Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts (Arabic: المعهد العالي للفنون المسرحية‎) was founded in Damascus, Syria in 1977 by some academics such as Saadallah Wannous. The institute heralded a new phase in the development of Syrian theatre and drama which begun with the preparation of the next generation of actors on an academic basis. The Institute includes five departments: Acting, Theatrical Critique, Dramatic Arts, Scenography, and Theatrical Techniques . The Institute has succeeded in rapidly making its mark on the theatre and dramatic arts scene with noted performances being presented in Kuwait, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Germany and many others.

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higher Institute for Dramatic Arts