Theaters of Russian tsars appeared as the 17th century. But only members of the Imperial family and their immediate surroundings could enjoy of this performances.
Empress Elizabeth of Russia issued a Decree dated August 30, 1756, to establish a public Imperial troupe. Decree United in one system several different theatre companies, already existing at the time when under the Empire. Even earlier the theatre was given a mansion on Vasilievsky island, which housed a troupe Fyodor Volkov. The Director of the theatre was appointed Alexander Sumarokov. Thus arose the Petersburg Imperial troupe.
Gradually this system theatres grew. The troupe was one: drama, ballet and opera. Every actor did what he could.
In 1801 the Moscow Imperial troupe appeared.
Private troupes in Moscow and St. Petersburg were banned until 1882
Imperial troupe lasted until the Russian revolution of 1917.
Theatres, belonged to the St Petersburg Imperial troupe: