“Do you hear that?” I ask, pausing for effect. That’s the sound of over 75 years of theatrical history echoing within DramaTech.
DramaTech is Georgia Tech’s student-run theater. It provides a creative outlet for students. It allows students to improve themselves and the theater community.
Back in 1913, Georgia Tech saw its first dramatic organization. It was a student troupe later known as the Marionettes. The Marionettes disbanded during World War II. But theater enthusiasts wouldn’t be kept down for long. In February 1947, the Georgia Tech Dramatic Club was formed.
Their first production was The Drunkard. It was directed by Jack Pompan. The play proved to be a big hit. The English department accredited the organization. This allowed them to get financial aid from the university system. Members even received academic credit for their involvement. Zenas Sears became DramaTech’s first professional director. He presented a series of one-act plays in the Tech YMCA auditorium in the spring of 1947.
For several years, DramaTech was a vagabond organization. It presented its plays in a variety of venues. These included the YMCA and the Fowler Street School Auditorium. In 1952, DramaTech found a new home in the Crenshaw Field House. Architecture classes assisted with the move. Here, DramaTech adopted a unique theater in the round.
Unfortunately, this home was not permanent. DramaTech was forced to move several times. It occupied temporary stages in the Community Playhouse and an old church. This church was located at Hemphill and Ferst. Later, it adjoined the Robert Ferst Center for the Arts. This was thanks to the work of Dean of Students Emeritus James Dull.
Before Georgia Tech became coeducational in 1952, Agnes Scott College students played women’s roles. This continued until 1987. DramaTech produced critically acclaimed plays. These plays were popular with the community. Mary Nell Ivey Santacroce directed nearly all of DramaTech’s productions from 1949 until 1966.
In the early 90s, DramaTech created its own improv troupe. It is called Let’s Try This. The improv troupe began with the help of Robert Lowe. It performs multiple times a semester. It also gets out into the Atlanta area.
In 1992, DramaTech finally acquired a permanent home. It was the Dean James Dull Theatre at the back of the Robert Ferst Center for the Arts. Dean Emeritus Dull and his wife Gay were long-time supporters of DramaTech. They established the Gay K. Dull Scholarship. It is awarded to seniors involved with the organization.
DramaTech’s alumni organization offers the Gregory B. Abbott DramaTech Scholarship. It is given in his honor to current DramaTech students.
DramaTech offers Main Stage shows. These are full-length, large-scale productions. They are performed in DramaTech’s home. It is the Dean James E. Dull Theater. Variety Shows are also offered. DramaTech partners with arts organizations and students. Together, they showcase talents in a two-night event. Studio Shows are smaller in scale, but still use big ideas and technology.
Melissa Foulger joined DramaTech in fall 2008. She is the current artistic director.
DramaTech continues to thrive. It enriches the greater Atlanta community through its innovative live performances. From its humble beginnings to its current home, DramaTech stands as a testament to the power of student creativity and the enduring magic of theater.