At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

I want to tell you all about the drug forum last week, but I guess I’d better start with the movies since that’s what I’m supposed to be writing about anyway. To begin with, we are holding “Hitch” over for another week. There was no choice, really, since it sold out again and again. Therefore, if you didn’t get to see it this past weekend, you have one more to do so. I’m going to see it Wednesday, but folks who saw it said it’s great fun. Sweet and fluffy and not to be taken seriously. Perfect for the world’s longest winter!

“Robots” is a huge hit. Not as big as Shrek, but close. Everyone who sees it loves it. It’s funny, funny, funny. And the colors, in case you haven’t heard, arte the colors of classic fiesta ware (which they used to give out free at movie theaters). Cool, hmm? And the trailer for “Ice Age 2” is worth the price of admission. It came attached to “Robots” and is simply adorable. It’s an extra little treat when you watch “Robots”.

And for those of you still waiting for Million Dollar Baby - April 1, I promise! I really, really do. It will be the week before the film festival begins. And speaking of festival, the brochures will go out this week and they’re already on the website. What a terrific bunch of movies we have for you. Next week I’ll tell you about them.

Now about the drug forum last Wednesday. It was a bitterly cold night and I had hoped for fifty people. I felt that would make the time and effort worth it. It wasn’t what we hoped for, but it was what I thought we’d get. Wrong! Over two hundred and thirty people braved the cold to come listen to the speakers talk about going from the darkness of addiction to the light of recovery. Standing room only! And as the speakers told their stories, they made it clear that they came from good and loving and concerned families. They weren’t street urchins. They were loved. And yet, sometime during their early teens they became addicted. Alcohol, then marijuana, then cocaine or methamphetamines or heroin.

There were teens there, all working a program. Men and women, young and old, were there to learn or to witness, but they stood side-by-side as the brothers and sisters we are. At one point Mike Donahue asked those in recovery to stand up if they felt they could break their anonymity. At least one-third of the audience stood, leaving many of us to gasp is surprise. And all I could think as I brushed away tears, was that there was no difference between them and the rest of us – we were one person in the heart of God.

Now, I don’t know why some folks can take a drink and enjoy it and have it be part of a healthy diet and some take a drink and it starts them on a pathway to oblivion. And in the end, who cares? Does it matter why our children become addicts? Doesn’t it matter only that we get them help and that we love them and love them and love them some more?

A caveat here. It is not loving to pretend our children aren’t addicts. It isn’t loving to tell ourselves that they’re only “sowing their wild oats” or “having a little fun on the weekends”. That’s not love. That’s denial. Oh, and one more thing. It’s not shameful to be addicted or have an addict in the family.

Let me repeat that. It is not shameful to be addicted or have a loved one who is addicted. It’s just a fact of life. Like cancer is a fact of life. So many people have told me how brave I am because I talked openly about having cancer. Gosh. I don’t think that’s brave. Because, like addiction, cancer isn’t shameful – it’s a disease which I had a genetic proclivity for. So I talk about it in the hopes it will help others in whatever way it can. Addiction is no different. Let the sun shine in folks! There is no shame in illness. Come join us at the next forum – we’ll tell you when and where. And talk, talk, talk. That’s what drives the shadows away. Don’t be afraid. Believe this dear ones - you are among friends. Everything’s gonna be okay.

If you need to talk to one of the members of Wyoming County C.A.R.E.S. just give me a call at the office and I’ll hook you up with someone who will help you. It’s a start on the pathway to recovery.

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

March is turning out to be an amazing month at the Dietrich. Last Wednesday night, the Dietrich Theater along with Wyoming County C.A.R.E.S. and Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Drug and Alcohol Program hosted a drug forum on addiction. There was standing room only as Mike Donahue, the director of Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Drug and Alcohol Program, a recovering drug addict, and a mother of a recovering addict discussed the disease of addiction and what you can do about it. It was great to see so much community support and interest in facing the serious reality of drug addiction.

Then on Saturday, the Dietrich Theater After School Players took the stage and performed “Little Elvis”, the final performance in their eight-week theatre arts workshop under the direction of Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning of First Act Children’s Theatre. Young and old Elvis fans were delighted to see The King himself in the play. Special thanks to Tom Henry for playing the role of Elvis in the production.

We also have a great line up of classes starting at the end of March. On Tuesdays, March 29 through April 26th from 4:00-5:00 pm, the Dietrich Theater will present “Pull the Strings”, Everhart Museum’s Puppet Theater and Workshop for fourth through sixth graders. In this workshop, students will go behind the scenes, write an original play and create a cast of puppet characters for a final puppet performance with Everhart Museum Staff. Admission is free. Space is limited so call the theater at 570-996-1500 to register today.

Then on Thursday, March 31 from 3:30 - 5:30 pm, “Afternoon Adventures for Girls” kicks off! This year girls in grades 5 through 8 are welcome to join Elizabeth Hughes from the Everhart Museum in a five Thursday workshop at the Tunkhannock Area Middle School where girls will learn more about themselves and their place in the world through interactive seminars on voice, yoga, culture, art and the environment. Admission is free.

The Dietrich will also present a one-day Drumming Workshop on Thursday, March 31 at Father Nallin Hall, which is across the street from the theater. Maxwell Kofi Donkor, Master Drummer and award-winning artist, will lead a drumming circle from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. African drums are provided for each participant, all that is needed is a desire to drum. Maxwell is an amazing drumming teacher for both younger and older sets. He is originally from Ghana and has a great wealth of knowledge about African culture and drumming. He even makes African drums, which is an art in itself. Admission is $30.00. Call the theater at 570-996-1500 for details.

And in April, the Dietrich will offer classes in “Batik”, or fiber art on Mondays, April 4 - June 6. In this eight-week class, students will have hands-on experience using traditional practices with various fibers under the direction of traditional Batik artist Gail Jones. They will understand working from positive to negative and learn about working with pigments. Students will create art on rice paper, muslin, and finally silk. Gail will hold an after school class from 4:00 - 6:00 pm for young artists, ages 7 -15 years old and an evening class for adults, ages 13 plus, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Call Margie Young at the Dietrich to learn more or register for this unique artistic opportunity.

And don’t forget to RSVP for the Spring Film Festival Opening Night on Friday April 8th. We can’t wait to bring in fourteen of the finest foreign, independent, and art films of the year. For more information about the films for this festival, visit our website www.dietrichtheater.com.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Afternoon Adventures for Girls, grades 5 -8

Hey girl! You are a force to be reckoned with, an independent spirit. Celebrate yourself and your place in the world through interactive seminars on voice, body, culture, art and the environment. This series of classes will be held at the Tunkhannock Middle School. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Thursdays, March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28. 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Free

Everhart Museum Staff

Batik for Adults, ages 13 and up

Students will have hands-on experience with Fiber Art. They will work with pigments, different materials, and learn traditional Batik practices. Please call 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays, April 4 - June 6, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Cost: $80, includes materials

Instructor: Gail Jones, artist-in-residence

Batik for Kids, ages 7 -15

Students will have hands-on experience with Fiber Art. They will work with pigments, different materials, and learn traditional Batik practices. Please call 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays, April 4 - June 6, 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Cost: $60, materials included.

Instructor: Gail Jones, artist-in-residence

Crafts with Sarah Sidorek, ages 10 and up

Enjoy making crafts with local artist Sarah Sidorek. March 19th, 10 - 11:30 am - Think Spring - Paint a Birdhouse. Thursday, May 5th, 3:30-5:00 pm - Mother's Day gift - paint a gift box and make earrings for Mom or Grandma. Thursday, June 16th, 3:30 - 5:00 pm - Father's Day gift - Paint a frame to hold your photo and make gift wrap to wrap it. inCall 570-996-1500 to register

Saturday March 19th, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Cost: $1.00 for March Class. $8.00 for each May and June class

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Decorative Painting - New Night Sessions!

Try your hand at painting decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. All levels of experience welcome. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays through March 30, noon - 3:00 pm.

Cost: $15 per class + cost of painting surface

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Digital Arts Camp

Claymation, robotics, and special effects!

Monday, June 21 - Friday, June 24. Session 1 - ages 12 and up: 10 am -noon. Session 2 - ages 9 - 12: 1 - 3:30 pm

Cost: $45

Instructor; Rand Whipple

Everhart Ancient Art Explorations

Explore the art of ancient Greece and Rome, ancient Egypt, Cave art, and Babylonian art.

Fridays, July 8, 15, 22, 29. Session 1 - Ages 5-8: 10:00 -11:00 am. Session 2 - Ages 9-12: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Cost: Free

Instructors: Everhart Museum Staff

Golden Days of Radio Players Group

Come back with us to those thrilling days of radio drama and comedy. Join us as we prepare a radio play production. Together we will explore the magic of "The Theater of the Mind". Call 570-996-1500 for more information.

Tuesdays, through April 26, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Admission is free.

Instructor: Valerie Paulus

Intergenerational Oil Painting

Students of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to learn the skills of oil painting.

Monday, August 1 - Friday, August 5, 9:30 - 11:00 am

Admission is $55 for adults and $30 for children

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Intergenerational Quilting for all Ages

Learn early American quilting. Recreate the classic pattern Amish Broken Bars (Chinese Coins). Bring a friend or family member. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, through March 30, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Peggy Lane

Landscape Drawing and Painting

Ages 6 to adults are invited to experience drawing and painting landscapes as they see it. Classes will be held at Riverside Park. All materials will be provided. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Monday, August 1 - Friday, August 5, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Cost: $55 for adults and $30 for children

Instructors: Amy and Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Mask Making

A mask is an ideal structure for exploring three-dimensional art with children. Children will create their own masks as they discover a variety of mediums. Children will be exposed to masks of various cultures and discuss how masks have been worn and decorated throughout history and what purpose they served.

Ages 5-12: Monday, July 18 - Friday, July 22 from 9:30 - 11:00 am. Ages 4 and 5: Tuesday, July 26 - Thursday, July 28 from 10:00 am - 10:45 am.

Cost: $45 for ages 5- 12, $30 for ages 4 and 5.

Instructors: Michaela Moore and Amy Colley

Mixed Media Fridays, ages 5- 12

A new artist will be introduced each week as students will learn about famous artists in Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, etc., as they create their own works using a variety of materials including clay, tempera, charcoal, pastels, etc.

Fridays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - April 15, 22, 29, May 6. Session 2 - May 13, 20, 27, June 3. Session 3 - June 10, 17, 24.

Cost: $30 for each series of four classes or $25 for each series of three classes

Instructors: Steve and Amy Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Mixed Media Wednesdays, ages 5- 12

A new artist will be introduced each week as students will learn about famous artists in Impressionism, Cubism, etc., as they create their own works using a variety of materials including clay, tempera, charcoal, pastels, etc.

Wednesdays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - April 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 2 - May 4, 11, 18, 25.

Cost: $30 foreach series of four classes

Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Mommy & Me Mixed Media, ages 3 and 4

Young artists and their Moms, Dads, or grandparents will create works of art in an assortment of materials including clay, tempera, watercolor and collage.

Mondays, noon - 12:45 pm, Session 1 - April 4, 11, 18, 25. Session 2 - May 2, 9, 16, 23. Session 3 - June 6, 13, 20.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes or $20 for each series of three classes

Instructor: Amy Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Open Studio

Students of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to work at thier own pace and medium of their choice with instructor Steve Colley. A model will be provided for an additional fee if the group chooses. Please call 570-996-1500 to register.

Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Session 1 - June 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 2 - August 9, 16, 23, 30.

Cost: $30 per child, $45 per adult

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Portfolio Prep, ages 13 and up

In this class, you can build a diverse art portfolio as you draw, paint, and create pottery and sculpture. Even if you are not planning a portfolio you will be able to experience art using a variety of materials and learn new techniques. Please call 570-996-1500 to register

Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - April 5, 12, 19, 26. Session 2 - May 3, 10, 17, 24.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Pottery and Scuplture for Adults, 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 techniques as well. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Session 1 - April 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 2 - May 4, 11, 18, 25.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A. and M.F.A

Preschool Art, ages 4 and 5

Preschool students will be introduced to a famous artist each week as they explore a variety of materials such as clay, tempera, watercolors, collage, etc. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Thursdays, noon - 12:45 pm, Session 1 - April 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 2 - May 5, 12, 19, 26. Session 3 - June 2, 9, 16, 23.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Pull the Strings, grades 4 - 6

Lights! Camera! Action! Go behind the scenes, write an original play and create a cast of puppet characters for the final puppet theater performance in the Dietrich's very own theater! Call 570-996-1500 to register. Space is limited.

Tuesdays, March 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26. 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Cost: Free!

Instructors: Everhart Museum Staff

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up - Log Cabin Project

Cabin Fever - Warm up while cold winds blow with this Log Cabin/Barn Raising quilting project. Construct one log cabin in 4 easy lessons or build more and discover variations of this popular pattern. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, through March 30, 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Gloria Eastwood

Quilting Kids Spring Session, ages 6 and up

Take an Amish adventure. Kids will learn the art of the Amish while recreating classic quilt designs.

Wednesdays, April 6 - June 8, 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Cost: $6 per class, materials provided and not prepartion is necessary

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Gloria Eastwood

Theater Workshop

Hands-on activities with sound effects, makeup, special effects, and more!

Monday, June 13 - Friday, June 17th, 10 am - noon

Cost: $45

Instructors: Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning of First Act Children's Theatre

Theatre & Visual Arts Camp - Ancient China

Theatre and art activities centered around Ancient China

Ages 5 - 12: Monday, June 27 - Friday, July 1 from 10 am-noon. Ages 4 -5: Tuesday, June 28 - Thursday, June 30 from 12:30 - 1:30 pm

Cost: $45 for ages 5 -12, $30 for ages 4-5

Instructors: Amy Colley and Michaela Moore

Theatre and Visual Arts Camp - Knights, Princesses, & Dragons

Theater and art activities centered around medieval times.

Ages 5-12: Monday, August 8 - Friday, August 12 from 10 am - noon. Ages 4 and 5: Tuesday, August 9 - Thursday, August 11 from 12:30 - 1:30 pm

Cost: $45 for ages 5 - 12, $30 for ages 4 and 5

Instructors: Amy Colley and Michaela Moore

Writers Group

Love to write? The group celebrates all different types of writing styles and formats. Join at any time. Admission is free.

Thursdays, March 17 - August 25, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Admission is free.

group format - no instructor

Yoga for You

Accomodations will be made for beginners, experienced practitioners, and those with special needs. 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.

Instructor: Melissa Russo: Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor