At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So. This morning, when I should have been at work at nearly the crack of dawn (okay, not really the crack of dawn…more like eleven o’clock) I was doing a couple loads of wash and hanging them on the line. I LOVE hanging wash on the line – it’s like baking a pie or bread or whatever takes you back to your childhood. It’s whatever you did for your mother, or with her, that brings back the glow of childhood days and puts it squarely in the forefront of memory.

We had two clotheslines. The first ran from the back porch to a big old oak tree. The second was one of those round ones so popular in the fifties that would, in a sizeable wind, collapse in on itself, taking the fresh-washed linen to ground with it. But, since wash was only done one day a week, that’s what my mother used. At first, she’d let me come out with her and “help” her hang the clothing. She would, of course, have to lift me up to painstakingly push the wooden clothespin down over the garment’s edge. What patience she had!

But then, eventually, when I was tall enough, I would take the basket outside myself and stand there in the summer chiaroscuro listening to the birdsong, basking in the warmth of the sun. So I go back to those days in these summers of my dotage, and I remember mamma standing at the back door watching me and I would smile and wave and she’d wave back and I’d be the most grown-up ten year old ever was.

Speaking of grown-ups (now, how’s that for a clever segue?) Spiderman, as you probably all know, broke all box-office records this weekend. Not for us, because Spiderman and its ilk never do (that is saved for Harry Potter, Shrek movies, Pirates and most films about dogs in Alaska) but it did fine. We, of course, are waiting with baited breath for the oncoming Shrek the Third and then, one week later, Pirates of the Caribbean Three. Ronnnie Harvey (one of our so cool concession kids) was laughing the other day about this being the summer of the “thirds.” Most of the sequels coming out this summer are the third in the series.

I understand that Spiderman is the most expensive film ever made – and that it made its money (somewhere around 200 million) back the first weekend. Far out. It will only be with us two more weeks, so be sure to fit the season’s number one blockbuster (so far) into your busy schedule before it’s gone.

In the Murray we’ll have the superb Anthony Hopkins in Fracture. This is the story of a clever psychopath – most enjoyable and darkly fun. I can’t wait to see it. Of course, Anthony Hopkins is one of those folks I could watch reading the phone book – he simply makes high drama of everything he does!

So many of our classes for spring and summer have already filled up! But I will mention a few there is still a bit of room in (although not much). Esther’s Glass Fusing class has room for one or two more. And don’t forget to get your kids signed up for Carl Canady’s and Patti Dunning’s Theater Workshop the week of June 29. That’s always such fun for the kids. They do everything theater in the workshop and it’s non-stop activity for the kids the entire week.

And, of course, don’t forget Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! with Amy Colley and Michaela Moore. As with every summer program these talented ladies do, the kids will be completely immersed in the lives of dinosaurs for the week. What kidlet wouldn’t want to do that? As with all cultural programming, call 996-1500 for info.

Enjoy these wondrous May days.

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Recently, Steve Colley, Dietrich artist-in-residence, took forty of his Marywood University art students on a field trip to Tunkhannock to see how the arts are flourishing in our community. They stopped by Lizza Studios and were amazed at their gallery and what is possible through computerized art. The students were also impressed to see the Dietrich’s working art studio. They couldn’t believe all of the equipment and supplies that were available for students to work with. It is always inspiring to walk into our Dorothy G. Sheldon Art Studio and see what projects students are working on. To learn more about our visual arts classes, visit www.dietrichtheater.com.

The Dietrich’s Writers’ Group is also growing. One writer from the group has now been published for the fourth time in a national magazine. The group is looking forward to hosting a Writers Workshop with Charlee Ganny this summer. In this workshop, she will give advice on how to get published. Writers’ Group is held on Thursday at the Dietrich from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Admission is free.

Coming up next Tuesday night, May 15th at 7:00 pm, the Dietrich Theater Radio Players will perform two live radio plays. It will be very cool to hear all of the sound effects the group has incorporated into their performance. I have heard their version of a Burns and Allen Radio Play is hilarious. Our own Barbara Jones will be playing the role of Gracie Allen. The performance will be held in the Dietrich’s Dorothy G. Sheldon Art Studio and admission is free.

Now is the time to sign up for our annual bus trip to the Everhart Museum. This is one of my favorite events of the year. We go on a guided tour of the museum, have box lunches provided by Heavenly Ham, and then have time to explore Nay Aug Park and Gorge and more of the museum. The trip will be held on Saturday, July 28th. The bus will leave the Dietrich at 9:30 am and will return around 2:00 pm. Admission is $5.00. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to sign up. Space is limited.

Just a reminder, this Saturday, May 12 at 11 am, Donna Hill and her guide dog, Hunter, will be at the Dietrich for our Second Saturday Series. Meet this local singer and songwriter and learn how guide dogs can make life easier for blind people. Admission is free.

Oh, and the next time you are at the theater, you will have to check out our new exhibit in the Earnshaw Gallery. It is a beautiful nature exhibit comprised of environmental projects and quilts as well as photographs entered in the Tunkhannock Tree Association’s photo contest.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Acting Camp for Kids, ages 6 -11

Use your wonderful imagination and learn all about acting and theater. Activities covered include acting techniques, theatre games, improvisation, storytelling, play making, character creation and more! Students will create their own characters and stories while learning how to act and how much fun theater is. A casual performance will end the week if time allows. Each camp will feature a completely different story and characters so students are welcome to sign up for both weeks.

Camp 1: Monday - Friday, June 18 - 22 from 1:00 - 2:30 pm. Camp 2: Monday - Friday, August 6 - 10 from 1:00 -2:30 pm.

Admission $50 per week.

Instructor: Michaela Moore of All About Theatre

Ahoy Matey! Pirates and Treasure: Theater and Visual Arts Camp

Come find hidden treasure and learn the ancient secrets of pirates! Go on treasure hunts, make a pirate costume (boy or girl...yes there were girl pirates...)and make up your own unique play about...you guessed it - PIRATES! Come aboard our ship for a week and join the fun! For ages 5 -12.

Monday - Friday, August 6 -10 from 10:00 am - noon.

Admission: $50

Instructors: Michaela Moore and Amy Colley

Ballroom Dancing for Kids, ages 12 and up.

Learn how to do the merengue and swing dance in this five week introductory ballroom dancing class for kids.

Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9, from 10:00 - 11:30 am

Admission is free. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Instructor: Connie Kintner

Decorative Painting for Adults - Spring and Summer

Learn decorative painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. All levels of experience welcome. Preregistration required. Call 570-996-1500 to sign up.

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm through August 29.

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

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Decorative Painting for Kids, ages 8 and up

Monday, April 30 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.Learn some decorative painting techniques and turn a plain wooden box into a work of art for Mom - make wrapping paper too!Tuesday, June 12 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.Make a decorative box for Father's Day and wrapping paper to wrap it in.

Monday, April 30 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm and Tuesday, June 12 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Cost: $5 per class.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Digital Arts Camp, for ages 8 -13

Explore the arts through claymation, robotics and special effects.

Monday - Friday, July 23 -27 from 2:00 - 4:30 pm.

Admission: $50.

Instructor: Rand Whipple, Box of Light Theatre.

Digital Film Making for ages 14 to adult

In this ten week course, students will begin with basic characterization and end up with several short films. Learn how characters are developed, interesting scenes are created, camera framing is used to tell the story, and how the editing process works. Participants will create their own comedies or dramas and learn to shoot, score and edit their films.

Thursdays from 7:30 - 9:00 pm on April 5, 12, 19, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and June 7. Saturday, April 28th - Claymation: 10 am - 12:30 pm. Film Making: 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructor: Rand Whipple, Box of Light Theatre.

Digital Film Making, for students in 7th and 8th grades

In this ten week course, students will begin with the basics of characterization and end with several short films. Learn how characters are developed, interesting scenes are created, camera framing is used to tell the story and how the editing process works. Participants will create their own comedies or dramas and learn to shoot, score and edit their films.

Thursdays from 6:00 - 7:30 pm on April 5, 12, 19, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, and June 7. Saturday, April 28 - claymation from 10 am - 12:30 pm and filmmaking from 1 - 4 pm.

Admission is free!

Instructor: Rand Whipple, Box of Light Theatre.

Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs!: Theater and Visual Arts Camp

Have a blast discovering these fascinating ancient reptiles. Make up live dinosaur adventures in costumes and create art that is all about preshistoric creatures. Stomp through fossils and long extinct mammals and reptiles while learning fantastic facts. Come be a meat eater or a plant eater for a week at the Dietrich! For ages 5 -12.

Monday - Friday, June 18 -22 from 10:00 am - noon.

Admission: $50.

Instructors: Amy Colley and Michaela Moore.

Everhart Explorations, ages 5 - 12

Make it a scienterrific summer! Discover facts, features, and fun in the world around us. From atmosphere to illusions, experimenting with the Everhart has never been so exciting!

Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30. Ages 5-8: 10:00 -11:00 am. Ages 9 -12: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm.

Admission is free.

Instructor: Everhart Museum Staff

Golden Days of Radio Players Group

Come back with us to those thrilling days of radio drama and comedy. Join us as we prepare a radio play production. Together we will explore the magic of "The Theater of the Mind".

Tuesdays through May 15 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: Free!

Instructor: Valerie Paulus

Intergenerational Quilting, for all ages - Spring

"Rolling Stone" - Learn about and use unique Pennsylvania fabrics as you create your own interpretation of this classic quilt design that was popular in the 1800s.

Wednesdays through May 30 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6/ class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, and Terry Keller.

Intergenerational Quilting, for all ages - Summer

"Farmers Market" - Quilting is food for the soul! Fashion a tablerunner or throw for an indoor or outdoor setting made with fruit and vegetable print fabrics, homespuns and more. Learn the basics of sewing and quilting.

Wednesdays, June 6 - July 25 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission is $6 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, and Terry Keller.

Introduction to Natural Basketry

This class is designed for students to learn how to recognize, process and weave natural materials. Each student will have the opportunity to weave their own rectangular basket. For adults and students ages 16 and up.

Friday, May 11 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm and Saturday, May 12 from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Admission: $80, materials are provided.

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Leonardo Da Vinci - His Life and Ideas

Da Vinci's interests and accomplishments will be explored as children sketch birds and other animals, try mirror writing, make a lute, and even learn a little Italian!

Monday - Friday, July 30 - August 3 from 3:00 - 4:30 pm.

Admission is $50.

Instructor: Amy Colley.

Mixed Media, ages 5 -12

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. May 11, 18, 25, June 1.

Admission is $35 for four classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Move Over Mr. Spielberg, for ages 14 to adult

Learn how to create your own digital films using a digital camera and a computer. Using everything from clay actors to human ones, the class will shoot, edit, score and output several short films in the course of a week.

Monday - Friday, July 23 -27 from 6:00 - 8:30 pm.

Admission is $50.

Instructor: Rand Whipple, Box of Light Theatre.

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 - May 1, 8, 15, 22. Session 3 - July 10, 17, 24, 31.

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

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, learn hand-building and sculpture techniques as well as making molds and casting.

Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Session 2 - April 30, May 7, 14, 21. Session 3 - July 9, 16, 23, 30.

Cost: $50 for all four classes

Instructor: Steve Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up - Spring

"Outside the Box" - Play with courageous and unique color choices as you learn to quilt these magical boxes. Learn about old and new quilts inspired by a classic quilt design.

Wednesdays through June 6 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane and Terry Keller.

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up - Summer

"Secret Garden" - Design and sew a garden quilt. Make this quilt all your own with colorful fabrics. With a seed of imagination, you might find dandelions, bugs and a cat in your garden patch quilt.

Wednesdays, June 13 - July 25 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Admission is $6/class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, and Terry Keller.

Theatre Workshop, for Middle and High School Students

Middle and high school students are invited to join us for a week of fun as they learn about stage combat, improv, Pandora's Box, games, dance choreography and more!

Mondays - Fridays, June 25 -29 from 10 am - noon.

Admission: $50.

Instructors: Patti Dunning and Carl Canedy of First Act Children's Theatre.

Under the Sea: Theater and Visual Arts Camp, ages 5 -12

Mermaids, sharks and underwater adventures! Ever wonder what it would be like to live uder the sea, be a mermaid or even a shark? Come find out at this salt water camp that is all about the ocean. Create costumes, pottery, watercolors (how appropriate), stories and plays for a week of splashy fun!

Monday - Friday, July 9 - 13 from 10 am - noon.

Admission is $50.

Instructor: Michaela Moore, All About Theatre

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. Meetings are ongoing.

Admission is free.

group format - no instructor

Yoga for Beginners

Create a strong foundation of breath awareness and training to support your gentle yoga practice. Variations will be given to meet all physical needs including chair variations as alternatives to floor poses. Dress comfortably and bring a mat or blanket and pillow.

Tuesdays from 10 -11 am. May 1, 18, 15, 22.

Admission: $10/class

Certified Yoga Instructor: Melissa Russo.

Yoga for You

This class will teach and reinforce the basic yoga poses (asanas)which gently stretch and strengthen the body. Attention will be given to breathing and alignment in postures. Call 570-996-1500 to confirm dates. Please bring yoga mat or beach towel.

Wednesdays, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Call 570-996-1500 for class dates.

Cost: $10 per lesson. Children are free.

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor: Melissa Russo