All About The New Drama Club

Article by Natali Devidze

Edited by Ninia Kadagidze

Source: GZAAT Gazette

As the new semester begins, students are offered new opportunities to expand their interests. The new Drama Club is an initiative led by two former GZAAT students, Maria Giorgobiani and Ellen Dumbadze, actresses passionate about theater. This club is more than just an opportunity for aspiring actors; it is a space for students to gain confidence and showcase their creativity. 

When asked about the inspiration that led to the creation of the Drama Club, Maria and Ellen shared their interest and passion for theater. Maria, a professional actress, expressed her thoughts on the idea: “I’ve always had a deep passion for acting and theater, and as a professional actress, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the impact that performing arts can have on individuals.” She also remarked about their commitment to giving something back to the school community: “The school has always been close to my heart, and I wanted to contribute in a meaningful way. I felt that starting an acting circle or drama club would be the perfect way to share my love for theater with others and create a space for students to express themselves creatively.”

For Ellen, her time as a student at GZAAT brought her desire to introduce theater back to the school: “When we were students at GZAAT, we had an amazing Drama Club led by Lili Burbutashvili, who worked at Rustaveli Theatre,” she recalled. “She invested a great deal into us, and took the drama club very seriously, and so did we. The experience she gave us was truly amazing.”

Maria and Ellen’s experiences as students at GZAAT have influenced their paths – Ellen recalls memories of her time in school plays: “The excitement of being on stage and collaborating with others inspired me so much that I wanted to create a space where others could experience the same joy, creativity, and confidence that drama brought into my life. It is a great joy and honor to be able to bring this project to life.”

Maria’s journey into acting was also influenced by GZAAT Drama Club. She shared, “Being a student at GZAAT, I was always involved in the school plays, and I can still vividly remember the excitement and nerves that came with each performance. Those moments were truly special to me, and I’ve always carried those memories with me. I want today’s students to have that same unforgettable experience, to feel the joy and sense of accomplishment that comes with being on stage. It’s one of the things that shaped me, and I’m excited to offer others the chance to create those same cherished memories.”

With their interest in acting, Maria and Ellen have built successful careers in the industry step-by-step. To learn more about their success, Maria shared the unforgettable memories she has had as an actor: “Every experience I’ve had in my acting career holds a special place in my heart, but a couple stand out. One of the most memorable was working on an international project with an Oscar-winning director; it was an incredible learning experience. Another highlight was working on a Heineken international commercial, which was a unique and exciting opportunity. That said, I truly value all my experiences, no matter how big or small, because each one has helped shape me as an actor.”

Acting allows students to step into different perspectives, which enhances empathy and emotional intelligence. It also promotes creativity, problem-solving, and resilience, as students learn to overcome challenges and adapt to different roles and situations. The Drama Club serves as a club for students to display their talents and pursue acting; however, both Maria and Ellen believe that the benefits of drama extend beyond the theater – it helps students develop communication skills and work as a team. Maria shared, “Drama and performing arts offer so much more than just the chance to perform on stage. They help students build confidence, improve communication skills, and teach them how to work as a team. Beyond the stage, these skills are valuable in all areas of life, helping students develop the self-assurance and collaboration skills needed in their personal and professional journeys.”

The club’s goals for this year are determined, and it is filled with plans for the students. “Our goal for the drama club this year is to create a supportive space where students can explore their creativity and build confidence through performance,” Ellen explained. “We want to encourage members to take risks, whether trying out for a lead role, exploring different genres, or stepping out of their comfort zones.”

Additionally, one of many ways the Drama Club will provide members with opportunities to learn and grow is with workshops and Q&A sessions by well-known Georgian actors. “This will give students the chance to ask questions, learn from those who have worked in the industry, and gain insight into what it takes to succeed as an actor.” Ellen shared.

The Drama Club is open to new members until the end of March, and students can sign up with Eka. Maria highlighted that an exciting journey awaits those who join: “Students should expect a different kind of journey and excitement.” Ellen noted that the club will not be accepting new members after March because they will be preparing for their final performance.

Finally, Maria and Ellen both shared different inspiring advice for anyone considering a path in theater or acting. Maria stated, “Just do it, have fun,” as she believes that the most important thing is to enjoy the experience and let go. On the other hand, Ellen offered more reflective advice: “My advice to anyone interested in theater or acting would be to truly embrace the journey, even when it feels uncertain or challenging. Don’t rush to ‘get it right’ — take the time to experiment, make mistakes, and grow.”