In Loving Memory of Marwan Najjar
A Visionary, A Creator, A Mentor
Marwan Najjar was more than a pioneer of theater and television
in Lebanon; he was a visionary who laid the foundation for a
vibrant artistic community. His passion for storytelling and his
relentless belief in the power of performance shaped the cultural
fabric of our country.
Through his work, he empowered an entire generation of actors,
directors, and creators, nurturing talent and inspiring dreams.
His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the stories
he brought to life, and the art that continues to thrive in his wake.
Two years after his passing, we honor his memory by establishing
Najjar Performing Arts Academy, a space dedicated to empowering
the next generation of performers. This academy is a testament to his
unwavering dedication to the arts and his belief in the transformative
power of creativity.
Marwan Najjar's spirit will forever guide us as we continue his
mission to inspire, create, and elevate the arts. This is not just a
tribute... it is a promise to carry his light forward.
Academy founders
Stage Director | Award-Winning Creative Director | Executive Presence Advisor
Rana Najjar is a stage director, award-winning creative leader, and executive presence advisor with a unique career spanning theatre, advertising, and leadership development.
A graduate of LAU with honors in Communication Arts and a specialization in theatre, Rana began her journey on stage as an actress and director before moving into the world of advertising, where she spent 18 years leading creative teams across Beirut and Dubai.
Throughout her career, she has earned more than 70 international awards, including multiple Cannes Lions and New York Festival accolades, establishing herself as one of the region's leading experts in storytelling, communication, and audience engagement.
Today, Rana combines the disciplines of theatre, storytelling, and leadership development to help founders, CEOs, executives, and professionals communicate with greater confidence, clarity, and influence. Through executive mentoring, public speaking coaching, and theatre-based methodologies, she helps individuals strengthen their presence, find their authentic voice, and lead with impact both on stage and in life.
Through Najjar Academy and The Cyrano Lab, Rana combines theatre, leadership, and storytelling to prepare people not just for the stage, but for life.
Stay tuned for The Cyrano Lab starting September 2026
Drama Educator | Youth Development Specialist | Theatre Mentor
Lama Najjar is an actress, educator, and youth development specialist who has spent her career helping children and teenagers grow in confidence, creativity, and self-expression through theatre.
After studying Political Science at the American University of Beirut and Drama at the University of California, Irvine, Lama built a career spanning television, theatre, advertising, and education. For more than a decade, she has taught Drama at Brummana High School, specializing in IB and A Level Drama, while mentoring hundreds of students through their artistic and personal development journeys.
At Najjar Academy, Lama focuses on programs for children and teens, using theatre as a powerful tool to develop communication skills, emotional intelligence, confidence, teamwork, and creative thinking. Her philosophy is simple: theatre is not only about creating performers—it is about helping young people discover who they are and who they can become.
Writer & Director | Storytelling Mentor | Performing Arts Educator
Ziad M. Najjar is a producer, writer, director, actor, and theatre mentor dedicated to developing the next generation of performers and storytellers.
Holding a Master's degree in Cinema from ALBA, Ziad has built an extensive career across theatre, television, film, and production, taking on leading roles both on stage and on screen.
His work as a director, performer, and educator has earned him a respected place within the Lebanese performing arts community.
Since 2010, he has taught performing arts and storytelling at university level while mentoring aspiring actors through workshops, masterclasses, and performance-based training.
At Najjar Academy, Ziad leads programs focused on acting technique, character development, stage performance, and the craft of storytelling, helping students move beyond talent and develop the discipline, technique, and artistic depth required of great performers.
own your stage
What does it mean?
In a world that moves faster than we can catch our breath, many of us are left with untold stories, voices unheard, and potential unseen. We believe that every child, teenager, or adult deserves the tools to be in control of their body, expressions, and feelings. Through engaging adult acting classes and enriching workshops for kids, we aim to provide these essential skills.
Not everyone is given the chance to harness the power within: the power to express, to connect, and to truly own their stage in life. We are here to change that through the transformative medium of performing arts.