At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

I love the serendipity of life. All those little moments when we take in a sharp breath and “oh, my.” escapes from our lips because we are caught by wondrous surprise and delight. Which is what happened to me the other day. First, I have to give you a little background. The Dietrich has a writer’s group that meets in the Fassett every Thursday from 7:00 until 8:30 or thereabouts. It’s a hardy band of merry souls who get together week after week to listen, critique and draw inspiration and steadfastness from each other. Almost to a person we hope to be published some day, and some actually have been. A story here, an essay there. Everyone works hard.

One of our most gifted writers is Karl Williams – his stories about farmers and their funny and stubborn lives are simply grand. Whenever he is going to read we have a full house because everyone wants to hear his latest accomplishments.

But until last week I didn’t know that Karl not only is working on a novel, but has many CD’s out. One of them Grammy nominated. One of which has been featured on the Today Show. How could I not have known? I guess because he didn’t tell me. He’s shy, quiet.

He gave me a couple of his CD’s and I had one of those heretofore mentioned serendipitous moments. If you have small children in the house, there are two CD’s you need to have. The first is Big Fish Little Fish and the second is Uncle Robot. They are so delightful, so funny, so gentle and kind that they make you think about the sweetness of Mr. Rogers. Honestly, I’ve been playing them here in my office and I have no little ones to play them for, but that’s how good they are. They’re produced by Greene St. Records and I have no idea how you get them, but I’m telling you that if you have little ones – especially pre-schoolers, these should be a must in your CD collection!

So we have two wonderful films for you grown-ups this week. We have Becoming Jane starring Ann Hathaway. (One of our first big hits here was The Princess Diaries starring said young woman.) The story line is pretty much fiction, but the eighteenth century life the movie portrays is not. Women had very few choices back then with what they could do with their lives. Marriage was at the top of the list for things a woman could do. Everything else was of less consequence. So it is a remarkable thing that Jane Austen did not marry but wrote books instead. And her understanding of social mores was so complete that to this day her books sell tens of thousands every year. So although the personal part of the film is fiction, the rest is pretty true to the way things were. Leaving one to say – “We’ve come a long way, baby.”

And Rescue Dawn is about the brutalities of war. Really, isn’t the killing and the pain and the horror interchangeable from war to war? Wouldn’t it be so much better if the people who declared war had to go fight it? In the front line? But, of course, that won’t be happening anytime soon. Still, this is a movie worth seeing. It’s about courage and a ferocious will to live. It stars Christian Bale who is a terrific actor (he was the star of American Psycho – one of my favorites.)

So we not only have two adult movies this weekend, but we also have one for the men and one for the ladies. Now how’s that for some terrific planning? Or something.

Less than fifty seats left for gala night. Call for those tickets. I tell you this every year and what happens? We end up with a waiting list and some very disappointed people. 996-1500. Make that call now or you’ll really, really wish you had.

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

“An Evening of One-Act Plays by Joe Barone” was simply spectacular! The plays sold out both Friday and Saturday nights and were so comical and pleasing. It was wonderful to meet playwright Joe Barone. He seems to have fantastic insight into human interaction. The cast was so talented and director Esther Harmatz did such a great job. I look forward to future plays at the Dietrich.

Tonight at 7:00 pm the Dietrich will celebrate local artists of a different medium. The Endless Mountains Digital Film Festival will return to the Dietrich to showcase digital films created by amateur filmmakers in our area. Viewers will be able to vote for their favorite drama or comedy at the end of the evening. Admission is $3.00. We hope you will join us.

Tickets are selling quickly for the Opening Night of our Fall 2007 Film Festival. I can’t wait to see “The Jane Austen Book Club” which will not have opened in the United States yet. Please join us for an evening of great film, hors d’oeuvres, wine and desserts. Call 570-996-1500, to make reservations for opening night only. Visit www.dietrichtheater.com for festival movie summaries and show times.

The Dietrich also has some other special events scheduled during film festival. Dr. Philip Mosley of Penn State University will lead a movie discussion following the 7:00 pm showing of “Away From Her” on Sunday, September 16th. Dr. Mosley is a professor of comparative literature and film studies and has facilitated film discussions at the Dietrich for the past few years. No reservations are required.

Then on Sunday, September 23, Astronomer John Dobson, subject of the festival film “A Sidewalk Astronomer” will be at the Dietrich to talk about his work following the showing of the film “A Sidewalk Astronomer”. Dobson will be available to answer questions in the theater from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, and in the Peg Fassett Performance Studio after 7:00 pm. Admission: $10 and reservations are required. Call 570-996-1500 to make a reservation.

This September the Dietrich is excited to bring back its Conversational Spanish classes with Victoria Romero. Classes will be held on Mondays, September 10, 17, 24 and Oct. 1 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. In this class, adults and children ages seven and up are invited to learn everyday Spanish phrases and vocabulary using games, role-plays and fun exercises. I took this class last spring and learned so much. It was fun and not at all intimidating. Admission is $30 for adults, and children ages 16 and under are invited to attend for free. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Dietrich will also be bringing back the ever-popular Mixed Media classes with Amy Colley. Young artists between the ages of five and eight will explore the arts as they learn about pottery, painting, drawing and more. Mixed Media is held on Fridays and starts September 14 for four sessions through October 5 from 4:00 – 5:30 pm. Admission is $35 and materials are provided. Call the Dietrich to register at 570-996-1500.

And for your little ones, Bill Frye will start up our Second Saturday series on Saturday, September 8 at 11 am with Songs & Games for Tots. Bill and his supercharged guitar will entertain us for a morning of singing and dancing as we learn about the changing seasons and the variety of sights and activities it brings. Admission is free to this fast-paced, upbeat musical experience.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

All About Drawing & Printmaking, ages 9 -12

Students will learn the basics concepts of drawing including line, shape, texture, value color and space to create their own masterpieces. Students will also experience using a printing press to create their own etchings and lithographs.

Thursdays, September 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35, materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

All About Impressionist Painting, ages 9 -12

Students will learn about Impressionist painters such as Monet, Manet, and Seurat as they experiment with different painting techniques.

Thursdays, November 8, 15, 29, Dec. 6.

Admission: $35, materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

All About Pottery & Sculpture, ages 9 - 12

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

Thursdays, October 11, 18, 25, November 1 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35, materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Basketry Workshop, ages 16 -adult

Create an open round basket with hexagonal weave throughout, a form used traditionally to drain whey from curds. This basket makes a great serving vessel at home or to give as a gift. Call 570-996-1500 to sign up.

Saturday, October 20 from 9:00 - 4:00 pm.

Admission: $80, materials provided.

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Conversational Spanish, for ages 7 - adult

This class introduces you to everyday Spanish phrases and vocabulary using games, role plays, and fun exercises. This is a great class to get you started on learning Spanish or as a review. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Mondays, September 10, 17, 24, Oct. 1 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm.

Admission: $30/adults, children age 16 and under attend for free.

Instructor: Victoria Romero

Crazy Creatures for Mommy & Me, ages 3 & 4

Create fantastic, fuzzy, feathered and fury friends using a variety of materials including clay, paint, colorful pastels and more with your mom, dad, or grandparents.

Fridays, November 2, 9, 16, 30 from 10:30 - 11:15 am

Admission: $30, materials provided.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Decorative Painting for Adults

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 Dec. 19

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

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Dino Art for Mommy & Me, ages 3 & 4

Learn all about dinosaurs as you create your own dinosaur out of clay, make dinosaur prints and fossils and draw and paint your favorite prehistoric creatures with your mom, dad, or grandparents.

Fridays, September 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5 from 10:30 - 11:15 am

Admission: $30, materials provided.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Dino Art for Preschoolers, ages 4 & 5

Learn all about dinosaurs! Preschoolers will create their own dinosaurs out of clay, make dinosaur prints, fossils and draw and paint their favorite prehistoric creatures.

Thursdays, September 13, 20, 27, October 4 from noon - 12:45 pm.

Admission, $30, materials provided.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Elves Workshop, for ages 12 - adult

The elves will be busy in preparation for the winter holidays. So join us in learning how to make a variety of folded and woven decorations. Class participants will create five folded and woven ornaments. The ornaments may include a bird, fish, Moravian star, heart, garland, reindeer and a wreath.

Fridays, October 26 - November 16 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $50, materials provided.

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Everhart Experiments, grades 4 -6

Experiment with the Everhart at the Dietrich this fall. Learn many ways you can take ordinary paper and create extraordinary, unique and fun works of art!

Tuesdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $12

Instructor: Everhart Museum Educator

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, October 2 - November 13 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructor: Valerie Paulus

Holiday Camp, ages 6 -12

Young artists will become familiar with pottery, drawing and painting as well as famous artists in this camp.

Thursday, December 27 from 9:30 - 11 am -Pottery; Friday, December 28 from 9:30 - 11 am - Drawing & Painting

Admission: $25, materials provided.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Intergenerational Quilting, ages 13 and up

"School House 101" - Learn quilting techniques as you create a community quilt rediscovering variations of the classic school house pattern. Explore exciting block setting options and learn how to boldly mix colorful fabrics.

Wednesdays, September 12 - December 12 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, and Terry Keller

Introduction to Knitting, ages 10 - adult

Learn to knit and purl and end up with a scarf. All materials included.

Wednesdays, November 28 and December12 at 7 pm.

Admission: $15

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Jewelry for Kids, for ages 8 and up

Create clay jewelry! Make and bake your own beads and then knot them into a necklace. All materials provided.

Monday, September 24 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $10, materials provided.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Make Believe Players, ages 6-11

A fun and creative introduction to all that acting is! Students will use their wonderful imaginations and learn all about acting and theater. Skills and activities covered include acting techniques, theater games, improvisation, storytelling, play making, character creation and much more. Students will get a chance to create their own unique characters and stories while learning how much fun theater is. A casual performance will end the workshop. Anyone with any level of experience is welcome to join in the fun!

Tuesdsays, September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $50

Instructor: Michaela Moore of All About Theatre

Mask Making for Preschoolers, ages 4 & 5

Make your own mask! Preschoolers will create three-dimensional masks as they learn about different cultures and explore using a variety of materials.

Thursdays, October 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1 from noon - 12:45 pm.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Mehoopany Outreach Studio Mixed Media, ages 6 -12

Mixed Media at the Mehoopany Outreach Studio(87 Main Street). Students will learn about famous artists and create their own works using materials including clay, tempera, watercolors, collage, etc. Call 570-996-1500 to sign up.

Wednesdays from 3:30 - 5:00 pm. Session 1: September 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3. Session 2 - October 10, 17, 24, 31. Session 3 - November 7, 14, 28, Dec. 5.

Admission: $20 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Memoir Writing for Veterans

Veterans of all ages, all branches of service are welcome to attend this workshop. If you piloted a plane or rode a desk chair, if you served in Korea, Vietnam, stateside, or anywhere else, you have stories to share. Join this supportive group and craft your unique experience into written work to share with others.

Monday, October 8 - November 12 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: free.

Instructor: Ann Vitale

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 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Session 1 - September 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5. Session 2 - October 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2. Session 3 - November 9, 16, 30, Dec. 7.

Admission: $35 for a series of four classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing & Pottery, for all ages

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

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. 1-September 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2. 2-October 9, 16, 23, 30. 3 - November 6, 13, 20, 27.

Admission: $15/class or $50 for 4 classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Painting on Glass, ages 16 to adult

Wednesday, October 24 at 7 pm - Learn the process of glass painting - paint a vase and matching votive holders.Wednesday, November 7 at 7 pm - Decoratively paint glass ornaments.

Wednesday, October 24th at 7 pm. Wednesday, November 7 at 7pm.

Admission: $15 per class, materials provided.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Photography Workshop

Would you love to improve your photography skills? Learn all about camera operation, effects, use of lenses and accessories as well as composition. Students should bring film or digital cameras. No experience is required.

Wednesdays, September 26, Oct. 3, 10 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Admission: $50.

Instructor: Kenny Ganz

Pottery & Sculpture for Preschoolers, ages 4 & 5

Preschoolers will learn all about pottery and sculpture as they create fun sculptures, and make pottery using a potter's wheel and hand-building techniques.

Thursdays, November 8, 15, 29, Dec. 6 from noon - 12:45 pm.

Admission: $30, materials provided.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Pottery & Sculpture, ages 13 - adult

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

Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Session 1 - September 10, 17, 24, Oct. 1. Session 2 - October 8, 15, 22, 29. Session 3 - November 5, 12, 19, 26.

Admission: $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, M.F.A.

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"There Goes the Neighborhood" - Design a house or create a village in your own quilt. Have fun learning quilting techniques and the history of this traditional quilting block.

Wednesdays, September 12 - December 12 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, and Terry Keller

Square Dancing for Families

Beginner and experienced square dancers are invited to come out and learn how to square dance with local square dancing caller Roger Furman.

Fridays, September 28, October 5, 12, 19 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $2 per class

Caller: Roger Furman

Watercolor Workshop

Atmospheric perspective is evident in nature and a change in eye level can enhance the artist's work. Students will learn the basics of perspective drawing and will create a two-dimensional rendering of a three-dimensional object. Beginner and intermediate students are welcome.

Friday, September 28 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Saturday, September 29 from 9:30 am - 4:00 pm.

Admission: $60

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. Meetings are ongoing.

Admission is free.

group format - no instructor

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