At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So. We are coming into the “tizzy season”. Yes. The time is fast approaching when we must get that grand old Dietrich Dame all dressed up in her holiday finery! Wreaths and lights and tinsel and, well, you know. The most creative decorations in any little theater just about anywhere. It is such fun when it’s finally done – but oh, my, what a lot of work to be done to get from the starting square to the finished project. And it’s Sarah who oversees all that. She’s the one who coordinates all the folks who will decorate the gallery and the art cases and the front and, as the King of Siam would say, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. She’s not going to do the wonderful magical hanging blue and silver balls this year. She has something else up her sleeve. Hmmmm. It’s hard to wait. Really, it is. But by Thanksgiving eve all will be completed and the Dietrich will be in her Christmas finery! I just can’t wait!

And, oh, the movies we have for you! This week we will have “The Incredibles” in the Murray – so remember that we only have eighty-seven seats there so you must come early to be seated. We’ve decided to start it a little early, at 6:45 instead of 7:00 so that the second show isn’t too late for the kiddies. Although “The Incredibles” plays just as well to the grown-ups as it does to the tots.

And of course, in the Evans, we have “The Polar Express”! Oh, dear readers, if you have read the book (and I can’t imagine you have not, but just in case…..) you must know that this movie is done totally superbly, bringing the spirit of the page to the large screen as only Hollywood can do it. This is the finest in computer animation and the story will touch and melt even the hardest of hearts. For it is a story about believing – about Christmas and what it means to us, from the youngest to the oldest of us, it tells us that it’s okay to believe in the grandest story of all – the story of Christmas. For is there ever a time when our hearts are more giving, more forgiving, or more generous than the Christmas season? I think not. And “The Polar Express” takes you on a mystical journey to discover, deep in your heart, how good, and kind and loving this world can truly be. Bring your kids and come to see what is going to be one of the great classics of the screen, forever. Simple as that. It is everything good that the movies have to offer. Don’t miss it!

And do look up our website (www.dietrichtheater.com) to see all the terrific classes we are offering for the holidays. Including two jewelry classes being taught by our very own in-house jeweler, Esther! Plus there’s another Kathryn Shefski class and a cookie decorating and the Golden Days of Radio and , well, just about anything your heart would desire. You know, taking a class is a terrific thing to do – it gets you out, introduces you to some new folks. Pushes your envelope a bit, and you know, we should never get too comfy with the status quo. The human spirit needs to be challenged! So look at some of our classes and you’ll find quite a few challenges there, I promise.

So, that’s the news for this week. The chemo was a little harder this time, but it was do-able, and as I write this (on Monday), day six after the treatment, I’m beginning to feel better. It’s certainly not what you would call a pleasant journey, but it is one many people have to take simply because there is no choice. I’m half-way through now, with just two treatments to go. I have to say that it is hard, once you start feeling better, to go back and get sick all over again. But if it’s making me feel crummy, then I have to hope it’s wreaking havoc on any stray cancer cells. I mean, that’s the whole point, isn’t it? So, it’s okay so far. Bless you all for your concern. And remember – if I can do this – anyone can! Anyone!

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By

What a great day we had on the Dietrich Theater’s 3rd Annual Broadway Excursion! Since the trip was on the day after elections, most of the group stopped by Rockefeller Center to check out NBC’s Democracy Plaza. We saw replicas of the Oval Office and Air Force One, voting technologies, and debate theater. An original copy of the Declaration of Independence that was printed on the evening of July 4, 1776, was also on display. After that, most of us had a quick lunch and went sightseeing or did a little shopping on Fifth Avenue. Then it was time for the show. The musical “Wonderful Town” was a delight! The Tony award winning choreography was amazing and Brooke Shields’ performance wowed us all. Most of us agreed that her comedy reminded us of Lucille Ball. What made the play even more humorous to those of us from Tunkhannock is that one of the characters in “Wonderful Town” is an editor named Bob Baker. After the show it was off to Gabriela’s Mexican Restaurant for fajitas, quesadillas, enchiladas and more!

After that getaway, Margie Young, Dietrich Theater Program Director, is back at the theater busily scheduling programs for January, February, and March. The theater is also preparing for two live performances by our acting groups. On Tuesday, November 23rd, the Dietrich’s “Introduction to Acting” Class will be performing “A Town Called Normal” at 4:30 pm in the Evans Theater. Admission is free. This play is based on the characters and ideas of the nine young thespians in the class. So come out, show your support and see live theater.

Then in December, take your family back to the golden days of radio. On Tuesday, December 7th at 7:00 pm, the Dietrich Radio Players Group will perform at Father Nallin Hall. The live radio show will feature an episode of “The Shadow” and the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” with sound effects and original commercials. Admission is free. Call the theater at 570-996-1500 for details.

On Saturday, December 4th, Catherine Shefski is back for another screenwriting workshop featuring dialogue, character development and marketing. Students will have the opportunity to learn from film clips, classic screenplays, and share ideas. Admission is $30. Call Margie at 570-996-1500 to register.

With December just around the corner, let me give you a sneak peek of some of the holiday activities the theater will be hosting: The Velveteen Rabbit –Live Puppet Theater, a Holiday Workshop, Build Your Own Puppet Workshop, a holiday concert by Lyric Consort, two free showings of “It’s a Wonderful Life”, and Holiday Camp. Most of these events are free. Call the theater at 570-996-1500 or visit www.dietrichtheater.com for details or to register.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Art Class for Preschoolers - Thursdays

These aspiring young artists will have the opportunity to experiment in a variety of materials such as clay, collage and tempra to create their unique works of art.

Thursdays, 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. . November 11, 18, Dec. 2, 9.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes

Instructor: Amy Colley

Basic Jewelry I

Participants will learn beginner metal work - saw, shape, & polish. Work with brass and sterling silver. No soldering. Students will have a sterling charm and a pair of earrings at class end.

Wednesday, November 10th, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Cost: $40 including jewelry making kit

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Basic Jewelry II

Participants will fabricate a bracelet and learn to attach findings, bend wire, make jump rings, and various bead placement techniques. Sterling wire, attachments and an assortment of beads included.

Wednesday, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, November 17th

Cost: $40 including jewelry making kit

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Decorative Painting for Adults, ages 13 and up

Introduction to decorative painting. Try your hand at painting decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts.

Wednesdays through November 17 noon - 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $15 per session plus cost of painting surface.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Dietrich Theater Writer's Group

Love to Write? Join at any time. Group focuses on pop -ficton.

Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:00 pm, through December 2

Free!

Dietrich Theater Writer's Group members

Golden Days of Radio Players Group

Come back with us to those thrilling dats 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". Call 570-996-1500 for more information.

Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, through November 16th

Free!

Valerie Paulis

Holiday Camp

Young artists will become familiar with the self portraits and symbolism of Frida Kahlo, the expressive paintings of Vincent Van Gogh, and the genius of sculptor and painter, Leonardo Da Vinci, by exploring a variety of mediums as they create their own masterpieces.

Monday - Wednesday, December 27, 28, 29, Ages 6 -8: 9 am - 10:30 am; Ages 9 - 12: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Cost: $30

Amy Colley

Holiday Workshop, for all ages

Get into the holiday spirit! A morning of cookie decorating, songs, stories, holiday crafts, and creations by the balloon lady. Fun for all ages.

Saturday, December 11th at 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Free

Dietrich Theater

Introduction to Acting, ages 11 - 17

This class will focus on the technique of acting with a performance at the end of the class. Students will learn about storytelling and the basic techniques of acting including voice, body, mind and imagination. Students of all experience levels will be accomodated.

Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., through November 16

Cost: $60 for all 8 sessions

Instructor: Michaela Moore

Mixed Media, ages 5 - 8

Give your child the opportunity to explore their creativity through charcoal and pencil, watercolors and clay while learning about proportion and perspective.

Fridays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, November 12, 19, Dec. 3, 10.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes

Amy Colley

Mixed Media, Ages 9-12

Give your child the opportunity to explore their creativity through charcoal and pencil, watercolors and clay while learning about proportion and perspective.

Mondays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, November 8, 15, Dec. 6, 13.

$25 for eac series of four classes

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mixed Media/ Portfolio Prep for Adults, ages 13 and up

This class is a great opportunity for students to build a diverse portfolio as you draw, paint and create pottery & sculpture. Even if you are not planning a portfolio, you will be able to experience art using a variety of materials and learn new techniques.

Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., November 10, 17, Dec. 1, 8.

Cost: $40 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Pottery and Sculpture for Adults, ages 13 and up

In this class, students will learn hand-building techniques using earthenware as they become familiar with the works of artists such as Rodin, Michelangelo and Picasso. All levels of experience welcome. Individualized instruction.

Mondays, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., November 8, 15, Dec. 6, 13.

Cost: $40 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

Kaleidoscope Magic - Have you ever marveled over a kaleidoscope? Each slight turn creates an amazing design. We will teach you how to capture all this in a quilt. Bring your imagination...we'll supply the rest.

Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., through December 15.

Cost: $6 per class

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler/ Gloria Eastwood

Screenwriting Dialogue, Character and Marketing Workshop

Dialogue plays several major roles in a good screen play. It moves the story forward, gives depth to characters and illustrates conflict. Film clips and in-class writing samples will be used to improve dialog and character development. When you've finished your script and you're ready to show it, marketing your product comes into play. Learn how to write an effective logline and query letter. Find out how you can get your script in the hands of agents and producers. Learn about contests and online script posting services. Practice your pitch. Call 570-996-1500 to register. Snacks will be provided.

Saturday, December 4th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

$30

Instructor: Catherine Shefski

Wreath Decorating Workshop

Decorate a fresh or artificial wreath or door swag and learn how to make ribbon bows. Advanced registration is necessary. Please call the theater at 570-996-1500 to signup.

Saturday, December 11, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Class is free. Wreath and Materials $10 - $20

Instructor: Maggie Cartwright

Yoga for You

Accommodations will be made for beginners, experienced practitioners, and those with special needs. Ages 9 to adult. Classes will be ongoing in October through December. Call (570)-996-1500 for exact dates.

Wednesdays, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. - November 10, 17.

Cost: Adults $10 per session

Presented by Melissa Russo.