At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So, I have to start my column this week by telling you about our Esther and her first prize at the Digital Film Festival in Sayre! First prize! Brooks Eldredge-Martin and Rand Whipple (the genius from Bloomsburg who runs so many kids classes for us here) decided to do a digital festival with entries from Rand’s classes as well as indies. So they had age-groups ranging from grade-school to adult, and Esther took first in the adult category. And she did it by telling a story in four minutes! Four minutes! (That was the time constraint.) And it’s such a poignant story and so well done that it made us all cry. Her partner in tears was a young woman who played a co-starring role in the film, Liz Baessler, who was simply wonderful.

You can see Esther’s film and the others that took awards next Wednesday right here at the Dietrich. Some of these films are so delightful, you just know that we have some serious budding filmmakers among us. Check our ads for the time – it’s only $3.00 per person, and the money is given to the kids as prizes. It’s a wonderful project that teaches kids (and, obviously, adults) the basics of making movies. How cool is that?

Second little bit of business – the Dietrich kittens are now ready for homes. Would two of you out there have room in your homes or hearts for two precious little kittens? They need to be indoor kitties and should be in a home where they will be very loved and cared for. As you can tell, they’ve stolen my heart. We are keeping the Mamma cat because she is so lovely and no one ever wants a grown kitty. And the babies will stay here if they don’t find other homes, but it would be good for them to live someplace where they’re not competing with five dogs and seven other cats for attention!

So, wouldn’t it be nice if I managed to mention the movies this week? Okay. We still have Talladaga Nights, which I saw last week and think is hilarious. It is truly dumb, but I laughed out loud all the way through it. (Some of my friends think I’ve lost my mind.) But truly, if you’re in the mood for a silly movie, full of slapstick and redneck humor, this is a real winner. Will Farrell is a master at becoming whatever foolish character he plays, and this role is no exception. It’s truly as dumb as it gets, but that doesn’t take away how funny it is!

Playing catch-up here, we’re bringing in Adam Sandler in Click. I haven’t seen it yet, but it’s on my list of musts for the summer. This is a poignant tale about a man who gets his wish. And as you know, that’s not always a good thing. With his remote control he can control everyone around him. He becomes master of time and can forward or reverse or skip ahead etc. etc. at will. Except we only know in hindsight what should have been skipped, we only know after the fact what is of value. It’s very funny becaue Sandler is a funny man, but it’s serious too. And Sandler is very good at serious – if you dispute that watch Spanglish on DVD. To me that’s one of Sandler’s best movies. He is not only funny, but has an innate sweetness that all great comics have. Give it a try,

Don’t forget the Gathering of Singer/Songwriter’s coming up. One of our favorite evenings. And we like to share those with you.

Finally, do order those gala night tickets soon. I know the brochures aren’t even off the presses yet (about another week) but the tickets are already fast disappearing. That night is going to be such fun. Not only superb food by Twigs and Epicurean Delight, but two of the best indie movies put out this year! Now, I know that both our opening night films have played at the cineplexes, but that just shows you that the big guys are catching on to the fact that indie filmmakers oftimes make more appealing films than big Hollywood productions. (Jeffrey LOVED Little Miss Sunshine! LOVED it!!!) And where else do you get food, wine, great company and help to support such a wonderful little theater??? Hmmmm? (Hint: The answer is - - nowhere. Heh heh.)

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Our Sudoku class was quite a hit! Thirty-nine people came out to experience this puzzle craze under the instruction of Gloria Fassett. It was neat to see the group solve puzzles together. I am now hooked on Sudoku!

Now is the time to purchase your Fall 2006 Film Festival tickets. Mark your calendars – the opening night is on Friday, September 15th at 6 pm. This year, I think we really have outdone ourselves movie and food wise. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Twigs and Epicurean Delight. Then we will show “Little Miss Sunshine”, have sumptuous desserts by Epicurean Delight and to wrap up the night watch “A Prairie Home Companion”. It should be a great evening. Gather up friends and come out to the festivities at the Dietrich! Admission is $30 per person and tickets go quickly. You can make reservations by calling the theater at 996-1500.

Okay, so you are probably thinking, these movies sound great; I wonder what other twelve movies will play for the festival. Well let me tell you, they are “The Beauty Academy of Kabul”, “Boynton Beach Club”, “An Inconvenient Truth”, “Kekexili (Mountain Patrol)”, “Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont”, “Les Poupees Russes (The Russian Dolls)”, “A Scanner Darkly”, “Scoop”, “Seres Queridos (Only Human)”, “Sketches of Frank Gehry”, “Water”, and “Wordplay”.

Like most of our festivals, there are so many I want to see! According to Jeffrey Jacobs (the Dietrich’s movie booker), these are the best foreign, independent and art films of the season. And Jeffrey knows what he is talking about! He currently is the managing director and film buyer of the Paris Theatre in midtown Manhattan, which is the longest continuously operating art cinema in the United States. He also programs 50 other screens across the country including ours. I can’t wait to see “Little Miss Sunshine”, Jeffrey says it is outstanding and is the feel good movie of the season.

Since I am now into Sudoku and crossword puzzles, I also want to catch “Wordplay”, a funny story about the thousands of people who are obsessed with solving the daily New York Times crossword puzzles.

Film Festival movie synopses and show times are already available on our website, www.dietrichtheater.com and brochures will be out soon. Call the Dietrich at 996-1500, if you would like a brochure sent to you.

Besides our big film festival coming up in September, join us on Wednesday, August 23rd at 7:00 pm for the Endless Mountains Digital Film Festival. Watch comedies and dramas by local, first-time film makers. Tickets are $3.00. For more information about the festival, give the theater a call.

And don’t forget – live music at the Dietrich on Wednesday, August 30th at 7:30 pm. Join us for the Gathering of Singers and Songwriters 5. Featured artists of the evening include Tom Flannery, Shawn Z, Lorne Clarke and Josh Pratt. Tickets for the Gathering of Singers and Songwriters 5 are $5.00 and are available by calling the theater at 996-1500, or you can pick up tickets at the Dietrich Theater ticket booth during regular movie times.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

All About Drawing, ages 9 -12

Students will learn the basic concepts of drawing including line, shape, texture, value, color and space while creating their own unique masterpieces.

Thursdays, September 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5 from 4:00 - 5:30

Cost: 35, includes all materials.

Instructor: Steve Colley, M.F.A.

Decorative Painting, ages 16 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

Drawing & Painting for Kids, ages 9 -12

Students will learn the basics of perspective, line, form, color and value as they draw and paint from life. All levels of experience welcome.

Thursdays, November 9, 16, 30, Dec. 7 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Cost: $35, all materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley, M.F.A.

Everhart Art Experiments, grades 4 - 6

Got art? The Everhart returns to the Dietrich this fall to let you get your creative juices flowing as we play with paints, pastels and colors and learn about art!

Tuesdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm

Admission is free!

Instructor: Everhart Museum Educator

Jewelry for Kids, ages 8 and up

Design and create your own clay pendant!

Wednesday, October 25 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Cost: $10, includes all materials.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Kindermusik with Sarah Birchard

In Kindermusik summer camp, tots will blow music bubbles, play parachute and kite games, make yard art from a glue jar and sing! All of these summer camp activities are designed to nurture your child's natural curiousity and will draw him or her to learning new words, new numbers and new big ideas. For more information about Kindermusik contact Sarah at 570-965-2086.

Thursdays, July 27 through August 24. 18 months to 3 years: 9:30 - 10:30 am. 3 to 5 years: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm.

Contact Sarah about class fees at 570-965-2086.

Instructor: Sarah Birchard, certified Kindermusik instructor

Mixed Media, ages 5 - 8

A new artist will be introduced each week as students learn about famous artists and create their own works using materials including clay, tempera, charcoal, pastels, etc.

Fridays from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Session 1 - September 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6. Session 2 - October 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3. Session 3 - November 10, 17, Dec. 1, 8.

Cost: $35 for four classes, all materials included.

Instructor: Amy Colley, M.F.A.

Mommy & Me Mixed Media, ages 3 and 4

Young artists and their moms, dads or grandparents will create works of art using an assortment of materials including clay, tempera, watercolor and collage.

Fridays from 10:30 - 11:15 am. Session 1 - September 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6. Session 2 - October 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3. Session 3 - November 10, 17, Dec. 1, 8.

Cost: $30 for each series of 4 classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley, M.F.A.

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, August 8, 15, 22, 29.

Cost: $50 for each series of four classes.

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

Pottery & Sculpture for Kids, ages 9 -12

Students will learn hand building techniques (coil and slab construction), glazing techniques and experience using potter's wheels.

Thursdays, October 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Cost: $35, all materials included.

Instructor: Steve Colley

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. August 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

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

Preschool Art, ages 4 and 5

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

Thursday from noon - 12:45 pm. Session 1 - September 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5. Session 2 - October 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2. Session 3 - November 9, 16, 30, Dec. 7.

Cost: $30 for a series of four classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Flock with Us" - While geese fly south, flock with us as we make classic "Flying Geese" quilts. Students will learn about design as they artfully mix colorful old time fabrics with ones from today, and learn basic quilting techniques from piecing to embellishing, to binding a quilt.

Wednesdays, September 13 - December 13 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Cost: $6.00 per lesson, materials included.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Terry Keller and Peggy Lane

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.

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