At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

I need to talk about so much this morning, I don’t know where to begin. I guess I’ll start with the Spring Film Festival. April 13, exactly six years after the Dietrich reopened. You can go on our website to see the tentative list for festival. It’s glorious. The best films of the last six months. But this spring it’s a little different from other festivals because the industry is going through some changes. Art films have become more popular in the last few years – lots of folks got weary of Hollywood’s steady offerings of deadly sameness. So, more people come to see this kind of film in more theaters. Movies the cineplexes wouldn’t have dreamed of showing even two years ago, they show now. True, for a limited period of time, and sometimes in theater number twenty, but they show them. Plus, there is pretty much a four month time span now between when a film is released in theaters and when it comes out in DVD. Therefore many of the films we planned on showing are now available for rent or purchase. (Babel, being one.)

When we have those four screens we are trying so hard to raise the money for, the Murray will be pretty much dedicated to art films, which means, that since we’ll be able to hold them for longer than a few days, we’ll be able to bring you a larger variety of foreign and indie films much sooner than we can now.

But, sigh, we don’t have those four screens now, and, although we think we are giants in our field (I’m kidding - --honest!) the industry doesn’t even know we exist. We are way too small to be considered in the art market (but a dedicated screen actually will change all that.) So, I guess what I’m trying to tell you is that many of the films we’re showing for festival you would have had a chance to see at the major cineplexes.

So, why should you wait for us? Oooh, that’s an easy one. Because you get the best, friendliest, safest, cleanest, most wonderful theater in the world to see a movie in when you come here. And we not only take great care in the choice of films we bring in for festival, but you know how welcome you are when you come here. We love our festival crowd.

Therefore, opening night we will have the Spanish language film, Volver, and…well…I don’t know. Other films, because they were top of the heap for quality and because they (hopefully) will not be out in DVD include Pan’s Labyrinth, The Good German, The Italian, Curse of the Golden Flower, God Grew Tired of Us, Last King of Scotland, Miss Potter, Sweet Land, The Italian, The Painted Veil, and Venus. These are all superb films.

I’m always a nervous wreck about what I choose for opening night but this festival I’ve been all over the map. I’ve thought it was going to be Notes On A Scandal, but it turns out that, after talking to Jeffrey this morning, we’ll be bringing that in to play on its own in the next two weeks. So I think the second film is going to be either The Good German or Curse of the Golden Flower. Or Venus. See what I mean? This is making me a lunatic! But I promise it will be on the web-site as soon as I know.

This spring we decided we’ll do real food as well as dessert. And wine. And Jeffrey is toying with the notion of joining us again. So, how good is this going to be? I’m telling you what films we’re going to show so that you will wait for them here if they do happen to show up at a cinemark near you. And, oh, yeah. Call 996-1500 to make your gala night reservation. Don’t wait. You don’t want to be one of the folks who hears the deadly phrase – “We’ll put you on the waiting list.”

Okay - -now don’t forget the discussions of GWTW start this week. (Ooooh. An entire hour talking about the incredible Scarlett and the equally wondrous Rhett!)

Dreamgirls this week – one week only. Great, great music!!!

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Last Thursday, our Preschool Art series started again under the instruction of Amy Colley. A group of seven 4 and 5 year olds explored the arts by making clay creatures. One child made a clay dolphin, other students created dinosaurs and alligators. This week the group will have fun learning Gyotaku, the Japanese art of fish printing. Amy is so great at working with students at this young age. On Fridays in March, the Dietrich will host a Little Artists series with Amy Colley for children between the ages of 2 ½ to 4 and their mom, dad or grandparent to explore the arts together. Artists will work with clay, tempera, watercolor and collage. Call the Dietrich at 996-1500 for class information or to register.

For families with little ones, our Second Saturday series will feature Sarah Birchard on Saturday, February 10th at 11 am for a morning of interactive songs, games, and movement. Admission is free. Sarah did a terrific job when she was here for a Second Saturday in the fall. She also teaches Kindermusik at the Dietrich every Thursday morning.

A grand time was had by all at the Dietrich Radio Players’ first performance at Steamtown National Historic Site. Over seventy people came out to see them perform the original radio play “The Mystery of the Steamtown Ghost” as well as “Arsenic and Old Lace”. If you weren’t able to catch that performance, they will be back at Steamtown for an additional performance on Sunday, March 25th at noon. Admission is included in the cost of the park entrance fee. Some of our staff made a day of it by taking in the play, doing some shopping and having lunch in Scranton.

And just a reminder, our jewelry classes with Esther Harmatz are starting up this month. I am excited about taking her Easy Beading class on Monday, February 26th. In it, we will learn three basic types of beading: beading on fabric, peyote beading and using a bead loom. I have the supplies for beading including a loom but never got around to teaching myself it. I think this two-hour introductory class is exactly what I need to get going. Next Monday, Esther will teach a three hour Basic Jewelry class in which students will learn how to use a jewelers saw to cut and shape metal and then use a variety of decorative metal stamps to create a pendant for a necklace. There is still time to sign up for both of these classes but class sizes are kept small so students can receive both group and individual attention.

If your child is interested in jewelry making, Sarah Sidorek will be teaching Jewelry for Kids class on Tuesday, March 13th from 3:30 - 5:00 pm. In this class, students will create their own beads, bake and string them into a necklace. Admission is $7.

Join us tonight at 7 pm at the Tunkhannock Public Library for our first Gone with the Wind book discussion “Fantasy, Reality, and Idealism in the Enduring Novel and Film”. Admission is free and refreshments will be provided by Vanessa’s Bakery. We will also have the same discussion at the Nicholson United Methodist Church on February 8th at 7 pm and at the Mehoopany Library on February 15th at 7 pm.

Next Wednesday at 7 pm at the Tunkhannock Library we will discuss “The Heroine’s Journey in Literature and Movies” with Dr. Philip Mosley of Penn State Worthington. So come out for these fun discussions!

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 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 - Filled

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 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 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 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

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 through Feb. 15 from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm.

Admission is free.

Group Leader: Ann Vitale