At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh!!!!! And then some! We are a very, very tiny boat bobbing about in a mighty sea. Murphy’s Law is in full regalia. Whatever can go wrong either already has or is working on it. Last night our trusty popcorn popper burned out. Just said (with a tip of the hat) it was tired and would now burn up and stop making popcorn forever, or at least for a few days. So our terrific kids and Esther had to haul the little popper we used when we first opened, up the cellar steps, clean it out and put it back to work. And it popped fine - - but we couldn’t for the life of us figure out how we had ever used it! It makes such a tiny amount of popcorn. Then we remembered that we’d come in really early, maybe an hour or so before the shows, and pop the corn and put it in huge garbage bags and then slowly add it to the popping corn as the night went on. Oh, my. It seems so long ago. And now the big popper we replaced it with is being replaced by an even bigger popper. You know, some people measure the passage of time by how much money they make, or how many grandchildren they have, or how large that arbor day tree has grown. But me? Apparently I measure time’s passage by the sizes of popcorn machines. Far out, don’t you think?

This will be what one might call a “soft” opening. In other words, not everything is finished. But if we didn’t get on the blockbuster schedule this weekend it was going to bollix up the entire summer. So June 5th it is and the new theaters will be pretty much done, with a small tweak here and there. It’s the Murray and the Evans where the chaos will be concentrated, as new carpets and some painting are done. Plus, our new ticket booth will not be finished because the workmen didn’t want to close us down. (Speaking of which, isn’t it purely amazing that we have added two more screens and were never closed for even one day?????) So, for this weekend only, the entrance will most likely be through the new doors. But that will only be until the new booth is built. After that you will come through the Earnshaw Gallery just as you always have. After all, the gallery is one of our particular points of pride, so we would never abandon it. Except for this weekend. Just this once. Scout’s honor!

And now for the movies. If you haven’t seen “UP” you simply must. It’s glorious. Everything about it is Pixar grand. It is so poignant, a little melancholy, bursting with optimism, a tonic for the weary soul. Pixar is such a great company. You know, everyone (including me) is always bashing Hollywood. But here’s a fact – there are good guys there, too. Just like here. And Pixar is a company with a real belief in the artistic endeavor, in not cutting corners, in remaining true to its real self. Of all the nearly perfect films they have done, I think perhaps UP is the most perfect, the most touching and the one that most softly taps at the door of an aging heart. Of course, children will love it. But really, if you’re around my age, do come see it. And bring tissues. You’ll need them.

Will Ferrell is coming to pay a visit in Land of the Lost, a movie I can only imagine will be as campy and silly as the television show it is based on. (Was there ever a worse show???) But Ferrell can always make us laugh, whether he’s an elf or a president or an anchorman. There’s just something about that face that causes the laughter to bubble up inside. This is a family movie I think the kids will love, and the adults will probably groan through – but good groans. Honest.

The Hangover is not our usual film because it is an R rated comedy. But the reviews on it are smashing! Having four screens allows us to delve into genres we could never touch before. And Variety gave this a hugely positive review! They called it a laugh riot, clever, rowdy, profanely funny! Since it’s the guys who brought us The Wedding Crashers and The Forty Year Old Virgin you know it will be very, very funny! And of course we still have Night at the Museum.

Oh my goodness! That’s four screens!!!! Can you believe it??????

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

I really can't believe the Dietrich is about to open its two new theaters! They are just gorgeous. I love all of the colors used throughout the entire space - so cheerful and inviting. And the new stadium rocker seats are super comfortable. Speaking of those seats, there is still time to sponsor one. A plaque will be affixed to each seat in honor of a friend, family, loved one, business, or organization. Seats can be sponsored for $350. For more information, please call the Dietrich at 570-996-1509. Don’t miss your chance to take part!

Hildy already has most of the summer planned out with a great selection of movies for all four theaters. She can now bring in such a variety of films - something for everyone -kids, adults, and teens. Another new feature of the expansion is the children’s room. With this space, children will be able to have their birthday parties at the Dietrich whether there is a children’s movie playing or not. This space will also be available to be used for bridal showers, meetings, parties or other events. Stay tuned for more information about the children’s room.

Besides the opening of the theater, the Dietrich has several workshops and camps for adults and youth coming up this month. For those of you who have an interest in antique linens and textiles, Monika Kennedy of Shades of White in Stevensville will be at the Dietrich on Tuesday, June 9th at 7:00 pm for a free workshop. In this presentation, Monika will show participants how to identify and care for antique linens and textiles. Participants are invited to bring their own linens to show. I can’t wait to see what treasures people bring in to share.

For kids, the Dietrich will offer the first of its many summer camps later this month. Michaela Moore of All About Theatre will be teaching an Acting Camp for Kids on June 22 to 26 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm. Students ages 6 to 11 will use their imaginations and learn all about acting through theater games, improvisation, storytelling, play making, character creation and more! Students will also create their own characters and stories as they prepare for a casual performance for family and friends at the end of the week.

From 10 am - noon during the same week, Michaela along with Amy Colley, will take kids on an adventure into the world of insects. During Creepy Crawly Critters: Theatre & Visual Arts Camp, children will create insect costumes, plays, pottery, jewelry and more as they learn about some of the smallest and most interesting creatures on our planet. What a great way for students ages five to twelve to experience theatre and visual arts! Admission is $50.

Then starting on June 29th through July 10, master puppetry artist Hua Hua Zhang will be at the Dietrich for two special camps. For ages six to eight, she will be teaching a Chinese Dragon Camp where students will learn all about Chinese culture, folk art, and shadow puppet theatre. Children will study the mythology of Chinese dragons and their origin, draw and make small Chinese dragons, and learn the Dragon Dance. They will also make a shadow puppet and perform a play on a shadow screen. Admission is free.

For students ages 9 to 14, Hua Hua will teach a Shadow Puppet Theatre Camp. She will teach students all about Chinese literature, culture, language, and writing as the group explores Shadow Mask Theatre. They will also design and create scenery as they adapt the famous Chinese novel Journey to the West to create a show called Monkey King’s Adventure. Admission is free. Please join us for one or a few of these amazing summer camps.

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

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

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.

Tuesdays, July 28 & August 11 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60, 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