At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Whew! They’re over. The holidays, of course. Not that they aren’t wonderful – I love every minute…the lights, the food, the company, the memories. But when January first rolls around, it’s time to prepare for the coming hibernation. Not that we’re not busy in the winter, not that there aren’t many things to accomplish (one important thing is to attempt to completely ignore, as quickly as possible, all those New Years Resolutions you know you don’t have a prayer of keeping) but it’s different in January and February. The difference is that Mother Nature reigns supreme – if the weather calls for twelve inches of snow or an inch of ice, well, there’s simply nothing you can do about it. Except, of course, make sure you have at least one good book you haven’t read yet, a couple of great DVD’s you haven’t seen yet, a bone for the dog, sandwich makings in the fridge and, voila!, it’s a day all to yourself without a smidgen of guilt. There are some things you simply can’t fight – blizzards are one of them! So whereas my snowbird friends scurry off to Florida to continue their busy lives, I look forward to winter interrupting mine. (It’s sooo much better than a sick day, don’t you think?)

But, since this week we are supposed to have modest temps and no major snow in the forecast (at least as I write this) then it’s a perfect time to bring the kids (and if you don’t have any, that’s okay -- -we won’t charge you a dime extra for coming to the movies without them) to see the perfectly lovely family films we’re showing right now. Desperaeux is a stunningly well done kiddie flick – about courage and high hopes, commodities we would all dearly love to have. And Adam Sandler is simply one of the funniest men in the movies and this is a grand little story of make believe and real life coming at each other for everyone’s mutual benefit. Do bring the family. I promise you that you will have a terrific time – both are noteworthy films.

So everyone has been asking me about the next films coming up. Hoping for Marley and Me very, very soon. (And just think – if we’d had our four screens up we would have opened Marley and Me along with the two films we now have. And maybe I could have squeezed in Benjamin Button or Valkyrie, too. Oh, sigh, sigh, sigh.) It looks to be a charming film not only about a great yellow lab, but about a family and how it lovingly grows and changes as the dog grows older. Of course, they’ll probably have to send me straight to the ER after I see it - - I don’t part with my animals with any grace whatsoever, even if they are just very old and their time has come. Still, I want to see it so much. I had a chocolate Lab for twelve years – best dog I ever knew -- - and someday he and I are gonna be walking the back roads of the afterlife together, because I simply can’t bear the thought that I’ll never see him again.

I’ll try to bring in all these wonderful films being offered right now, but I’m not sure whether we’ll be able to get them outside of festival. Although we consider ourselves to be “The Mighty Dietrich” (or something) the film companies consider us to be very small and therefore it is hard for us to get limited release film. So, we’ll do our best. But if we can’t get them for a normal run, we will absolutely have them for festival in the spring. See, that’s another wonderful thing about winter – you get to daydream about the coming spring. Because, besides great blizzards, there’s hardly anything more exciting than the changing of the seasons. I always think I’d love to go to Florida or the southwest or someplace for a couple of weeks in the winter. But what weeks? What if I missed a big snowfall? What if I missed the first warm winds of spring? Good grief! There’s nothing to do but stay put in South Auburn and watch the cranky cardinals decorate my blue spruce in the backyard. That’ll keep me busy.

Remember that wonderful old hymn – lyrics by the poet Christina Rosetti – “In the Bleak Midwinter?” What grand words to think about now, as the real winter begins.

“In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone. Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long, long ago.”

Happy bleak midwinter, dear friends. See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

With 2008 coming to a close and 2009 just hour away, I decided to take this opportunity to reflect on a couple of highlights in cultural programming at the Dietrich from this past year. Of course, there were so many more amazing events and classes in 2008 including Shakespeare in the Park, Celebrate Our River Day, Theatre & Visual Arts Camps, basketry and jewelry workshops, and ongoing pottery and mixed media classes, but with the consideration of time and space, I thought I would focus on just two.

I’d like to start out with one of our longest running and favorite programs– the Dietrich After School Players. Under the direction of Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning of First Act Children’s Theatre, this program for middle and high school students took them on a journey which not only celebrated theater arts, but team building, friendship, and dedication to a project. Thirty local middle and high school students learned the basics of creating a theatrical production from acting to choreography to providing input to the script this past year. After eight weeks of hard work and fun, this group performed their multimedia musical “50 Years of Rock ‘n Roll” to a sold out crowd at the Dietrich. Their final product was amazing to see, but what they learn along the way was simply incredible. They received a fast paced look at the past fifty years of music, dance moves and pop culture. They were able to see how music impacted each decade and how world events were reflected in music.

In 2009, the Dietrich After School Players will be back. We invite all middle and high school students to be a part of this theatre experience. This year the group will prepare to perform the comedy “Laugh –In”. Rehearsals will start on January 5th and run through February 21 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 – 5:30 pm. No experience is required and admission is free. For more information about After School Players, call the theater at 996-1500.

I also especially enjoyed the Wyoming County Reads 2008 project, which featured Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. What a great book for discussion! My favorite part of the project was learning how to Contra Dance, the American form of the dancing that was seen in film adaptations of this novel. It was simple, joyous, and involved the whole crowd. I am still amazed that over fifty people came out and participated considering we were in the midst of a snowstorm that day. The live music that accompanied the dancing was fabulous too.

In 2009, we can look forward to reading “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder for the Wyoming County Reads project. Pick up your free copy of the play at Wyoming County Libraries while supplies last and join us for lively book discussions. Our film feature of the project will by Tony Vellela’s Character Study – “Living & Dying in Our Town”. Then in early March the play will come to life on the Dietrich’s stage thanks to underwriting from Newman’s Own Foundation. Oh, I can’t wait – it will be our first community/professional theater production at the Dietrich.

In 2009, we plan to continue bringing you quality opportunities to view the world through the arts and wish you and your families an amazing new year. If you would like us to send you a Winter 2009 brochure of classes and events, give us a call at 996-1500.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

After School Players for Middle and High School Students

Students will learn all about theater arts as they prepare to perform the comedy "Laugh-In". Students will also provide input for the show and learn choreography. No experience is required. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

January 5 to February 21- Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructors: Carl Canedy & Patti Dunning, First Act Children's Theatre

All About Drawing, ages 9 - 12

Students will learn the basic concepts of drawing including line, shape, texture, value, color, and space while creating their own masterpieces.

Thursdays, February 12, 19, 26, March 5 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

All About Painting, ages 9 - 12

Students will learn the basics of perspective, line, color and value as they paint from life. All levels of experience welcome.

Thursdays, January 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

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 potter's wheels.

Thursdays, March 12, 19, 26, March 5 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

Decorative Painting

Learn decorative painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. Preregistration is required. For ages 16 and up

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm. February 11, 18, 25. March 11, 18, 25. April 15, 22, 29.

Admission: $20 per class + cost of painting surface.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Explore and Create Fairy Tales, ages 5 -12

Go on a journey through magical lands, creative characters, and suprise endings! Write, draw, create and explore fairy tales from around the world based on the Everhart's special exhibit, Fairy Tale Art. Visit the exhibit with your family on April 3rd.

Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Bus Trip: Saturday, April 3 from 12:30 - 4:30 pm.

Admission: Free

Sponsored by: Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

Intergenerational Quilting, ages 13 and up

"Peaks & Valleys" - Develop quilting skills with this variation on the classic log cabin pattern. Students will learn the use of color and value and explore creating variations in their designs.

Wednesdays, January 14 - March 25 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6 per class

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

Jewelry Making: Art Clay Silver, for ages 16 and up

Have fun learning the basics of working with silver clay to create pieces of silver jewelry! Silver clay is made up of real silver particles, organic binder and water. After drying, the clay binder is burned off with a torch and what remains is 99.9% pure silver. Students will fabricate choice of rings, earring or pins!

Monday, March 30 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making: Introduction to Glass Fusing, for ages 16 and up

Learn the basics of small piece fused glass work. Each student will create a fused glass item which will be finished, polished, and wire wrapped.

Series 1 - Mondays, January 12 & 26 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Series 2 - Mondays, March 9 & 23 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60 per series; materials will be provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making: Introduction to 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 16 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $55

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Knit a Hat, ages 10 to adult

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

Tuesdays, January 13 & 27 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $20

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Little People & Nature, for ages 3 to 5

Rebecca Lesko of the Endless Mountains Nature Center will teach little ones about Porcupines & 'Possums, Owls, Black Bears, and more of nature's wonders. These classes are sponsored by the Overlook Estate Foundation.

Series 1 - Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 from 10:00 - 11:00 am. Series 2 - Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 from 10:00 - 11:00 am.

Admission: Free

Instructor: Rebecca Lesko

Mehoopany All About Drawing, ages 5 -12

Students will learn the basic concepts of drawing including line, shape, texture, value, color, and space while creating their own masterpieces.

Wednesdays, February 11, 18, 25, March 4 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany All About Painting, ages 5 -12

Students will learn the basics of perspective, line, form, color, and value as they paint from life. All levels of experience welcome.

Wednesdays, January 12, 21, 28, Feb. 4 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany All About Pottery & Sculpture. ages 5 to 12

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

Wednesdays, March 11, 18, 25, April 1 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Mehoopany Crafts fro Kids, ages 8 and up

Join Instructor Sarah Sidorek in making these fun crafts at the Mehoopany Outreach Studio. Preregistration is required. Call 570-996-1500.

Make It/Bake It Jewelry for Kids - Thursday, March 19 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Decoratively Paint a Frame - Thursday, March 26 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $5 per class.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Mixed Media, ages 5 - 8

Students will express themselves using different types of clay, paints, and drawing materials as they create their own masterpieces.

Fridays from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Series 1 - January 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6. Series 2 - February 13, 20, 27, March 6. Series 3 - March 13, 20, 27, April 3.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Amy Colley

Mommy & Me Mixed Media, ages 3 to 5

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 from 10:30 - 11:15 am. Series 1- January 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6. Series 2 - February 13, 20, 27, March 6. March 13, 20, 27, April 3.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Amy Colley

Open Studio: 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. Series 1 - January 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3. Series 2 - February 10, 17, 24, March 3. Series 3 - March 10, 17, 24, 31.

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

Instructor: Steve Colley

Open Studio: 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 - 11:00 am. Series 1 - January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2. Series 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 2. Series 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

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

Instructor: Steve Colley

Paint on Glass, ages 16 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques as you create a patio candle holder for your home or to give as a gift. All materials are supplied. No experience is required.

Tuesday, March 31 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $12

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Pottery & Sculpture, ages 13 and up

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. Series 1 - January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2. Series 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 2. Series 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

Admission: $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Preschool Art, ages 3 to 5

Preschool students will explore the arts as they work with a variety of materials such as clay, tempera, watercolors, collage and more.

Thursdays from noon - 12:45. Series 1 - January 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5. Series 2 - February 12, 19, 26, March 5. Series 3 - March 12, 19, 26, April 2.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Underground Railroad" - Go on an adventure and learn techniques of quilting and stories behind this Civil War period quilt. Use reproduction time period fabrics as you create this quilt out of four patches.

Wednesdays, January 14 to March 25 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $6.00/class

Instructors: Terry Keller, Peggy Lane, and Ingrid Rogler

Spanish for Adults, ages 16 and up

Students will learn basic Spanish phrases and vocabulary using a variety of teaching methods. Hispanic culture will also be explored. The class will be tailored to individuals' personal language learning goals.

Wednesdays, March 11 to April 15 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Victoria Romero

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 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