At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Hmmmm. These cultural people are so bossy. Here I want to tell you all about the upcoming movies, but no, no, no. I have to start with one of their programs. Okay, so it’s really neat and it’s kids and it’s art and, well, you know. But I think I should be able to talk about movies all day every day. Then again, the upcoming exhibit is totally cool, and that’s a lot for me to say seeing as Stephen’s wondrous Christmas displays had to be taken down to make room. Sigh. (I hate when Christmas decorations come down. The world looks so plain, then, so sparkle-free.)

But, if there is anything to help us get through the blahs of January, this exhibit is it. Dubbed “Local Student Exhibition,” this is a collaboration between the WCCC/Dietrich and local student teacher Shannon O’Connor. Showcased will be the works of Tunkhannock Middle School kids and Wyalusing High School. And their wonderful art has filled the gallery with an actual explosion of color. There’s everything from printmaking, watercolors, ceramics, to pen and ink. Lots of variety to keep every art lover interested.

The reception to meet the artists is Sunday, January 21st from 3-5 pm. Do come. Children need to be encouraged in the arts, and coming to see their work is a sure-fire way to keep their interest kindled.

Okay. To one more cultural event. (And then I’m through with this high-brow stuff - - for this column, anyway.) The trip to Philadelphia to see the Tut exhibit is full up with a waiting list, so, sadly, there is no point in calling. (See, I told you to hurry up and call about that. Next time you have to listen to me.) But for those of you lucky enough to get a seat, it should be a wonderful time.

And speaking of life imitating art, did any of you see the story on NBC news last night about sleepovers at the NYC Museum of Natural History? Large groups of kids (and some adults) come to stay in the museum overnight. They get to explore to their hearts content and then they get to roll out their sleeping bags and sleep amidst the wonders of the past. And the movie “Night At The Museum” has made that even more popular. In fact, they’re booked up six months in advance!

So, Friday night we still have Pursuit of Happyness. I haven’t seen it yet, (I hope to see it Wednesday) but Erica loved it. Now, as you know, Erica is even tougher on the movies than I am. They have to be good or she scoffs. (Yes, ladies and gentleman…scoffs!) But she thought it was wonderful. Sad, heart-wrenching, tense. But it has a great ending. And, best of all, it’s true. So, it will be with us for one more week to give you plenty of chance to see it.

The Queen is here! Friday night Helen Mirren opens as the imperious, without-a-clue, regal, snippy, glorious Queen Elizabeth! And a grand, grand queen she is. She has devoted her life to duty and honor and country. For the life of her she doesn’t understand Princess Diana and her penchant for airing her dirty laundry in public. As far as she’s concerned, Diana is nothing but trouble and has been from day one. That she could have captured the collective heart of the world is beyond anything Elizabeth can imagine.

So when Diana dies in Paris, trapped in the ugly wreckage of a car driven by a drunken chauffer, Elizabeth figures all the Royals have to do is what they always do - - carry on in dignified silence.

And only Tony Blair fully understands that the Queen’s behavior could bring down the monarchy!

Fascinating. Beautifully acted. Deeply moving. You must see this one. Best movie I’ve seen in years!

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Last week was the first week of the Dietrich After School Players! This group of students is fabulous! They played team-building games to get to know each other a little better and learned about the play they are going to perform (“Yee Ha! A Tribute to Hee Haw). What is so great about this show is that they can create their own skits to be interspersed throughout the play. The group will also be working with local dance instructor Judy Weist who will teach them choreography. It looks like our fifth year of this program will be better than ever.
Our Dietrich Radio Players will be at the Steamtown National Historic Site on Saturday, January 27th at noon. The Radio Players, who have enjoyed performing at the Dietrich for two years now, will give a special live performance of the new radio play by R.A. Comunale "The Mystery of the Steamtown Ghost". Also playing on the same bill will be the radio version of the hilarious "Arsenic and Old Lace" and the ever popular Bud Abbott and Lou Costello skit "Who's on First". Admission is included in the park entrance fee. Join us as we go back to those golden days of radio. For details, call the Dietrich at 996-1500.
For children, the Dietrich will start a “Little People and Nature” series in February with Rebecca Lesko of the Endless Mountains Nature Center. These nature workshops are designed for young children (ages 2 ½ to 4 year old) to learn at their own pace guided by an accompanying adult. The following are descriptions for the four classes which will take place on Tuesdays in February from 10:00-11:00 am:
When Winter Comes-Where do some of the animals go in the winter? What animals can we still see? Learn the answers to these questions through songs, puppets, stories, pretending, and crafts. Children take home a treasure hunt sheet of animals signs and clues to search for outside.
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. If there’s snow on the ground we’ll try and find tracks and chews.
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! Make a bird feeder to take home. Meet a live bird. Exploring the discovery stations feathers, puppets, and stories. Fly and sing like a bird, too!
Sounds like fun, right?! Admission is $35 for the four classes. Call the theater at 996-1500 to register.

And can you believe it! Our bus trip to see the King Tut Exhibit at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia is full. Seeing the King Tut exhibit would be an excellent summer trip for families to take. The exhibit will be at the Franklin Institute through September 30, 2007.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

After School Players, for Middle & High School Students - Filled

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 through 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 through 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 through 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 through 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