At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

What a funtastic weekend!!!! And yes, that is a made-up word, but it describes the state of affairs at the Dietrich as literally hundreds and hundreds of folks came to laugh lots at Night At The Museum 2! Of course, one hopes for big hits, but you never know. So much depends on variables we aren’t even privy to, so that all we can ever do is have high hopes, but no certainty. In fact the only thing we can ever know here is that we don’t know anything. Of course, that could probably be said about most of the things we have to deal with in life, don’t you think?

Anyway, if you haven’t seen Night at the Museum yet, you simply must bring the kids and come see it! But let me suggest that you get advanced tickets for this weekend, because it will be moving to the Murray which, as you know, only seats eighty-seven and we expect bigger crowds than that. The reason it’s moving is that we’re bringing in Pixar’s “UP.” I have never seen so many positive reviews on a movie as this wondrous looking fantasy is receiving (except maybe the last Pixar release) so once again it is a movie you’ll want to bring the kids to.

Of course, we don’t have 3-D. If it proves to be something that is lasting, then maybe we’ll have a 3-D unit installed. But right now the technology is still in its infancy and we have no idea if Hollywood will stick with it or not. I want to shout at them that it’s not about the gimmicks – it’s about good scripts. Great stories. Wonderful characters. But for right now, we have to concentrate on just getting open and making all this work and not biting off more than we can chew all at once. That’s been our history and it’s worked well for us. In the beginning we paid the rent with the storefront and apartment rentals. As we lost our tenants we thought very seriously about whether the time had come to use the space for something other than a rental and eventually, over the course of four years, we replaced the rentals with studios and office space. But we did it a step at a time, or as my mother would have said, we put one foot in front of another.

So, having taken this huge leap of an addition, we need to stop and take a few deep breaths and wait to see how this whole 3-D thingamajig shakes out. If it looks like it’s here to stay and we’re losing crowds to the Cineplex giants, then we’ll have to rethink. But for now, we hope you will understand that a bad movie isn’t made better with 3-D and a good one is not diminished by lack of it. Therefore, you can bring the family to either of the films we’re showing this weekend and just have one big old great time! We can’t wait to see you!

Okay – this is totally off subject, but I wanted to tell you about a movie I saw this weekend on DVD which was so outstanding, so exquisite and so perfect that I want to encourage you to see it if you can. “Taking Chance” is a true story starring Kevin Bacon as the Marine Corps officer who accompanies the body of a young Marine Pfc. as he returns home for burial. This is a completely non-political film. It has nothing to do with whether you agree with a war or you don’t. This is about how the bodies of the fallen are treated on the long journey home. You will be moved to tears again and again as you see the dignity, the respect, the love shown to these heroic and brave young spirits who, as A.E. Houseman wrote in “To an Athlete Dying Young” -- “shoulder- high we bring you home, And set you at your threshold down, Townsmen of a stiller town.” You will weep throughout this film but you will never be more proud of your country or of the human race, even if, like me, you hate wars and think they are generally without just cause. But this is a film you will never forget. If you get your DVD’s locally, ask Linda at Video Circus – I’m sure she’ll order it for you!

Have a great week. This is our last as a two screen theater!!!!!! Wow!!!!!!

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Last Wednesday was the first day of the Dietrich’s photography workshop with Kenny Ganz. We had a great class with seventeen students of all different ages and backgrounds. After introductions, we went out for about 45 minutes to shoot pictures. Then Kenny reviewed our pictures and gave suggestions for changes or improvements. I am excited to learn more about composition, how to use my camera to get different effects, and editing photos over the next several weeks. He is an excellent instructor.

For those of you who wanted to attend the Basketmakers’ Woods Walk but couldn’t make the class, we have a new date for the event on Saturday, May 30th from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Participants will gather at Tunkhannock’s Riverside Park willow dome and then travel to a local wooded site to learn how to locate, harvest, and process a variety of barks, shoots, and other plant materials useful in basketmaking with Susi Nuss.

The next Saturday, June 6th from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, master basketry artist Susi Nuss will teach an Intro to Twined Basketry where students can incorporate items they collected during the walk into a small square to round basket that they will learn how to create by twining. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 for more information about these basketry offerings.

Speaking of June, can you believe that summer is almost here? June will be super exciting not only because of summer vacation and great classes and camps for all ages at the Dietrich, but because we are scheduled to open two new theaters. They are state of the art with the most comfortable stadium seats and amazing sound equipment. With the theater’s opening there will be four movies to choose from which means we will be able to provide a better variety of entertainment for all of our audiences - children and families, adults, and teens. And what better time is there to enjoy the movies then during the summer blockbuster season! Another feature of the expanded Dietrich will be our Children’s Room. It will be a great place for children’s birthday parties, bridal showers, and other events. Fern Boyce, who will be coordinating parties, has been working on some great children’s party ideas. The theater will also have a new concession stand, and boy is it nice! Don’t worry though; we will still serve the same delicious Dietrich popcorn, icees, and snacks.

For those of you who love live theatre, the Dietrich will present Shakespeare in the Park later this month. On Founders’ Day night, June 27th at 7:00 pm, join us at Tunkhannock’s Riverside Park for Romeo & Juliet. Performed by Gamut Theatre Group, this production will be the original text of Shakespeare brought to life by seven very talented and highly energetic actors. Admission is free! Please bring our own blanket or chair. Shakespeare in the Park will be sponsored by Route 6 Auto Body.

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, July 11 to August 1 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Admission: $20 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 30 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. 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

Fossils, Rocks, Dirt and More!

Join us as you dig up some creativity with fossils, rocks, and dinosaurs! Discover, draw, create, and excavate great things found in the ground in our new series based on the Everhart's exhibit, Ancient Microworlds. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to sign up.

Mondays, July 6 - 27. Ages 5 - 8: 10:00 - 11:00 am. Ages 9 - 12: 11:30 - 12:30 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructor: Everhart Museum Educator

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 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

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.

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 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 - 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

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.

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