At SMART, it’s unlikely to find someone who doesn’t know the theater arts program instructor, Tatul Bostanchyan. At the least, everyone’s heard his famous “Helloo!”—the most effective silencing call—at least once on SMART summer program days.

An actor and director by profession, Tatul ended up at the SMART Center through the advice and recommendation of a friend.

“When the former performing arts program instructor, Ani, was preparing to move to Yerevan, she suggested that I apply for her position. I thought it would be a good opportunity to work outside of Vanadzor.” This is how Tatul recalls coming to SMART, where his biggest takeaway has been how working with children is a great way to stay young and discover new people and colors in life.

From shadow and puppet theater performances to radio plays, publishing a book of fairy tales, and creating board games about theater arts—these are just a few of the projects he has undertaken in his performing arts program at the SMART Center in recent years. Tatul says he designs projects based on the interests and abilities of each group.

“I get so overjoyed when some students choose to continue their education in theater after completing the program with me,” Tatul concludes.

It’s very important to have recent, personal examples when talking to the kids about performing arts. That’s why Tatul strives to always take on new roles and performances.

This theater arts instructor transforms smoothly into a game master during the SMART Center summer programs.

Making puppets for the next summer program theater performance.

No, they’re not cleaning the floors, they’re learning how to move in sync together on stage.

The great leader of great game contests.

Silence: rehearsal is in progress.

Tatul uses his professional connections to support his students’ projects in every possible way. Here he announces the start of the SMART students’ performance of ‘Kaj Nazar’ from the stage of Vanadzor’s Puppet Theater.

Tatul is occasionally involved in various theater projects, either as a director or actor. He says that if he doesn’t create, sooner or later he will rust.

It’s the SMART Center’s “Oscars”, the annual Vahé & Lucie Foundation Awards, and of course, where there’s a stage, there’s Tatul.

Author: Knar Babayan