding shoots.

Came to A.R.T. to receive actor training and gain new life experience of performing on stage. Nowadays he maintains his hobby and continues his involvement in the theatre also for the purpose of learning to analyse people and better understand their feelings and actions.

Currently studies at University of New South Wales (Year 5) for the Bachelor of Psychology and Management. Loves sports, skiing, surfing, and dancing. Believes that the future is bright and that it is possible to fulfill any dream of ours.

Born in 1990 in Riga. Currently a student in the University of Technology, Sydney. Always craved to express creativity which resulted in writing at first, then reading (with more success though). Eventually found himself in the ranks of the youth theatre club in Riga. In early October 2011 found out about A.R.T. by pure chance. Got excited by professionalism and teamwork abilities of the studio members. This, as well as lack of knowledge of any exits from the building made him stay. Besides episodic appearances in A.R.T. productions was involved in several Christmas plays for kids.

Became part of the theatre during the production of the play "Private Soldiers". Came to A.R.T. in search of informal people, in the best sense of this word. Provided technical support from behind the stage. Carefully observed the work of actors. Considers that repeating after them to the same level is no mean feat, however, he has already learned quite a bit working in the studio.

About a half of his life he has spent abroad, but according to his own words would never allow himself to forget his roots. Besides theatre, his great love is music and playing a guitar.

Born in Kyrgyzstan. Most of his life he lived in Russia's north town of Surgut. Came to Sydney to study Civil Engineering.

Joined A.R.T. upon insistent advice of another theatre member Dmitry Goloskokov. His debut took place in "An Ordinary Miracle". Lev's performance in the role of Prime Minister equally impressed audiences and his fellow actors. The Minister was very touching and sincere, and his dance with Administrator was dubbed a brilliant mini-performance within the main act. Lev treats his roles very responsibly. On the stage he is always distinguished by charm, as well as inner and outer plastique.

Came to the first ever rehersal at the studio out of curiosity (to see what it is like and to try it out) and ended up staying for good. Before coming to the studio he was neither ever involved with any theatre, nor imagined himself on stage. Since then he took part not only in every A.R.T. performance, but also in a number of concerts, children Christmas parties, and once he even hosted a formal ball.

Besides theatre, Artyom likes drawing, works as a graphics and a web designer. Loves hiking, tents, and so forth. Organises events for Russian Scouts and Russian Youth Council of Australia. He is a member of the board of administration of Russian Club (Strathfield) and a member of Russian Ethnic Community Council of NSW. Seems to possess a special gift of attracting organisational work wherever he is. Does not hesitate to speak truth to people, for which he sometimes, as they say, gets it.

Took part in every A.R.T. performance. Since 2015 is the head of A.R.T youth group.

Joined A.R.T. in 2013. Graduated from National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in 2012 and Lynette Sheldon Acting Studio in 2013.

Came to live in Australia in 1997. Became part of A.R.T. studio after getting acquainted with the studio director Mikhail Ferentsev, while playing in the same KVN team (Russian humour team contest) in Sydney in 2005 (the team "Megalomania" against the team "Made in USSR"). Since that time can part neither with Mikhail, nor with what has become his favourite hobby - theatre.

Before A.R.T. Sergey did not have any serious stage acting experience, but he took part in numerous skit / parody shows, starting from school and continuing at uni, at his post-uni job, and at a student theatre of skit miniatures. He participated in KVNs, Christmas parties, dance nights, and various other events. In Sydney he took part in a number of events organised by the group "OstrovOK".

Besides theatre, he enjoys active pastime: skiing, water sports, jogging, shooting, martial arts, motocycles, cars, yachts.

Lives in Australia since 1998. Loves children, theatre, and animals from her early childhood. Knows what the stage is like since kindergarden. She used to spend a lot of time in Durov Animal Theatre because her aunt was a actor and an animal trainer. Her grandfather was a cynologist during the World War II. Thus, it can be said that animals and theatre are in her genes.

While in Russia, she used to work at a maternity home. Nowadays she has her own business dealing with pets. Married, with two grown-up children and a little daughter. Ksenia is a very happy person.

Came to theatre-studio in 2005. She loves our training and rehearsals. In her own words, it is a real pleasure to be a part of such an wonderful group of people.

Lena's life has connection to performing arts from her early childhood: a choreographic school with classical ballet as a major, as well as piano training and acting classes at the same school. However, her destiny had other plans: rather than becoming a ballerina or a musician, she became a marketing professional. She never regrets it, but her love and desire to take part in performing arts remained in her for good. And at the same time her emotional being was asking for some kind of discharge of these very emotions from within her. Despite the fact that she loves theatre, she never thought she could join one of them to learn acting and performing. However, a light-minded question from a friend: "Why don't you give it a try?" - made Lena do just that. This is how she appeared at the studio. Soon after, she was offered a small but a vivid part in the new play "The Emigrant", to which she agreed with great enthusiasm.

Lena comes from a beautiful town of Bobruisk in Belarus. She lives in Australia since 2001. She loves spending time with her family and friends, loves her work, which takes up lots of her time and effort, loves music (from classical to virtually hard rock), theatre, nature, good films, and cooking. In other words, everything that fills her life with bright colours and gives her an opportunity to learn new things about herself. According to her, A.R.T. studio lessons and stage acting have helped her in this endeavours more than anything else.

Maria came to Australia for the first time in 2006 to visit her sister, who lives in Gold Coast. Since that time she fell in love with Australia and cannot even imagine a more beautiful place on Earth. She came to Sydney in 2009 to study Master of Professional Accounting CPA Extension at Macquarie University.

Maria got to know theatre-studio A.R.T. thanks to Artyom Laletin, who invited her to see the premiere of "Private Soldiers" by A. Dudarev (directed by M. Ferentsev). She was so impressed by the depth and the sincerity of the production and also by the outstanding performance of all the actors, that she decided to enrol into the acting studio at the theatre.

Every single lesson under the guidance of M. Ferentsev and A. Laletin opened up completely new sensations in her and also gave her a desire to spend more and more time within the studio, working on different characters and roles. Every lesson was instrumental in helping her free her inner self, teaching her how to work with the voice and the body, teaching her different acting techniques, as well as giving her new perspectives on the history of theatre and literature. At the same time Maria was very much impressed by the wizardry of the transformation of ordinary people, when after a long working day during every acting lesson the long-standing theatre members as well as newcomers (like her) were able to forget for three hours or so who they actually are and at the blink of an eye turn into completely new personalities.

It was Maria's long-standing dream to appear on stage. She says, "When I learned that I was chosen to perform a role in "The Emigrant" by N. Erdman, my world simpy turned upside-down from happiness that filled me up! I'll never stop being thankful for the wonderful opportunity that came my way! Every rehearsal, every moment spent with the other actors and the director will always be the most priceless gift for me. Theatre is a true magic, it is an opportunity to create something special and to share with audience my love towards this amazing art form."

In Russia she graduated from The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (Faculty of Finance and Banking). Then she was employed for two years at ZAO Raffeisen Bank Austria (as a Client Manager).

Maria loves music: classical and jazz concerts, various music festivals. She also loves singing, as well as loves inspiring others through her gift of smile.

He has been a part of the theatre-studio A.R.T. since its first days in 2003. First he came to find out more about the theatre itself and get acquainted with the director Mikhail Ferentsev. After that he started coming to rehearsals regularly. As a new actor of the theatre-studio, he went through the proper training, reading poetry and participating in sketches. In 2005 he brilliantly portrayed his character in the play "Strange people" by V. Shukshin.

Came to Australia in November 2000. Completed high school and graduated from Sydney University as a pharmacologist. In 2005 through PG Agency he was employed as an extra player in the series "All saints" and the movie "Superman Returns". He likes to spend time outside and loves skiing.

He has been a part of the theatre-studio A.R.T. (and OstrovOK) since it was founded. Yuri was lured in, given a chance to perform, which he liked so much that he stayed. After his dedicated training he was given a role of the father in an adaptation of the story "Styopka" by V. Shukshin. He performed very well, looking like a true country bloke. His next role was an absolutely non-trivial role of the Body in a humorous nightmare about a window and about Yuri in a wheelchair with a foreigh surname Baker. The further the better. Having accumulated some fortune while working as a private detective Baker, he opened up a tavern "Emilia". He helped to survive two children in love - Bear and Princess, got married himself, closed the tavern, and moved to a new role - an epic hero Il'ya Muromets - onto the dusty library bookshelf in a parable "Before the Roosters Call Thrice" by V. Shukshin.

In addition to being busy on stage, Yury was able to provide technical support for all of the plays mentioned above. Currently, as a soldier in reserve, during the long autumn nights he is working on the wartime newsreel making videos for the new theatre production "Private Soldiers".

"Our life is so short and swift that an opportunity to live more than one life, even if it is on stage, is very tempting," says Yury dreaming about his next role.

He has been a part of the theatre-studio A.R.T. since its conception. His first role - of Sergey in the stage adaptation of "Lady's Boots" by V. Shukshin - was loved by the audiences. One of the reviewers wrote that he simply could not imagine this collective farm tractor driver as anyone else. However, in his next role - of a waiter in "Out of Order" by R. Cooney - Sergey has charmed the audience once again. Laughs and cheering were heard every time the actor appeared on stage, and his manner of saying "Room service!" haunted Sergey wherever he went long after the performances were over.

In the musical tale "An Ordinary Miracle" by E. Shvarts Sergey has again appeared in a very unexpected role - of a funny, touching, tender, and defenseless king. This was undoubtedly the best of Sergey's roles. His next role was a complete contrast to that of the king - the role of a Wiseman in "Before the Roosters Call Thrice". This brilliant memorable character was prepared by Sergey on his own.

Born in Irkutsk, Russia. When he was 6 years old, came to live in Sydney. Studies in Artarmon Public School.

Every Sunday he attends Russian Sunday School in Maroubra. Likes taekwondo, swimming, and is a member of Sea Scouts.

He was born in Altay region of Russia, studied in Novosibirsk State University. In Australia - since 1995. Was one of the founders of association "OstrovOK". Took part in two theatre performances, both times they were plays by Vasily Shukshin. First, it was a 3-minute role of the accordion player in the very first play "Strange People". In the second play "Before the Roosters Call Thrice" he performed two roles: the middle head of the three-headed Gorynych the Serpent and the role of the Clerical Office Worker.

Knows theatre pretty much inside out. Graduated from the Moscow theatre-school "Obraz" (Michael Chekhov technique, Voice training, Psychotechnics and Movement). In Australia completed NIDA Open Programm (Quick Thinking, Persuasive Speaking) and Peter Andrikidis Workshop at Screenwise.

Performed with theatre-school "Obraz" in "Uncle Vanya" by Anton Chekhov (Astrov), "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams (Tom Wingfield), "The Makropoulos Secret" by Karel Capek (Hauk-Schendorff), "The French Allsorts" by Jean Anouilh (Monsieur Lebonze), "Under Knock Of Wheels" by Arkadiy Averchenko (Medlyaev).

Performed with theatre-studio "Russian Classics" in "The Christmas Comes but Once a Year" by Alexander Ostrovsky (Ippolit), "The Bear" by Anton Chekhov (Smirnov), "The Anniversary" by Anton Chekhov (Khirin).

Took part in productions "Guppy" ("Gupeshka") by Vasily Sigarev (Pasha), "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" by Tom Stoppard (Tragedian / Ambassador) - Riverside Lyric Ensemble production, "The Investigation" - Blacktown City Community Theatre production. He was an actor in a number of short films and TV productions.

Loves literature in any form.

Completed High School in 2009. Currently studies at a university for the Bachelor of Music. Has a casual job at Subway. Likes spending her free time with her friends and family, likes to photograph nature.

She loves performing on stage not just as an actress, but also as a singer. Viktoria says that A.R.T. studio helped her raise her self-appraisal and made her feel more comfortable on stage in front of an audience. She sings Russian and English songs and accompanies herself on guitar. She takes part in private and charity concerts, for instance, in 2009 she sang at the charity concert "A Golden Heart".

In 2012 Viktoria is participating in Australian show "The Voice".

Was born. Grown up. Graduated. Immigrated. Saw Veronika's e-mail about the theatre studio. Joined. Liked it. Took part in two performances. Feels he is missing something required to be a true actor. Either time or talent.

In the play "Strange People" played two strange people: Andrey Erin in "Microscope" and Policeman in "Styopka". It was quite a dare. Dared. Tried hard. Got a lot of satisfaction out of it. In the play "Before the Roosters Call Thrice" played the Elegant Devil. Tried hard once more. Liked it a helluva lot. But when he saw the video, got rather disappointed with himself. Went underground and has been there since.

Loves to perform, but does not like to learn the role. Does not like too much to be among the audience. Does not feel blessed with some special stage talent. Thinks that the theatre mostly exists for the performers, who get lots of fun. Thus, the audience exists for the performers, too :-).

Marina was convinced to come to the theatre-studio by her mum. And how lucky we were! Marina was very skillful in such different roles as a village girl in the stage adaptation of "Lady's Boots" by V. Shukshin, as well as a somewhat boring and pedantic nurse Foster in "Out of Order" by R. Cooney. Of course, it turned out that the nurse had an uncontrollable temperament, and Marina found just the right plastique and individual qualities for this comic role.

It is worth mentioning that Marina is not only a gifted actress, but also a translator of Russian classical literature to English. Recently she has completed a large work on Orthodoxy. Nowadays she lives in Hobart (Tasmania) and works as a Learning Services Manager for University of Tasmania, however, she promised to return one day.

She has been a part of the theatre-studio A.R.T. since it was founded. Her first role of the mother in a stage adaptation of the story "Styopka" by V. Shukshin has made audiences remember her for good. Sincerity, inner significance and outer emotionality have helped Inessa to fully reveal the complex character she played. Her first role, as well as all the others are characterised by high degree of originality and - what is most important - the ability to get to the very essense of her characters. On stage she is never the same, and she can always find humane traits even when the characters she portrays are not all that attractive.

One of her favourite was the role of the inn-keeper in "Out of Order" by R. Cooney. According to Inessa, "It is quite a challenge to be funny, when the character is extremely self-disciplined, serious, and sometimes such a bore having to fulfill her strict professional duties... In future I would like to get more roles like this."

In addition to theatre, she loves looking after her flower garden and never hesitates telling others about her playful cat.

She was born in Ukraine and then moved to Siberia with her parents. Graduated from Tomsk University majoring in Applied Maths. Came to Australia with her family in 1995. In 2003 together with her husband and Veronika Buchatskaya-Ostin she was a co-founder of the association "OstrovOK". Participated in various theme events, and became actively involved in the theatre-studio which came into being soon after.

Played the role of Andrey Erin's wife in "Strange People". From 2003 she started to teach a drama class in the Russian School at Homebush and, thus, had to quit the theatre as an actor. Nevertheless, she considers the theatre-studio A.R.T. to be one of her true life's learning experiences and is always ready give the theatre her time and support.