At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So many things to talk about today and I know I won’t have near enough room to write about all of them so I guess I’ll just start and see how much I can get down on paper. (Sounds like a plan, doesn’t it?)

First, let me talk about the name plaques for the seats in the new theaters. It’s such a lovely way to remember a dear one, or to remind people of your business, or your favorite cat or dog or, well, you get it, whatever you’d like to put on the plaque. We have nearly one hundred already reserved, but that leaves two hundred to go. I’m going to make a small pitch for the seats now (and it will really be very short and to the point) because I know the economy is a tough one right now and there aren’t a lot of bucks we can spend frivolously. But the seats are the last part of the campaign to raise the money to expand the theater, so we really do need your help. And the thing is, although $350.00 may sound like an awful lot all at once, you can make a two or three or four year pledge on them and divide up the money as you need to. It’s a wonderful way to help insure that the theater will be in the heart of the town for many, many years to come. We’d surely appreciate it!

There are a handful of gala tickets left (although they might not be by the time this is published.) Still, if you want to take part in one of the great nights “on the town” – superb food, fine wine and two of the best movies the world has to offer, call 996-1500 to reserve your tickets. It’s a wondrous night if you love good food, drink and great movies. (Oh…that must be everybody, right? Is there really someone out there who doesn’t like to eat, drink and watch someone on the silver screen make merry?)

I was going to go through a synopsis of the festival films, but Jeffrey did it so much better than I can, so if you didn’t get a festival booklet (they are so cool! Erica outdid herself by taking that huge big oversized brochure and turning it into a handy-dandy booklet that you can simply carry with you) you can go to Dietrichtheater.com and click on film festival and pull up the synopsis of all the films. Of course, every festival I think we have the best possible films, but I honestly believe that this array of films might be our very best. We have everything from a superb WW2 film (Defiance) to a story of lost dreams in suburbia, (Revolutionary Road) to Catherine Deneuve spending Christmas with her dysfunctional family, (A Christmas Tale) to the sweet lightness of Last Chance Harvey. And so many others, all equally fine. Plus three exceptional documentaries - - The Ice People – a spectacular doc about that little handful of dedicated people who live in Antarctica in order to do research, and explore life in the most extreme environment on earth. Trouble the Water has been described by the New York Times as “ebbing and flowing like great drama.” It tells the story of one couple and their survival and attempts to start a new life. Shouldn’t be missed. Finally, in the great doc department, is the story of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which crashed in the Andes in 1974, leaving 16 out of 45 to survive. It chills to the bone, but it is a fascinating story of the strength and sheer will of the human spirit.

So, I guess I really did get in all I wanted to tell you this week. And with a little room to spare! (That’s soooo unlike me.)

I got to thinking about Easter and the little church we went to every Sunday of our lives. I thought about us in our Easter hats and white gloves, Aunt Lettie’s coloratura soprano ringing high and true , sailing out the window and into the flowering countryside. My mother sang alto, my father bass and the postman (whose name was Dick Post) sang tenor. “God be with you til we meet again,” they would sing at the end of service, when we could finally go home and look for our Easter baskets. “By his counsels guide, uphold you, with his sheep securely fold you, God be with you til we meet again.” I’m wondering if, in the next life, they are in their finery, singing on Easter morning, while small cherubs restlessly await their Easter treats.

I think they are. I really, really do. And may God be with you this Easter weekend.

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

We had a great time at our first ever Arts for Everyone Open House just a couple weeks ago. People of all ages were able to experience a taste of the arts. It was a delight to see children dress up in costumes and create characters in Michaela Moore’s mini acting class. Parents and children took turns on potter’s wheels and created bowls and vases under the guidance of Amy and Steve Colley. Certified yoga instructor Melissa Russo taught relaxation exercises and stretches to strengthen the body. Participants decoratively painted a Spring-inspired recipe cardholder with Eileen Balboa. Other attendees tried hand quilting with our Intergenerational Quilting and Quilting for Kids instructors. We would like to thank our teachers who helped make this event possible, and everyone who came out and explored the arts. We plan to do it again next year.

I can’t believe our Spring Film Festival is just ten days away. To have the chance to view fifteen of the finest foreign, independent, and art films out there while staying in our corner of Northeastern Pennsylvania is terrific. There are still about 40 tickets remaining for the Opening Night Gala on Friday, April 17 at 6:00 pm. I hope you can join us for this festive evening. Twigs Restaurant and Café, Epicurean Delight, and Seasons Restaurant are providing delicious hors d’oeuvres for the evening accompanied by Nimble Hill wines. The featured films of the night are the Swedish film Everlasting Moments and the Irish comedy How About You. Between films, dessert will be provided by Epicurean Delight. Tickets are $40 each and can be reserved by calling 570-996-1500. For our film festival schedule, visit www.dietrichtheater.com or stop by the theater for a brochure.

For children, Amy Colley will be starting up her April classes this week. Little ones ages 3 to 5 can create art around objects that go vroom in Planes, Trains, Automobiles. The Preschool session will be held on Thursdays, April 9 -30 from noon - 12:45 pm, and the Mommy and Me class will take place on Fridays, April 10 - May 1 from 10:30 - 11:15 am. Admission is $35. For five to twelve year olds, Amy will be teaching a tilemaking class after school on Fridays. Students will learn how to carve, press and make molds of their original designs. Admission is $35 and classes will be held on April 10 to May 1 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

For adults, Jodi Armstrong will be teaching two Simple Gifts workshops. On Wednesday, April 22 at 7:00 pm, join her to learn the art of papercrafting as you create 12 handmade cards for a variety of occasions. Techniques like stamping and distress will be used to embellish your personal works of art. Then on Wednesday, May 6 at 7:00 pm, Jodi will teach you how to make mini display albums. Embellish a six by six accordion album with great papers and other fun paper crafting techniques. Complete the project with your own photos or give as a gift. Admission to each class is $15 each and materials are provided. Call 570-996-1500 to sign up.

For families with young children, don’t forget Tom Knight and his puppets will be back at the Dietrich on Thursday, April 16 at 1:00 pm. Join us for an afternoon of dancing and singing as Tom and his puppets perform songs and skits. Admission is free. This event has been sponsored by the Tunkhannock Junior Women’s Club. We hope to see you there.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Acting Camp for Kids, ages 6 to 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 each week.

Camp 1: Monday - Friday, June 22 -26 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm. Camp 2: Monday - Friday, July 13 to 17 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm.

Admission: $50.

Instructor: Michaela Moore, All About Theatre.

African Safari: Theatre & Visual Arts Camp, ages 5 to 12

You can catch a tiger or become an elephant in this camp all about Africa and your imagination. Create African art and props for your characters and help us make up a play all about this fun land.

Monday - Friday, July 13 -17 from 10:00 am - noon.

Admission: $50

Instructors: Amy Colley and Michaela Moore

All About Pottery & Sculpture, ages 5 to 12

Students will learn hand-building techniques (coil & slab construction), glazing techniques and experience using a potter's wheel as they create their own pots, masks and musical instruments.

Monday - Friday, June 22 to 26 from 2:30 - 4:00 pm.

Admission: $50

Instructor: Steve Colley

An Artist a Day

Young artists will learn about a differnt artist each day of this multi media camp as they create their own colorful cut outs and collages, wall reliefs, carvings, and more!

Monday - Friday, July 27 to 31 from 2:30 - 4:00 pm.

Admission: $50

Instructor: Steve Colley

Animal Totems, ages 5 to 12

Choose your own animal totem from the American Indian zodiac and learn how each animal embodies certain strengths and attributes as you create your own animal totem using a variety of household items.

Monday - Friday, July 13 to 17 from 2:30 - 4:00 pm.

Admission: $50

Instructor: Steve Colley

Ballroom Dancing for Beginners

Learn how to waltz and fox trot in this introductory ballroom dancing class for adults.

Saturdays, May 2 to June 6 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm.

Admission: $30 per person.

Instructor: Connie Kintner

Basketmakers' Woods Walk, for ages16 and up

Take a walk in the woods to identify, harvest and process a variety of wild plant materials used in natural basketry. Participants will gather at Tunkhannock's Riverside Park Willow Dome and then travel to a local wooded site to try their hand at locating, harvesting, and processing a variety of barks, shoots, and other plant materials useful in basketmaking.

Saturday, May 16 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

Admisison: $10

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Chinese Dragon, ages 6 to 8

Learn all about Chinese culture, folk art and shadow puppet theatre. Students will study the mythology of Chinese dragons and their origin. Students will draw and make small Chinese dragons and learn the Dragon Dance. They will also make a shadow puppet and perform a short play on a small shadow screen.

Mondays through Fridays, June 29 to July 10 from 10:30 am to noon.

Admission: Free

Instructor: Hua Hua Zhang.

Create a Felted Handbag, for ages 16 and up

Learn how to create your own felted hand bag. All that is required to attend this class is how to make a knit stitch! All material is provided.

Thursdays, July 23 and August 13 at 7:00 pm.

Admission: $55

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Creepy Crawly Critters: Theatre & Visual Arts Camp, ages 5 to 12

Did you know that if a honey bee went into the Dietrich, its special eyes would be able to see movie being played...at once! Come to this great camp and learn more interesting facts about insects of all kinds! Create costumes, plays, pottery, jewelry, and more that is all about some of the smallest and most interesting creatures on our planet.

Monday to Friday, June 22 to 26 from 10:00 am - noon.

Admission: $50

Instructors: Michaela Moore & Amy 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. April 15, 22, 29. May 13, 20, 27. June 10, 17, 24. July 15, 22, 29. August 12, 19, 26.

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

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Decorative Painting - Clay Pots, for ages 16 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques as you paint clay pots to use as decorations or to give as gifts.

Thursdays, June 4 at 7:00 pm.

Admission: $15 includes materials.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Exploring Color, for ages 3 to 5

In this class, little ones will explore the arts as they create color related projects that will provide a solid foundation of art experiences.

Preschoolers: Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28 from noon - 12:45 pm. Mommy & Me: Fridays, May 8, 15, 22, 29 from 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Amy Colley

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 would feel to stand in front of a microphone and read the lines of the characters you are playing? Or to act like a hero or a villian? Or to 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?

Tuesdays, April 7 to May 26 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: Free

Director: Valerie Paulus

Intergenerational Quilting - Spring 2009

"Mystery Wheel" - Learn quilting techniques as you experiment with color and design while making your own quilt.

Wednesdays through June 3 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6.00 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, & Terry Keller

Intergenerational Quilting - Summer 2009

"Star Twister: - Learn quilting techniques as you create a quilt with triangles. Learn how to create movement with fabric. Make this quilt with two fabric selections or many.

Wednesdays, June 10 - July 29 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6.00 per class, materials provided.

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

Intro to Knitting - Make a Scarf & Hat

Learn how to knit a scarf and hat set. Students will learn how to use straight and round knitting needles. No experience is required. These hand knitted scarfs and hats make perfect Christmas gifts.

Wednesdays, August 12 and 26 at 7:00 pm.

Admission: $35, materials included.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Introduction to Twined Basketry, for ages 16 and up

Learn the skills of basic twining while creating a small square or round basket of natural materials. Students may want to incorporate items they have collected themselves in advance of this session. Each basket will be unique.

Saturday, June 6 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $60

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Jammin' in a Jugband, ages 13 to adult

Join Timothy Walker and David Driskell, PCA rostered artists, as you create and make music with homemade instruments such as a washboard, washtub bass, spoons, whistles, saws, and jug as well as the conventional guitar, banjo, clarinet and saxophone. Find out that music is fun!

July 20, 21, 22, 24 from 1:00 - 2:15 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructors: David Driskell and Timothy Walker

Jammin' in a Jugband, ages 5-12

Join Timothy Walker and David Driskell, PCA rostered artists, as you create and make music with homemade instruments such as the washboard, washtub bass, spoons, whistles, saws, and jug, as well as the conventional guitar, banjo, clarinet, and saxophone. Find out that music is fun.

July 20, 21, 22, 24 from 10:00 - 11:15 am.

Admission: Free

Instructors: Timothy Walker and David Driskell

Jewelry Making: Introduction to Glass Fusing, 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 - Tuesdays, June 2 & 16 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm Series 2 - Tuesdays, July 28 & August 11 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60 per series, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making: Introduction to Metal Working, ages 16 and up

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, June 11 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $50, materials 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 in each session. All glass supplies and equipment will be provided.

Session 1 - Thursday, June 18 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Session 2 - Tuesday, August 18 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $55 per session.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Mamma Mia!: Theatre & Visual Arts Camp, ages 5 to 12

Oh, the beautiful art and wondrous acting you will do in this fantastic camp! Learn all about the fascinating land of Italia! Make Roman pottery and create a play about pizza and Michelangelo! Feast your mind on art and theatre.

Monday - Friday, July 27 to 31 from 10:00 am - noon.

Admission: $50

Instructors: Amy Colley & Michaela Moore

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. Session 2 - April 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 3 - May 5, 12, 19, 26. Session 4 - June 2, 9, 16, 23. Session 5 - June 30, July 7,14, 21. Session 6 - July 28, August 4, 18, 25.

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. Session 2 -April 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 3 - May 4, 11, 18, June 1.

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

Instructor: Steve Colley

Photography Workshop

Improve your photography skills with an experienced instructor. Students will meet at the Dietrich each week and then proceed to a variety of locations to photograph. Gain practical shooting experience along with personalized instruction.

Wednesdays, May 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Saturday, June 13 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Admission: $75

Instructor: Kenny Ganz, Steamtown Historic Site Photographer.

Planes, Trains, Automobiles, ages 3 to 5

Create your own real and imaginary things that go vroom using clay slab construction technique.

Preschoolers: Thursdays, April 9, 16, 23, 30 from noon - 12:45 pm. Mommy & Me: Fridays, April 10, 17, 24, May 1 from 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

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. Session 1 - April 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 2 - May 4, 11, 18, June 1. Session 3 - June 8, 15, 22, 29. Session 4 - July 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 5 - August 3, 17, 24, 31.

Admission: $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up - Spring 2009

"Dancing with the Stars" - Learn quilting techniques as you take a simple design, make many quilt blocks, turn them in all sorts of directions and you get a tumbling dancing star quilt.

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

Admission: $6 per class

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

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up - Summer 2009

"Sky Gardens" - Create a bold butterfly quilt as you learn quilting techniques.

Wednesdays, June 10 - July 29 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Terry Keller, and Peggy Lane

Shadow Mask Theatre, ages 9 to 14

Learn all about Chinese literature, culture, language, and writing as you explore Shadow Mask Theatre. Design and create scenery as you adapt the famous Chinese novel "Journey to the West" to create a show called Monkey King's Adventure.

Mondays to Fridays, June 29 to July 10 from 1:30 - 3:00 pm.

Admission: Free.

Instructor: Hua Hua Zhang

Simple Gifts - Cardmaking

Learn the art of papercrafting as you create 12 handmade cards for a variety of occassions. Techniques like stamping and distressing will be used to embellish your personal works of art. A great value for your own use or perfect to give as a gift.

Wednesdsay, April 22 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $15, materials provided.

Instructor: Jodi Armstrong

Simple Gifts - Mini Display Album

Embellish a six by six accordion album with great papers and other fun paper crafting techniques. Complete the project with your own photos or give as a gift. Perfect for display or a treasured keepsake.

Wednesday, May 6 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $15, materials provided.

Instructor: Jodi Armstrong

Tile Making, for ages 5 to 12

Create your own handmade art tiles as you learn to carve, press, and make molds of your original designs.

Fridays, April 10, 17, 24, May 1 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Trash to Treasures Camp, ages 5 to 12

Turn an old pile of junk into an artistic treasure. Explore how to create this 3-D form of collage as you learn about the environment and recycling.

Monday - Friday, August 3 to 7 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm.

Admision: $50

Instructor: Steve Colley.

Trash to Treasures, ages 5 to 12

Turn an old pile of junk into an artistic treasure. Explore how to create this 3-D form of collage as you learn about the environment and recycling.

Fridays, May 8, 15, 22, 20 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Cost: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

Woodwinds Master Class, for all ages

David Driskell, a classically trained clarinet player, will conduct a woodwinds master class for all ages. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Monday, July 20 from 2:30 - 3:30 pm.

Admission: free

Instructor: David Driskell

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