History

Established in 1944, the Yerevan State Theatre and Film Institute (YSTFI) is a prominent institution focused on performing and visual arts education.

The Institute has 2 branches located in Vanadzor and Gyumri.

YSTFI comprises three faculties:

• Faculty of Theatre, encompassing programs in Acting, Directing, Choreography, and Dance.
• Faculty of Film, TV, and Animation, providing programs in Film (Cinema), Cinematography, and Set and TV Design and Scenography.
• Faculty of History, Theory and Management of Arts, offering programs in History, Theory and Management of Arts, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Screenwriting and Playwriting.

YSTFI offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies in theatre, film and art theory.

YSITC actively collaborates with various art institutions and individual artists, facilitating masterclasses and professional training.

Notably, in 2014, the institute joined the UNESCO Network for performing arts and organized the UNESCO International Conference. YSITC maintains partnerships with more than 35 international art institutions. Both students and professors from the institute actively participate in local and international events such as festivals, competitions, conferences, and training programs. Additionally, the institute publishes a scholarly research digest named "Handes".