Russian Theatrical Society

Russian theatrical society or RTO (Russian: Русское театральное общество (РТО)) - the theatrical society, which was formed in Russian Empire and worked durint Bolshevik Russia and Soviet Union periods. It was a Trade Union of the stage workers until 1919, when was formed the Trade Union of Art Workers (RABIS). RTO was renamed the all-Russian theatrical society or VTO (Russian: Всероссийское театральное общество (ВТО)) in 1933.

On the 13 of October, 1883, "The society for the needy stage workers benefit" was organized due to initiative of the famous actress Maria Gavrilovna Savina. Among the founders of the society, which engaged in philanthropic works, were artists , Nikolai Fyodorovich Sazonov, the writer Dmitry Vasilyevich Grigorovich, the historian A. A. Krayevsky, and others.

In 1894 the Society was reorganized and became known as the Russian theatrical society or RTO. RTO had prepared public opinion to the need for the First Congress of the Stage Workers, which was held in March 1897. It discussed the problems of the repertoire, the creation of permanent troupes, the training and education of scenic directors, situation in theatrical schools, protection of theatres to avoid the tyranny of censorship.

By 1915, the local departments of the Imperial Russian Theatrical Society already existed in Astrakhan, Voronezh, Kaluga, Tambov, Irkutsk, Samara and other cities of Russian Imperia.

The Russian Theatrical Society good enough copes with professional, legal and social protection of its members. Its money means were formed by the membership fees, banking operations incomes, donations and revenues from the incomes of the theatres.

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