Dina Shihabi was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, grew up in Dubai, and moved to New York City in 2007. She has recently been accepted to both Juilliard’s Drama Division and New York University’s Graduate Acting Program and has chosen to attend NYU in the fall. Additionally, Ms. Shihabi is the first woman coming from the Arab world to be accepted into both programs.
Since its inception in 1966, NYU’s graduate acting program has grown to become one of the most celebrated and rigorous acting programs in the country. Yearly pooling from 1000 plus actors, a select 16 are chosen to enter into the incoming class. The program has gained an international reputation for its extreme selectivity as well as its distinctive conservatory training.
Ms. Shihabi grew up studying and working as a principal dancer with Sharmila Kamte in Dubai. Since moving to New York City she has been accepted to study with Wynn Handman of the American Place theatre who has taught, among others, Alec Baldwin, Michael Douglas, and Denzel Washington. She has performed on Saturday Night Live with stars Justin Timberlake, Andy Samberg, and Emma Stone and has worked extensively theatrically in New York City with directors such as Oscar Nominee Josh Fox and his International WOW company. In addition, Ms. Shihabi is a professional dancer with Clear Talent Agency, which hosts numerous clients from television’s Glee, touring companies for Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Usher, and more.
