At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

What a great movie we have this week. I mean it. It’s a really great movie. Pixar doesn’t make losers. This is the company that brought us Toy Story, Montsers, Inc., Finding Nemo and the Incredibles among others. And the reviews coming in on this G rated film are superb! Well, really. How could they not be with the likes of Owen Wilson, Bonnie Hunt and Paul Newman as the voices of the cars that make up the characters in the story. And what a story it is! The young city-slicker who wins the races and never gives a thought to anyone else, finds himself in a small, backwater town on the wrong side of the law. Can the good citizens of the village take a spoiled and self-absorbed brat and make a loving human being out of him? Well, you know the Pixar people. They never have a sad ending. So bring your little ones to a story of love and redemption – the best kind of stories – and I bet, as you’re watching it, it will only take you a few minutes to forget you’re watching animation about old cars. These cars are mighty human. You’re just gonna love ‘em.

Last call for The DaVinci Code. It’s had a good run here. Most folks have liked it a lot, and a great many didn’t even think it was too talky. (I did.) But all movies, good or bad, eventually end their run. This week will be the last to find out what the wicked albino is up to. (I understand that albino people got quite upset with the movie. Surely they couldn’t think that anyone who saw DaVinci would actually think that character was representative of folks with no coloring. He would have been a creepy fellow even if his hair had been black!)

The following week we’re going to bring in a little romance with the lovely Sandra Bullock and the perfectly delicious Keanu Reeves called The Lake House. A little sci-fi romance. Looks light and fun. Then we head for Superman and Pirates of the Caribbean. Mmmm. Good movies, all.

And unless there is some big change in store that I can’t think of now, we have decided that the fall film festival will begin on September 15. Jeffrey and I were already mulling over movie titles. I love it when we’re talking festival films! They are so exciting. And I’ve been thinking a lot about our spring festival. I’ve now decided that my two favorite films of the ten that I saw, were Cache and The World’s Fastest Indian. The first because it was such an intriguing puzzle and the latter because it was the best feel-good movie I’ve seen in years!

Most of our summer workshops are filled up or nearly so. Do give us a call if you think your kidlet would like to take a class. But hurry. Once the spaces are full we can’t add any names. Our studios are so great, but they’re both limited in the space they provide. So hurry and sign up. Your kids will thank you.

That’s about it for this week. Oh yeah. There is one other thing I want to talk about. Something really, really important in the month of June. DON’T RUN OVER TURTLES!!!!!! Okay – I’m not yelling at any of my readers, because I know none of you would do anything like that. But if you know people who would, tell them to wise up and stop it! There is no reason to run over turtles. They’re not like suicidal squirrels that dash out in front of your car, do three backflips and tuck neatly under your wheel. They simply cross the road slowly, slowly, carrying their house on their back, and their only goal is to get to the other side. Since they’re always crossing going in opposite directions there seems to be no logic as to why turtles cross the road or where. But that is no reason to mow them down. How could running over such a slow and ancient creature make you feel good about yourself? Well, the answer is, it couldn’t. So if any of you, dear readers, know the sort of people who would run down a turtle, tell them to stop it. Now. Thank you very much. It means the world to me.

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

In just two days, we open the much-anticipated Disney movie Cars. I know many children and NASCAR fans have been looking forward to this film. In this animated, family-friendly movie, Lightning McQueen is a rookie racecar. On his way to a big race, this young roadster crashes into Radiator Springs, destroying the belongings of many of the town’s inhabitants. In order to make amends, McQueen is sentenced to community service. Through his service, this racer must learn to respect and bond with the Radiator Springs inhabitants in order to get out of the town and back on the racetracks. Sounds cute, right? Even adults will love this movie. The cast features the voices of Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, Larry the Cable Guy plus NASCAR greats including Darrell Waltrip, Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Later this summer, the Dietrich will collaborate with the Everhart Museum to provide fun and educational opportunities for children and families. On every Monday in July, staff from the Everhart Museum will be at the Dietrich Theater for in depth looks at their galleries, take part in fun projects, and creative opportunities to make some of their own artwork. It’s great. They bring the Everhart to us! In these Everhart Explorations, students will learn about birds, dinosaurs, Africa and art. Students ages 5 -8 will meet each Monday from 10 -11 am and students ages 9 -12 will meet from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Admission to these classes is free. Please call the Dietrich at 996-1500 to register. We have been hosting Everhart classes for the past three years and love them - they meet so many of the state’s educational standards. We appreciate all of the hard work of the Everhart’s Education Director, Elizabeth Hughes. She puts a lot of time and enthusiasm into preparing for each class series.

At the end of July, we will be going to the Everhart. Now I know you are probably thinking, that is really close to home, but it is a great day trip for all ages plus some of the students in Everhart Explorations like to take the trip with their families. This year our trip will be on Saturday, July 29th. The bus will leave the Dietrich at 9:30 am and return around 2:00 pm. My favorite part of the trip is the private tour we take through the museum by one of their staff. A box lunch is provided for all who attend and then after lunch you have the opportunity to go off and explore more of the museum and Nay Aug Park and Zoo. Margie (the Dietrich’s Program Director) and I usually like to take a walk down to the Nay Aug Gorge. I’m always a little bit in awe of it. Admission for the trip is $5.00. What a deal! Call the Dietrich at 996-1500 to register. Preregistration is required.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

2006: A Space Odyssey: Theater & Visual Arts Camp

Theater and visual arts combine to make an awesome space adventure! Learn all about outer space, aliens, planets, and intergalactic travel while creating stories, live theater, arts, crafts and so much more! For ages 5 -12.

Monday - Friday, June 19 - 23 from 10:00 am - noon.

Cost: $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Michaela Moore & Amy Colley

All About Drawing Camp, ages 8 -12.

Using the artwork in award winning children's books as examples, students will learn about basic concepts of drawing including Line, Shape, Texture, Value, Color and Space.

Monday - Friday, July 10 - 14 from 10:00 - 11:30 am.

Cost: $50 all materials provided.

Instructors: Amy & Steve Colley

Beginner Dance, ages 5 -12

Experience various types of dance - ballet, hip-hop and jazz. Great for beginners or if you have already danced. Students are asked to wear shorts, T-shorts and socks. Call 996-1500 to register.

Wednesday -Friday, July 5, 6,7. Ages 5 - 7: 10:30 - 11:30 am. Ages 8 -12: noon - 1:00 pm

Admission is free.

Instructor: Judy Weist, The Stage Door Dance Studio

Decorative Painting, ages 13 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. Each project will be completed within one to two classes. All levels of experience welcome.

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm through August 31.

Cost: $15 per class plus the cost of the painting surface. Preregistration required.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Digital Arts Camp, ages 8 -12

Claymation, Robotics, and Special Effects.

Monday - Friday, June 26 - June 30 from 2:00 - 4:30 pm.

Cost: $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Rand Whipple, Box of Light Theatre

Everhart Explorations

Students will learn about dinosaurs, birds, and Africa and art over those weeks.

Mondays, July 10, 17, 24, 31. Ages 5 - 8: 10:00 - 11:00 am. Ages 9 - 12: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm.

Admission is free.

Instructor: Everhart Museum Staff

Fantasy, Fairy Tales & Beasts: Theater & Visual Arts Camp

This camp is all about ancient gods, wonderful tales and fantastical beasts. Children enrolled will learn about all sorts of cultures and myths and use that knowledge to create wonderful dramatic and visual works of art! For ages 5 -12.

Monday - Friday, August 7 - 11 from 10:00 am - noon.

Cost: $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Amy Colley & Michaela Moore

Intergenerational Quilting, for all ages

"Seascape Quilt" - This project is designed to challenge students to construct variations of the classic sailboat pattern and explore fabrics that create special effects.

Wednesdays, June 14 - July 26 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Peggy Lane

Introduction to Acting Camp, ages 6 -11

A fun and creative introduction to all that acting is!

Monday - Friday, July 31 - August 4 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm.

Admission is $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Michaela Moore, All About Theatre.

Introduction to Dance, ages 2 - 4

Join us for an introduction to dance with movement and rhythm. Call 996-1500 to register.

Wednesday - Friday, July 5, 6, 7 from 9:00 - 10:00 am

Admission is free.

Instructor: Judy Weist, The Stage Door Dance Studio

Move Over Mr. Spieberg: Digital Film Making Workshop

Learn how to create your own digital films using a digital camera and a computer. Using everything from clay actors to human ones, the class will shoot, edit, score and output several short films in the course of the week. For ages 13 to adult.

Monday - Friday, June 26 - June 30 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Cost: $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Rand Whipple, Box of Light Theatre

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing & Pottery

Students of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to work at their own pace and medium of their choice with instructor Steve Colley. A model will be provided for an additional fee if the group chooses.

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Series 3 - June 6, 13, 20, 27. Series 4 - July 11, 18, 25, August 1. Series 5 - August 8, 15, 22, 29.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Pottery & Sculpture, ages 13 to adult

This class is designed for students of all levels of experience. Students will work on pottery wheels and learn hand building and sculpture techniques.

Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Series 3 - June 5, 12, 19, 26. Series 4 - July 10, 17, 24, 31. Series 5 - August 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Preschool Art - Summer

Preschool students will be introduced to a famous artist each week as they explore a variety of materials such as clay, tempera, watercolors, collage, etc.

Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27 from 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Cost: $25 for each series of 4 classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley, M.F.A.

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Sail Away" - Our easy Just for Kids sailboat pattern will ensure a smooth sailing experience for young quilters.

Wednesdays, June 14 - July 26 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Gloria Eastwood, Terri Keller, Mary Louise Dodge

Writers' Group

Come and read your work or listen and be inspired. Learn the craft of writing as you write. All genres and levels of writing are welcome.

Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Meeting are ongoing.

Admission is free.

group format - no instructor

Yoga for You

Accomodations will be made for beginners, experienced practitioners, and those with special needs. Call 570-996-1500 to confirm dates. Please bring yoga mat or beach towel.

Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Call 570-996-1500 for class dates.

Cost: $10 per lesson. Children are free.

Instructors: Melissa Russo & Mary Frances Giordano: Certified Hatha Yoga Instructors