At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Oh, my. What a weekend. I have to tell you that ye olde Dietrich “broads” were very, very happy campers. It was so wonderful seeing all the people pour in the front doors. It’s funny, you know? You work and work and work on a project and the point is that you will reach fruition on said project some time in the future, but it seems as if the closer that moment gets in time the more distant it seems. Then, after three long, long years, we were at opening night. All four screens. People laughing and talking and looking around and saying “It’s so beautiful!” and “I can’t believe it!” and various other wondrous words to help calm the butterflies that had taken over our respective tummies.

Of course, there are many wee things to be fixed and jiggled and worked on. We never got quite the quick rhythm in the concession we had in the old one. We didn’t have signs up to tell folks where the new restrooms are. The projection equipment kept finding new ways to give us a really, really bad headache. But all in all, it went very well. The years of dreams and work paid off. Rarely do the facts exceed the dreams, but this time, they did.

Thanks to the generosity of so many folks. So many people who believe that the Dietrich is a central player in a dynamic town. The names you see above the theaters and the gallery and the children’s room are folks who believe not only in the future of the theater, but in the future of the grandest, most historic, best town in the world. And in hard economic times, we are holding on for dear life to make this one terrific place to shop and dine and catch a movie. Isn’t that so cool?

I do want to take a moment to say that there are two folks, volunteers, who we could not have done without. I know that when you single people out you take the chance of offending those you did not mention, and I certainly don’t want to do that. But the ladies of the Dietrich owe these men a debt of immeasurable gratitude and so I want to take a couple of sentences to tell them thanks, you’re swell guys and it’s been a pleasure working with you.

First on my list of two is Jerry Weber, who volunteered to be our project manager and who even flew up from Florida (where he winters) twice to make sure everything was on schedule. There is not one square inch of this project that Jerry isn’t familiar with. When you see the final product it is the way it is because Jerry spent countless hours working everything out, making things fit, making it better. And the best part is that he’s so much fun to work with! He’s funny, he’s passionate, he’s dedicated and he loves the theater. He’s a razzle-dazzle guy whom we have come to care about so much that we are making him and “Honorary Dietrich Broad.” We cannot thank him enough, now or ever for all he has done for us.

The second “Honorary Dietrich Broad” (oh, is Erica going to hate this – she hates when I use that term) is John Keker, our financial advisor through this whole long process. A retired Bank of America officer, he has spent a lifetime advising folks around the world how best to use their funds. Then he brought that lifetime of knowledge to us at the Dietrich and shared it in the most generous way. And never once did he get impatient with us, although I assure you we can be thick as molasses. He’s generous, kind, has a wicked fine sense of humor and one more time, we couldn’t have done this project without him. You’re a good guy, Banker, and we’re glad you’re with us!

So, those are my special thank-you’s. Movie-wise, The Hangover is hilarious but totally raunchy and in-your-face- and politically incorrect. I loved it. Most of my friends did not. Angels and Demons, one week only, a Dan Brown thriller I’ve had lots of requests for. Up in its third week is one of the finest movies I’ve ever seen. Simply breathtaking. Land of the Lost finishes up our final four. (I still can’t get used to telling you about four (!!!!) movies!!!!!

Look for The Proposal opening on the 19th.

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

The Dietrich’s new theaters are now open! The seats are super comfortable (plush, stadium rocker seats), the sound is amazing, and the excitement of our patrons, staff, board of directors, and volunteers about the expansion is overflowing. One special feature in the Dietrich’s new Kintner Guardian Lobby is the black and white old movie posters that are featured in the space. To see images of John Wayne, Paul Newman, Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable, and other legendary actors in the lobby adds a nice touch of nostalgia in a theater with so much history. Of course the lobby’s collection of movie images would not be complete without a scene from It’s a Wonderful Life, the movie we play each December as a gift to the community. Next time you are at the theater please make time to check them out. We would like to thank Stephen Hendrickson, and Bob and Betsey of Lizza Studios in Tunkhannock for making that part of the theater so magical.

For those who are looking to plan an event or birthday party for children, please consider using the Dietrich’s new children’s room for your occasion. You can have a movie birthday party, a traditional party, and in the next few months we will be featuring theme parties. These parties are super convenient - we supply the space which means you wouldn’t have any of the pre or post party clean up, we also supply the food and entertainment which sounds like a good deal to me.

Speaking of entertainment, the Dietrich will be presenting a couple of Founders’ Day events. On Saturday, June 27th from 10 am - 4 pm, join in the celebration of Tunkhannock’s heritage. The theater will be hosting an exhibit entitled Ghosts of Tunkhannock which will feature photos entered in the Dietrich’s photo contest that show reminders of how Tunkhannock once was such as a hitching post, wrought iron fences, or signage that still remain on doorsteps and buildings. In addition to photos, the exhibit contains items that show how life once was in Tunkhannock including old tools, a camera, and other things that show our past which are on loan from Tunkhannock’s Historical Society.

Then on Founders’ Day night, the Dietrich will host Shakespeare in the Park at Tunkhannock’s beautiful Riverside Park. This year, Gamut Theatre Group of Harrisburg will present Romeo & Juliet. This production is the original text of Shakespeare brought to life by seven very talented and energetic actors. The play will start at 7:00 pm with a pre-show discussion about Shakespeare at 6:00 pm with Bill Chapla. Admission is free. Please bring your own blanket or chair.

And just a reminder, there is still time to sign up for summer camps and classes! Take an adventure in African Safari Camp, visit Italy in Mamma Mia Camp, explore the world of insects in Creep Crawly Critters Camp, or learn about acting with Michaela Moore in Acting Camp for Kids. For more information or to register for any of the Dietrich summer camps, call 570-996-1500.

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

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 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