A Fitting Finale to the 10th Annual Demidov Summer Course in London
The closing day of the 10th Annual Demidov Summer Course in London concluded with a particularly meaningful celebration as Professor Andrei Malaev-Babel presented the Demidov Acting Certificate to three remarkable artists representing Hong Kong, Greece, and the United States—Hanks Li Yuk Hang (2023–2025), Natalia Zakharova (2024–2026), and April Storm Perry (2024–2026)—upon the successful completion of the International Demidov Association’s two-year Acting Certificate Program.
Over the course of sixty weeks and 450 hours of rigorous training, each of these actors demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the demanding artistic path of the Demidov School. Their certificates recognize not only the completion of a course of study, but the culmination of a profound journey of artistic transformation.
Throughout his training, Hanks Li Yuk Hang distinguished himself through exceptional bravery, remarkable versatility, and an ever-deepening ability to embrace the seemingly opposing poles of his creative individuality. His work revealed an actor capable of being genuinely funny, profoundly touching, and ultimately heartbreaking—all with honesty, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to truth.
Natalia Zakharova consistently inspired those around her through her emotional availability, courage, and willingness to remain deeply vulnerable in her work. Combined with her extraordinary talent, remarkable gift for transformation, and uncompromising standards of artistic excellence, these qualities made her growth over the past two years truly exceptional.
Throughout her training, April Storm Perry embodied unwavering dedication to the theatre, deeply held artistic convictions, and an uncompromising commitment to truth. Her bravery, authenticity, and passionate devotion to the art of truly living on stage made her a powerful presence in the studio and an inspiration to her fellow actors.
For Professor Andrei Malaev-Babel, it was especially meaningful to present these certificates in person on the closing day of the 10th Annual Demidov Summer Course in London—a fitting celebration of two years of dedicated work and a moment of recognition shared within the international Demidov community.