Demidov Masterclass in Gabrovo Marks a Historic First for Bulgaria

Gabrovo, Bulgaria — March 10–15, 2026

The International Demidov Association, under the leadership of Professor Andrei Malaev-Babel, successfully concluded a landmark six-day masterclass in the Demidov Organic Technique at the “Racho Stoyanov” Drama Theatre in Gabrovo, Bulgaria. This event marks the first comprehensive Demidov masterclass of its kind in the country, representing a significant step in the expansion of Demidov-based actor training in Eastern Europe.

Bringing together a carefully selected group of professional actors from across Bulgaria, the masterclass offered an immersive introduction to the principles and practice of Nikolai Demidov’s work—an approach that prioritizes spontaneity, subconscious responsiveness, and the organic emergence of character.

Over the course of six intensive days, participants engaged in a progressive series of etudes and exercises designed to cultivate perceptual sensitivity, emotional freedom, and creative independence. The training environment emphasized openness, risk, and the relinquishing of control—core tenets of the Demidov School. By the conclusion of the masterclass, participants demonstrated a marked transformation in their ability to respond truthfully, partner dynamically, and allow performance to arise from within rather than be externally constructed.

The masterclass also included a special outreach session with high school students, introducing younger participants to the foundations of the Demidov approach and reinforcing the broader cultural mission of the project.

The Gabrovo masterclass was made possible through the initiative and collaboration of “Racho Stoyanov” Drama Theatre, with the support of the Gabrovo Municipality and the National Culture Fund of Bulgaria, as part of the project:

“ACT x 3: International Theater Workshops”, within the program

“Intersection Point” — BG-RRP-11.021 ‘Next Generation Local Cultural Policies for Large Municipalities’.

The success of the masterclass reflects not only the dedication and courage of the participating actors, but also the vision and organizational leadership of Petko Koychev and Emilia Ilieva, whose efforts brought this ambitious project to fruition.

The initiative was further supported by Bulgarian-American director and producer Zlatomir Moldovanski, whose ongoing work in Bulgaria continues to foster the growth of contemporary actor training and international artistic exchange.

Documentation of the masterclass was provided by photographer Vladislav Andonov, whose work captured the dynamic and evolving nature of the training process.

This historic first in Gabrovo signals the beginning of a sustained engagement with the Demidov School in Bulgaria. The International Demidov Association looks forward to continued collaboration with Bulgarian artists and institutions, and to further development of this work in the region.