Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts (Arabic: المعهد العالي للفنون المسرحية‎‎) was founded in Damascus, Syria in 1977. 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 three departments: Acting, Theatrical Critique and Dramatic Arts. The Institute has succeeded in rapidly making its mark on the theatre and dramatic arts scene with world class performances being presented in Kuwait, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Germany and many others.