At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Whew! Christmas is over! And we’re still alive! Sometimes I think that is the main goal for Christmas as we grow older – just to get through it. I love it – all the decorations, the excitement, seeing old pals you never seem to find time for during the rest of the year – but it is exhausting. So I’m glad that the running around is over and what we’re left with are the lovely Christmas lights and a few more pearls of memories to add to our strand.

Charlotte’s Web and Night at the Museum are doing well and will be with us through the new year. Charlotte is very, very dear, but bring a hanky because unless you’re one of those who can read the book and remain dry-eyed, you’ll need it. And Museum is totally silly and equally totally great fun. It’s more a series of vignettes than it is a real story, but the vignettes are hilarious and well worth bringing the family to. In fact, both of these movies are good clean family fun so you can spend some quality time with the kids right here at the Dietrich and have a very good time doing it.

Oh, I need to tell you that next week’s ad is going to be a little odd. We won’t know what we’re bringing you on Jan. 5 until the afternoon of Tuesday, January 2 and therefore we will miss the ad schedules. But you’ll be able to find the movie schedule both on our website and in next week’s Advance. It’s just the New Age that won’t be posting the movie times next week. (So those lucky Cultural people will get an extra ad.)

Yes, yes, and yes again. We are most definitely going to bring in The Queen (it’s booked for January 19) and Flicka and Happyness and Holiday. Plus a whole bunch of other films we just didn’t have room to show. (Oh my, what wondrous film selections we’ll have when the expansion is complete and we have four screens! I can’t wait!)

Oh, yeah – I don’t know if I remembered to tell you that we made our challenge grant! We are so thrilled. So thanks to your wonderful generosity we were able to turn $3,000.00,into $6,000.00! How’s that for cool? (Now if we could only learn to spin straw into gold.)

So, the cultural folks have their brand new brochure out. And oh, my oh my, is it ever packed with goodies. I really, really need to tell you about some of the new listings.

First there is the young Writer’s group for ages 11 – 16. It will meet Thursdays at 4:00 from Jan 11 thru Feb. 15. A few times in the past very young writer’s came to our adult writer’s group, but it just didn’t work, since many of the adults are working on pieces inappropriate to younger ears. But we felt terrible turning them away. So Ann Vitale graciously agreed to lead a young writer’s group and we’re most grateful. We think she’s the perfect person to lead the kids on this grand adventure of storytelling.

Don’t forget the After School Players will be starting up again on Jan. 8! This is where Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning make their magic with the kids, allowing them to write, produce and star in their own play. And this year there is no cost at all because, bless their hearts, it is underwritten by Procter and Gamble. So if you’ve got a budding thespian at home, this is the perfect after school activity for them.

The Colley’s are starting up all their fantastic art classes again in January. Everything from Mixed Media to All About Drawing to Little Artists provide just about everything a young ‘un would need to start out in the arts. And then Sarah and Esther are teaching courses in jewelry making and decorative painting and, well….you just have to get the new brochure. It’s simply packed full of goodies!

So, enjoy this last week of 2007. It’s always so exciting thinking of the coming of a new year -- -a time when we can start anew, symbolically if nothing else. So give a toast to life on New Year’s Eve, and raise your glasses to all the possibilities that lie ahead. Because as long as we draw breath, the possibilities are endless!

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Now that Christmas has past and the New Year is almost upon us, I thought it might be a good time to reflect on 2006. So many exciting things happened at the Dietrich through out the year. Let me share a few highlights with you.

The theater sponsored a pantomime residency with Rand Whipple for the Scranton School for the Deaf in early 2006. Pantomime was a great medium for the students to express themselves through.

Besides teaching pantomime, Rand Whipple of Box of Light Theatre also taught a Digital Arts Camp at the theater. We plan to bring him back in 2007 for a digital film making arts-in-education residency for students and adults.

In February, many people came out and took part in book discussions for our Wyoming County Reads project that we did in conjunction with the Tunkhannock Public Library. In 2007, we will be reading Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. Free books are available at libraries in Wyoming County and at the Dietrich while supplies last.

In March 2006, we teamed up with MH/MR of Luzerne and Wyoming Counties and hosted their Arts 4 Us breakfast. That event received so much positive feedback that it was followed that up with ballroom dancing classes for the mentally challenged with Eleanor Grant of the Luzerne County Parks and Recreation Department.

We also had a few firsts in 2006. In February, international folk music artist Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies graced the Dietrich stage for a sold out show. It was our first international act and the first concert that we did with the Old Lynn Concert Series.

The Dietrich also took part in the First Annual Digital Film Festival with Bradford County Regional Arts Council that showcased the work of local digital filmmakers. We plan to be a part of it again in 2007.

Fern Boyce taught the Dietrich’s first language class - American Sign Language. Since then, we have received requests for other language classes. So in 2007, Victoria Romero will teach a Conversational Spanish class for families at the Dietrich.

We offered an Art History series for the first time with Ed McMullen. Steve Colley taught new mosaic design classes. Children ages 6 and up also learned the theatre arts under the direction of Michaela Moore in our Introduction to Acting Camp. Their final performance at the end of the camp was priceless!

We also continued many ongoing programs that keep growing including Writers’ Group, After School Players, Theatre and Visual Arts Camps, jewelry classes, quilting for children and adults, and, of course, our many classes with the Colleys.

Looking back, it was a great year. And there are so many good things to come in 2007. For a new listing of classes and events for January through March, call the theater at 996-1500.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

After School Players, for Middle & High School Students

Calling all actors, actresses, dancers and musicians, the Dietrich After School Players is now casting for its upcoming spring show, "Yee Haw! A Tribute to Hee Haw".

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 pm. January 8 - March 24.

Cost: Free.

Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning of First Act Children's Theater

All About Drawing & Painting, ages 9-12

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

Thursdays, February 8, 15, 22, March 1 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Cost: $35, all materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

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 masterpieces.

Thursdays, January 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Cost: $35, all materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

All About Pottery & Sculpture, ages 9-12

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

Thursdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Cost: $35, all materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Basic Jewelry - Cutting and Stamping Metal

Students will learn to cut metal using a jewelers saw and then use various methods of achieving different finishes and/or stanped design on the metal surface. Everyone will leave with finished items. No soldering. All materials and equipment will be supplied.

Monday, February 12 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Cost: $45, all materials provided.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Beginning Conversational Spanish

Learn a second language as a family! This class will introduce you to everyday Spanish conversational phrases and vocabulary. We will be using games, role plays and fun exercises to practice speaking Spanish. This is a great class to get you started on learning a second language. For ages 7 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tuesdays, March 6 - 27 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm.

Cost: $30 for adults, children 16 and under, free.

Instructor: Victoria Romero

Decorative Painting for Adults, ages 16 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques whicle creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts.

Wednesdays from noon - 3 pm. January 10 - March 28.

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

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Decorative Painting for Kids

Children ages 8 and up will learn decorative painting techniques as they paint a bird house.

Tuesday, March 20 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Cost:$12, materials provided.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Easy Beading - Three Basic Beading Techniques

Have fun learning three beading styles! Basic loom beading, peyote, and beads on fabric will be demonstrated. All materials and equipments will be supplied.

Monday, February 26 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Cost: $25, all materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

First Steps in Stained Glass

Learn the first steps of working with glass to create stained glass pieces. Students will learn to work with a design, cut glass, polish, foil wrap, and solder. Each student will leave with a finished item. All glass, supplies and equipment will be supplied.

Monday, March 12 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Cost: $45, all materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Holiday Camp, ages 6 and up

Young artists will become familiar with pottery, drawing and painting as well as famous artists in this camp. Enjoy one day of camp or explore the arts in all three classes. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

From 9:30 - 11:00 am, December 27 - Pottery, December 28 - Drawing, December 29 - Painting

Admission is $15 per class or $35 for all three classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Intergenerational Quilting, for all ages

"Sara's Squares" - Learn the art of quilting while making an uncommon variation of the classic log cabin quilt. Students will learn quilting techniques and study vintage quilts.

Wednesdays, January 10 - March 28 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Terry Keller and Peggy Lane

Jewelry for Kids, ages 8 and up

Make It/Bake It - Create your own beads, bake and string them into a necklace that is uniquely yours.

Tuesday, March 13 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Cost: $7

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Little Artists, ages 2-1/2 to 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, March 2, 9, 16, 23 from 10:30 - 11:15 am

Cost: $30

Instructor: Amy Colley

Little People & Nature, ages 2 1/2 to 4

Join us as we learn about animals and nature in this four class series. Learn about: When Winter Comes - Where do some of the animals go in the winter? What animal can we still see? Children will learn the answers to these questions through songs, stories, puppets and crafts. Bunny Hop - What do wild bunnies eat? Where do they live? How do they hide? Learn why domestic rabbits don't make good pets for children and meet a rescued rabbit.Going Batty - What makes a bat a bat? Can you see bats in the winter? Dress like a bat, make a puppet, listen to a story, sing a song, and pretend to be a bat. Learn about the only flying mammal. Feeder Flutter - We've gone to the birds! Meet a live bird. Make a bird feeder to take home. Exploring the discovery stations, feathers, puppets, and stories.

Tuesdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27 from 10 -11 am.

Cost: $35, students to be accompanied by an adult.

Instructor: Rebecca Lesko, Endless Mountains Nature Center

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, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2. Session 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 2. Session 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

Cost: $35 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing and Pottery

Students of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to work at their own paceand with the medium of their choice.

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Session 1 - January 9, 16, 23, 30. Session 2 - February 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 3 - March 6, 13, 20, 27.

Cost: $15 per class or $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Painting on Glass, age 16 to adult

Learn decorative painting techniques as you paint a glass picture frame.

Monday, March 5 at 7 pm.

Cost: $12, materials are provided.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Pottery & Sculpture, ages 13 to adult

This class is designed for students of all levels of experience. Students will work on pottery wheels, learn hand-building and sculpture techniques as well as making molds and casting.

Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Session 1 - January 8, 15, 22, 29. Session 2 - February 5, 12, 19, 26. Session 3 - March 5, 12, 19, 26.

Cost: $50 for all four classes

Instructor: Steve Colley

Preschool Art, ages 4 and 5

Preschool students will explore the arts each week as they use a variety of materials such as clay, tempera, watercolors, collage, etc.

Thursdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22 from noon -12:45 pm

Cost: $30

Instructor: Amy Colley, M.F.A.

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Snowballs" - Snips of cloth with a winter theme make up our one-of-a-kind snowball quilt. Learn quilting and design techniques - it's easy and cool!

Wednesday, January 10 - March 28 from 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Terry Keller & Peggy Lane

Watercolor for Beginners - Color and Composition

Learn the basics of color and composition in watercolor painting.

Friday, March 30 from 7-9 pm and Saturday, March 31 from 10 am - 4 pm.

Admission is $60. Call 570-996-1500 for a materials list.

Instructor: Jan Henning

Watercolor for Beginners - Supplies and Techniques

Workshop 1 - Supplies and Techniques. Learn the basics of watercolor from supplies and uses, preparing watercolor paper for paint application, setting up a palette and techniques for applying paint to paper.

Friday, January 19 from 7-9pm & Saturday, January 20 from 10 am - 4 pm.

Admission is $60. Call 996-1500 for the materials list.

Instructor: Jan Henning

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

Young Writers' Group, ages 11-16

Come and learn about all forms of writing. Participants will share their own writings and learn to critique each other. Topics for discussion will depend on the interests of the group, but will include vocabulary of the writing professional and opportunities for publication.

Thursdays, January 11 - Feb. 15 from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm.

Admission is free.

Group Leader: Ann Vitale