At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

How can this be? Wasn’t I just whining about winter? And then, although I had promised myself (and all my long-suffering friends) that I would not complain about the heat of summer, I have, in actuality, been doing little else. So, now I can stop already with the summer complaining because we have jumped aboard the autumn train and are now obsessing about the upcoming film festival. Which is in September. Meaning summer is over. Good grief!

Then again, autumn is my favorite season and since I also love the coming of winter, I’m in a win-win in the months to come. And best of all (besides the fact that I get to actually celebrate another birthday – the alternative to that being my obliteration) is that I have been spending endless days on the phone with Jeffrey planning the fall festival and I think we have a winner for you! Honestly – this might be the best ever!

For openers – no dreary true-to-life films about quadriplegics who die in the end or sad tales of an abusive father who must be put in a nursing home by half-crazed offspring. Not that they weren’t terrific films – they were two of the best the art world had to offer, and I really liked them so much. But not for opening night. For that night we need a very absorbing, wonderfully told story, grandly acted, that will sweep us away into another time and place. And I like to follow that with a fluff piece – something to make you laugh (after all, it doesn’t show until ten o’clock, so we don’t want it to be too heavy.)

Therefore, we begin festival on September 19, with the stunning Brideshead Revisited (remember the old 1980’s series from PBS?). It is a story of a young man who comes to adulthood between WW1 and WW2 and becomes friends with someone raised in royal splendor. It speaks of longing, love, values - real and false, and the universal darkness that spread over the world in those anxious days between the wars. Starring the magnificent Emma Thompson this will be a film to remember.

The piece of fluff is the French farce “Priceless” which is pure luxurious fun. As a bellhop follows the girl of his dreams through the grand hotels of Europe, the laughs are a mile a minute and the scenery and clothing are simply breathtaking. Starring the lovely Audrey Tattou, you really will leave with a smile on your face.

You must call soon for your reservations – this is a night you won’t want to miss. The food will be by Epicurean Delight (of course) and Twigs (naturally) and we are adding Seasons to our list of gourmet food providers (isn’t that exciting?). Local wine, grand desserts, terrific movies – and we are holding the price at $40.00 per ticket. Now if you think about it, that’s one heck of a lot you’re getting for your money. Food, drink, fine films! Wow! And even though the price of everything is skyrocketing, we are holding the line! So come join us – I LOVE gala night. Best of the year. (Except for Wonderful Life, of course.)

And don’t forget – you writer’s out there – that Saturday morning, August 9, Jennie Pitkus will be teaching a workshop on writing short fiction. You know, the rules of good writing are universal no matter what your genre. I have never attended a workshop, no matter what genre the speaker wrote in, that I didn’t learn something. So if writing is your bag, if working on improving that writing is important to you, do give this workshop a try. Jennie’s a wonderful teacher, full of fun and tons of interesting facts to help you as you march along your path to publication! Call 996-1500 for reservations.

Have a good week, dear friends. See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

We could not have asked for a better day for Celebrate Our River Day! Approximately seven hundred people came out for an afternoon of education and entertainment by the Susquehanna River in Tunkhannock’s Riverside Park. David Buck of Endless Mountains Outfitters took over eighty people on a River float with kayaks and canoes from Mehoopany to the park. Local environmental organizations put up displays and the music was outstanding! Sadie Green Sales Jugband opened things up with a fast paced, fun concert playing traditional and original jugband music. At one point during the show, Sadie Green Sales’ David Driskell was playing two clarinets at the same time! I must say my favorite part of their performance was when they invited the students from the classes they taught at the Dietrich that week on the stage to perform. Boy, were they good! I can’t wait to see them come back to the Dietrich and River Day next year.

Then FiddleKicks came out and performed Appalachian clogging. Their percussive dance performed with live banjo and fiddle was just perfect in the beautiful setting of Riverside Park. For those who love folk music, local singer and songwriter Lorne Clarke performed a set of original music from his album “Moonlight & Cider”. For those who missed Lorne’s performance, he will be back at the Dietrich for Gathering of Singers and Songwriters 7 on Wednesday, August 27th at 7:30 pm. Joined by folk artists Tom Flannery, Josh Pratt and Micah Vierling, this is bound to be an evening of great acoustic music. Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased over the phone at 570-996-1500 or at the Dietrich’s ticket booth.

Then The Hickory Project closed out the day with high-energy bluegrass music. You couldn’t help but tap your feet! The banjo, fiddle and mandolin playing were phenomenal. We hope to bring them back next year for River Day - they are definitely a must see!

For those of you who love to write or would like to learn more about writing short stories, the Dietrich will be offering the workshop “Finding Yourself in Short Romantic Fiction” on Saturday, August 9th from 9:00 am - noon. Jennie Pitkus, who has been published four times in WOMAN'S WORLD, will lead an interactive workshop which will explore the structure of short, romantic fiction; development of character, plot and setting within 800 words; and ways to make writing precise and interesting. Participants are encouraged to bring a story to be critiqued. Admission is $15. Penn Writer members’ admission is $10. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

The Dietrich will also be offering a theatre and visual arts camp for preschoolers this month. In Mount Olympic, children ages 3 -5 will learn all about the Olympics. They will become Olympic heroes or gymnasts while making up a unique play. They will also create flags, wreaths, togas and more as they learn about this wonderful tradition. Camp will be held the week of August 11-15 from 1:30 - 2:30 pm.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Acting Camp for Kids, ages 6 -11

Use your imagination and learn all about acting through theater 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.

Monday - Friday, August 11 - 15 from 3:00 - 4:30 pm.

Admission: $50

Instructor: Michaela Moore, All About Theatre

All About Pottery for Mommy & Me

Create your own hand thrown bowls on a potter's wheel, design your own whistles and birdhouses in this pottery class for all levels of experience.

Fridays, November 14, 21, Dec. 5, 12 at 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

All About Pottery for Preschoolers

Create your own hand thrown bowls on a potter's wheel, design your own whistles and birdhouses in this pottery class for all levels of experience.

Thursdays, November 13, 20, Dec. 4, 11 from noon - 12:45 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

All About Pottery, ages 5 - 8

Create your own hand thrown bowls on a potter's wheel, design your own whistles and birdhouses in this pottery class for all levels of experience.

Fridays, November 14, 21, Dec. 5, 12 at 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

All About Pottery, ages 9 - 12

Create your own hand thrown bowls on a potter's wheel, design your own whistles and birdhouses in this pottery class for all levels of experience.

Thursdays, November 6, 13, 20, Dec. 4 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Basketry Workshop: Create a Cuff Bracelet

Learn how to weave a cuff style bracelet with a narrow black ash wood splint. The bracelet as shown is a good introduction to "two by two" twill. It is adjustable to most wrist sizes and makes a lovely fashion accessory with particular appeal to basket lovers.

Monday, October 20 from 7:00 - 10:30 pm.

$40

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Basketry: Create a Mini Market Basket

Create a miniature, rectangular market basket. The basket features double satin, black ash wood splints, spokes, and weavers. Options will be discussed for personalizing weave techniques, rim style, handle placement and embellishment detail.

Saturday, November 1 from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Admission: $80

Instructor: Susi Nuss.

Basketry: Create a Random Weave Pot Topiary

Students will learn the basics of random weave basketry while creating a globe shaped willow rod basket that can be used as a topiary for ivy or other climbing plants indoors or out.

Saturday, September 27 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $80

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Basketry: Create Folded & Woven Ornaments

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. The ornaments include a folded and woven square four-armed cross, a box braided wreath, a snowflake and a hexagonal ball.

Mondays, October 27, November 3, 10, 17 from 7:00 - 10:00 pm.

Admission: $20 per class or $75 for all four classes.

Instructor: Susi Nuss.

Decorative Painting at Night

As you have requested, we are offering an evening decorative painting class! The project is an autumn door decoration suitable for beginner and intermediate painting skills. This is something anyone can complete in the three hour class, no previous painting experience required. Come and join us for a fun time. Preregistration required.

Monday, October 6 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $30, includes materials.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Decorative Painting, ages 16 and up

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

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm. August 13, 20, 27.

Admission: $20/class plus the cost of painting surfaces

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Finding Yourself in Short Romantic Fiction

Jennie Pitkus, who has been published four times in WOMAN'S WORLD, will lead an interactive workshop which will explore the structure of short, romantic fiction; development of character, plot and setting within 800 words; and ways to make writing precise and interesting.Participants are encouraged to bring a story to be critiqued. Presented by the Wyoming County Cultural Center/Dietrich Theater in conjunction with Penn Writers.

Saturday, August 9th from 9:00 am - noon.

General Admission: $15; Penn Writers Member Admission: $10. Call 570-996-1500 to register. Space is limited.

Instructor: Jennie Pitkus

Golden Days of Radio Players Group

Do you remember old time radio? Did you always wonder how all the sound effects were made...like a door opening and closing or someone walking on gravel? Or wonder how it woudl feel to stand in front of a microphone and read the lines of the character you are playing? Or act like a hero or a villian? Or use your voice to sound very old or very young? Join us and you will learn and experience all of this and more. Oh, did I mention that we always have a lot of fun putting a show together to be played for an audience.

Tuesday, October 7 to November 18 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Admission: Free

Instructor: Valerie Paulus

Holiday Camp, for ages 6 - 12

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

Monday - Wednesday, December 29, 30, and 31.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Intergenerational Quilting, ages 13 to adult

"Medallion Quilt" - Develop quilting skills with our easy board sampler class. Learn how to make border variations with simple basic templates while designing a Medallion Style Quilt.

Wednesdays, September 10 - December 10 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, and Terry Keller

Introduction to Knitting

Learn to knit and purl and end up with a scarf. For ages 10 to adult.

Wednesdays, October 22 and November 5 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, materials are provided.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

It's Raining Cats & Dogs, ages 3 - 5

Little ones will learn how to draw, paint and sculpt their favorite furry friends.

Preschoolers: Thursdays, September 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2 from 10 am - noon. Mommy & Me: Fridays, September 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3 from 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Amy Colley

It's Raining Cats & Dogs, ages 5 - 8

Learn how to draw, paint, and sculpt your favorite furry friends.

Fridays, September 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Amy Colley

It's Raining Cats & Dogs, ages 9 -12

Learn how to draw, paint and sculpt your favorite furry friends.

Thursdays, September 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

Jewelry for Kids - Glass Fusing

Students will learn about glass fusing as they design and create two glass pieces which can be turned into jewelry - pendants or pins!

Friday, November 7th from 4:00 - 6;00 pm.

Admission: $25, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making: Introduction to Glass Fusing

This class will be a very basic introduction to the process of small piece fused glass work. Each student will create a fused glass item which will be finished, polished, and wire wrapped.

Thursdays, October 16 & 30 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewlery Making - Loom Beading

Have fun learning basic loom beading. Students will create a bead bracelet. All materials and equipment will be supplied. For ages 16 and up.

Thursday, October 23 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $25, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewlery Making: Introduction to Metal Working

Students will learn the first steps necessary for anyone who wants to do their own metal work in jewelry fabrication. Students will learn to use a jewelers saw, cut, form and polish. Everyone will leave with a finished pendant.

Thursday, November 6 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $50, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Knit a Hat, ages 10 through adult

Learn how to knit a hat using round knitting needles. Choose from three hat styles. All materials are included.

Tuesdays, July 29 & August 12 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $20.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Masks & Monsters, ages 3 - 5

Children will learn various techniques using papier mache to create their own masks and monsters.

Preschoolers: Thursdays, October 9, 16, 23, November 6 from noon - 12:45 pm. Mommy & Me: Fridays, October 10, 17, 24, Nov. 7.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Masks & Monsters, ages 5 - 8

Children will learn various techniques using papier mache to create their own masks and monsters.

Fridays, October 10, 17, 24, Nov. 7 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Amy Colley

Masks & Monsters, ages 9 -12

Children will learn various techniques using papier mache to create their own masks and monsters.

Thursdays, October 9, 16, 23, 30 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany All Abot Pottery, ages 5 -12

Create your own hand thrown bowls on a potter's wheel, design your own whistles and birdhouses in this pottery class for all levels of experience. At the Mehoopany Outreach Studio located at 87 Main Street; Mehoopany, PA. Call 570-996-1500 to sign up.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany All Kinds of Sculpture Camp

Create all kinds of sculpture using an assortment of media including string, paper, clay, and recyclables at the Mehoopany Outreach Stuido. Call the Dietrich Theater at 570-996-1500 to sign up.

Monday - Friday, August 11 - 15 from 1:00 - 2:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany Crafts for Kids, ages 8 and up

Join instructor Sarah Sidorek in making one or all of these fun crafts at the Mehoopany Outreach Studio. Preregistration is required. Call 570-996-1500.Classes: Decoratively Paint a Wooden Box - Friday, September 26 from 4:30 - 6 pm.Make It/Bake It Jewelry for Kids - Friday, October 3 from 4:30 - 6:pm.Paint a Welcome Sign - Friday, October 10 from 4:30 - 6 pm.Cardmaking for Kids - Friday, October 17 from 4:30 - 6 pm.

Fridays, September 26, October 3, 10, 17 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm.

Admission: $5.00 per class

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Mehoopany Intergenerational Quilting

"Kaleidoscope Magic" - Learn quilting techniques as you create a quilt with mirrors. Spin and twirl your quilt blocks to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece full of color and movement.

Thursdays, September 11 to October 16 from 4:00 - 5;30 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, all materials are provided.

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

Mehoopany It's Raining Cats & Dogs, ages 5- 12

Learn how to draw, paint, and sculpt your favorite furry friends at the Mehoopany Outreach Studio. The Mehoopany Outreach Studio is located at 87 Main Street; Mehoopany, PA.

Wednesdays, September 10, 17, 24, October 1 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructors: Steve Colley

Mehoopany Knitting for Kids, ages 8 and up

Children will learn to knit and purl and end up with a scarf. All materials are supplied. At the Mehoopany Outread Studio located at 87 Main Street; Mehoopany, PA.

Fridays, October 24 and November 7 from 4:30 - 6;00 pm.

Admission: $15.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Mount Olympic Theater & Visual Arts Camp

Learn all about the Olympics, its orgins in ancient Greece and Beiing China in this unique camp that arrives just in time for the summer Olympics. Become an Olympic hero or super talented gymnast while creating a fabulous play! Plus make medals, trophies, laurel wreaths, togas, torches, and flags to celebrate this wonderful tradition and our fantastic country! Tons of fun and lots of learning! For ages 5 -12

Monday - Friday, August 11 - 15. Ages 5 -12: 10 am - noon.

Admission: Ages 5 - 12: $50. Preschoolers: $35.

Instructors: Amy Colley & Michaela Moore.

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing & Pottery - Nights

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

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm Session 1 - August 5, 12, 19, 26. Session 2 - September 9, 16, 23, 30. Session 3 - October 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 4 - November 4, 11, 18, 25.

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

Instructor: Steve Colley

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing, & Pottery - Days

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

Mondays from 9:30 am - 11:00 am. Session 1 - September 8, 15, 22, 29. Session 2 - October 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 3 - November 3, 10, 17, 24.

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

Instructor: Steve Colley

Painting Glass Ornaments

Learn the process of glass painting - paint glass ornaments.

Wednesday, November 19 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $15.

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 and learn hand-building and sculpture techniques.

Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Session 1 - August 4, 11, 18, 25. Session 2 - September 8, 15, 22, 29. Session 3 - October 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 4 - November 3, 10, 17, 24.

Admission: $50, materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Pull the Strings, ages 5 -12

Lights! Camera! Action! Go behind the scenes, write an original play and create a cast of puppet characters for the final puppet performance in the Dietrich's very own theater.

Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: Free.

Instructor: Everhart Museum Instructor.

Watercolor Workshop - Intensify Your Colors

"Colors are like jewels: each should be placed as carefully as a precious gem in a setting" - Jeanne Dobie. Students will learn that placement and mixing of colors are equally important in watercolor painting. They will explore pigment properties and the use of color for impact.

Saturday, October 18 from 9:00 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 towards a goal of publication. 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 Kids, ages 8 and up

Explore yoga postures, relaxation, and breathing techniques with Melissa Russo, certified yoga Ed. instructor, that will help calm the body, strengthen muscles, and stretch your mind. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel.

Wednesdays, July 30, August 6, 13, 20 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm.

Admission: $35.

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