Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts
At a glance
| Bulgarian name | Национална академия за театрално и филмово изкуство „Кръстьо Сарафов“ |
|---|---|
| Founded | 28 January 1948 |
| City | Sofia |
| Type | Public state institution |
| Rector | Miroslav Dachev, 2024–present |
| Teaching staff | 259 |
| Address | 108A G. S. Rakovski Street, Sofia |
| Website | natfiz.bg |
Source: Wikipedia: National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts; Wikipedia (Bulgarian): Национална академия за театрално и филмово изкуство; Official website: Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts1,2,3
History
The academy grew out of a state theatre school established at the National Theatre. On 28 January 1948, the school became the State Higher Theatre School, with an initial acting class of 22 students. The first students of directing and theatre studies followed in the years that came after.1,2
The school was named after actor Krastyo Sarafov in 1951 and became the Krastyo Sarafov Higher Institute of Theatre Arts in 1954. Film-making and cinematography were added to its curriculum in 1973. It adopted its present name on 1 August 1995.1
Programmes
The academy offers bachelor’s and master’s programmes across theatre, film, television and related disciplines. Its undergraduate subjects include:2
- Acting for dramatic theatre and puppet theatre
- Directing for dramatic theatre and puppet theatre
- Dramaturgy and theatre studies
- Animation and photography
- Film and television directing, cinematography, editing and sound
- Screen studies and journalism
- Stage and screen design
Source: Wikipedia (Bulgarian): Национална академия за театрално и филмово изкуство2
Master’s subjects include directing for the performing arts, screen arts management, theatre arts, film and television arts, public speaking and educational and therapeutic puppet theatre.2
Campus and facilities
NATFIZ is based in three adjacent buildings in central Sofia, at 108A G. S. Rakovski Street. Its facilities include a Training Drama Theatre, opened in 1957, and a Training Puppet Theatre, opened in 1966. The drama theatre’s amphitheatre hall seats 430; the puppet theatre has a 100-seat hall.1,2
The campus also includes a cinema and video hall, an educational audiovisual centre and an academic information centre holding 60,000 volumes of Bulgarian and international literature. The academy has a student dormitory in Studentski grad.1
Institutional profile
NATFIZ is a state-run institution and reports about 700 students and 259 teaching staff. It is a member of the International Association of Film and Television Schools, the European League of Institutes of the Arts and the Cumulus Association.1,2
Sources
- Wikipedia: National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts
- Wikipedia (Bulgarian): Национална академия за театрално и филмово изкуство
- Official website: Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts
Facts checked 13 October 2026. Prepared by InvestBulgaria for general information. Check admissions, fees and programmes with the university before applying or recruiting.
