Theatres for Russian tsars appeared as early as the 17th century, but only members of the Imperial family and their immediate circles could attend the performances.
Empress Elizabeth of Russia issued a Decree dated 30 August 1756, to establish a public Imperial troupe.
The theatre was given a mansion on Vasilievsky island, which housed a troupe headed by Fyodor Volkov.
The troupe covered all theatrical arts: drama, ballet and opera.
[2][3] Private theatre companies in Moscow and St. Petersburg were banned until 1882.