Nikolai Ivanovich Sobolshchikov-Samarin was a Russian theatre director and impresario who worked in Nizhny Novgorod at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. His name is tied to the history of the Nizhny Novgorod dramatic stage: in his honor, a regional theatre prize was established, awarded to leading performers of the region.
The first drama season at the City Theatre
On September 1, 1896, the drama troupe led by Sobolshchikov-Samarin opened the first drama season at the new City Theatre, built to a design by V. A. Schröter and opened in May of that same year. His troupe thus became the first permanent drama company on that stage.
The Sobolshchikov-Samarin Prize
In memory of the director, a regional prize bearing his name was established in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, awarded to figures of theatrical art. In particular, actress Era Vasilyevna Suslova was awarded this prize; she had joined the studio at the drama theatre back in 1943 — during Nikolai Ivanovich's lifetime.