At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

How can this be? How can 2006 be over? Wasn’t it just yesterday that we had to get used to writing ’06 on our checks? And now it’s gone? Along with Fourth of July and Thanksgiving and Christmas and….well…all of it. Hmmmm. Guess there’s nothing to do but slog on, is there? (And hope the slogging is good.)

Have a good film for you grown-ups this week. We’re split-screening Charlotte’s Web so the kiddies can come to see it at 5:00 each day and/or at mats on Saturday and Sunday. And on the same screen, different times, will be The Holiday - - a light romantic comedy that you can just watch while you munch some popcorn. (And gentlemen, although you are most welcome, this one is particularly for the ladies and their gal-pals. We need to get a good chick-flick in here every once in a while, you know. We can’t just be shooting at people all the time.) Night At The Museum will be with us another week, so do come see it if you want to have a good laugh. It’s silly and funny and very, very light.

On January 19th we bring in The Queen starring Helen Mirren. For those of you who love good adult films with superb acting, you are in for the treat of the year! It is an absolute gem and Mirren is so good that by the end of the film you think it’s a documentary and she really is the queen!

Okay – these cultural people are hounding me to mention a few of their programs. I’m only doing this (I’m just about the movies, you know) because I like them so much. For your cultural pleasure, we are taking a bus trip to the King Tut Exhibit at the Franklin Institute on Wednesday, March 28th. The bus is already half full three months out, so if you think you would like to go with us, you must get your reservation made. This one is a sure-fire sell-out.

After School Players will be starting up again on January 8. It is underwritten by P&G, so this is a perfect place for any child who loves theater or just wants a place to be creative and learn some stuff and hang out with other kids with the same interests.

And Saturday, January 13, at 11:00 is a real, honest-to-goodness magic show! Volunteers from the audience will be used which usually just tickles the little ones. It’s perfect for families and, on top of that, it’s free!

Oh, and young writers are welcome to come to a writing group just for them starting January 11. Ann Vitale will lead the young ‘uns on a journey of literary discovery. What a great way to spend some time Thursdays after school.

Okay. Back to the movies. I made a list of best, weirdest, worst etc. I’d love you to email me with your very own list (I love to hear why people agree or disagree with me on the films I list. My e addy is hildya@epix.net.)

Okay. Here goes. Best Comedy – Little Miss Sunshine. Most popular with audiences: Eight Below. Loveliest: Pride and Prejudice. Weirdest but Good: tied are The Three Burials Of Melquiadas Estrada and Cache. Most controversial: (What else????) Brokeback Mountain. Biggest Surprise Second-run hit: Walk The Line. Most pure fun and great acting to boot: World’s Fastest Indian. Most Thought Provoking: Munich. The Longest Lasting Fine but Grim Images: Sophie Scholl. Best Judi Dench Film of the Year (we always have at least one): Mrs. Henderson Presents. Best Animation: Happy Feet (almost, but not quite, replaced Bambi in the “adorable animation” section of my brain.) In my mind The Worst and Most Bizarre and Awful: Boynton Beach Club. And finally, my favorite film of the year (having nothing whatsoever to do with content, writing, acting, blah blah blah – just the one I liked the most and saw more than once) was (sound of trumpets here, please) – ta da – The Devil Wears Prada. Call me shallow, but what a total hoot! Meryl Streep was magnificent and the story about the fashion industry was delicious. So write and tell me your faves. I can’t wait to hear.

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

The Dietrich was so alive with moviegoers and art students during Christmas vacation. As I am writing this column, young artists are diligently drawing away in the Dietrich’s Dorothy G. Sheldon Art Studio as they take part in our annual Holiday Camp. Under the direction of Amy and Steve Colley, children are drawing an ordinary item and through their imaginations turning it into an extraordinary object. For example, one student drew a pair of scissors and turned it into a bat. Another child drew a Notre Dame football helmet and used it as the shell of a snail in his masterpiece. It was funny to see many of the children’s sneakers lying on the tables for them to draw and create a unique piece of art out of them.

Tomorrow in Holiday Camp students will paint as they learn about design and the use of color in art. They will come up with their own color scheme and learn about primary and secondary colors and more. What a great way to spend holiday break!

The Colley’s also have a great lineup of art classes for students of all ages and levels of experience over the next few months at the Dietrich including Little Artists, Open Studio, Pottery and Sculpture for Adults, Mixed Media and their three course series for nine to twelve year olds, All About Drawing, All About Drawing and Painting and All About Pottery & Sculpture. Call the theater at 996-1500 for more information or to sign up.

We have a special treat coming up for you on Saturday, January 13th at 11 am. Our first Second Saturday of 2007 will be a magic show with magician Jeremy Biesescker. Join us for a show full of magic tricks including a live dove act. Volunteers from the audience will be chosen to take part in the show. This will be a perfect morning of entertainment for families with children ages 4 and up. Admission is free.

The Dietrich is also calling all actors, actresses, singes, dancers and musicians in middle school and high school to take part in After School Players. Under the direction of Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning of First Act Children’s Theatre, students will learn the theatre arts as they prepare for a live production at the Dietrich in March. This workshop will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from January 8th to March 24th at 3:30-5:30 pm. Admission is free and no experience is required. I can’t believe this is our fifth year for After School Players.

Next week I will have to tell you about other upcoming events and activities including a bus trip to the King Tut exhibit!

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". Student will learn the theater arts and perform for friends and family at the Dietrich. Call 996-1500 to register.

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

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