At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

It is here, you know. It may not feel it or look it, but it’s here, even if it is seemingly well hidden. Why, spring, of course, in case you wondered of what I speak. Spring is here! And hasn’t it been a long time coming, though? I don’t know why this winter has seemed so interminable – we’ve had worse – but this one seemed almost, well, demoralizing. So gray and cold that some days it was hard to remember why it mattered to even get up in the morning.

Maybe, for me, it was expectations that were way, way too high. I kept thinking that on January One I would start a whole new life. You know, the cancer surgery and treatment was behind me so the new year was going to simply wipe away all the bad stuff from ’04. Maybe we need to think that way when we’re going through things – you know, that there will be a day when this particular bad time will be over. Too bad it actually doesn’t work that way.

But it doesn’t. I’m still a cancer patient with high hopes and jangled nerves. I cling to the words of every woman who stops me on the street to tell me she’s a long-term survivor. I need to hear that. It helps me make it through the night.

Sandy can’t start over either. Randy is still gone and he won’t be coming back. So she has taken her pain and grief and put it toward such a positive goal – setting up a network to help addicts and their families – that I am awed by her every day. But she didn’t get to leave the pain behind as the calendar moved from one year to another. Someone should invent that, you now. The calendar that takes the pain and fear and sadness with it when it changes years. I’d buy one of those. Oh, yeah.

So, to the movies – two goodies for the holiday weekend. “Robots” continues its successful run with us. Great movie to bring the kids to – they universally love it! And then for you little bit more grown-up folks, there is Sandra Bullock’s new flick – “Miss Congeniality 2, Armed and Dangerous”. Look, the first one was funny and this sequel looks to be equally amusing if not more so. It’s just a movie to make you laugh. Take a break from real life and enjoy a chuckle or two watching some really talented folks cavort on the big screen. And after all that rich holiday food, won’t a little of our low-cal, low-fat, really really good for you popcorn hit the spot? (heh heh.)

Culturally speaking, don’t forget the Kofi Donkor drumming class on Thursday, March 31. We have the class so often because so many people sign up. Everyone loves it! It’s just perfect for tapping into your inner drummer. Ooooh – the frustration that can release! But hurry and sign up – it’s filling fast.

Festival brochures will be in the mail this week. If you want to attend opening night you have to call 996-1500 pretty quickly. We always end up turning away significant numbers of people. Don’t let that happen to you. “Being Julia”, Epicurean Delight desserts. “Merchant of Venice”. Tell me it gets better than that? I don’t think so!

So that’s it. You have a wonderful Easter. I love this holiday because it brings back so many cherished memories of my childhood. We were very poor growing up, although my mother never let us in on that little secret. Somehow, through her amazing ability to stretch little sums of money to their absolute nth degree – every Easter my sister and I got a new dress, hat, gloves and, best of all, patent leather shoes. I remember one year my mother letting me get a hat with a little veil on the top. Oh my, was I an important ten year old! And my Dad would dye eggs with us – all different swirly colors and that so-clean smell of vinegar permeating our holiday house. I can’t smell vinegar to this day without thinking of my Pop and Easter weekend.

Oh, don’t you wish with all your hearts you could bring your dear ones back to be with you – just for one day?

Happy Easter, dear friends. See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Well, it’s officially spring which means new classes, great movies, and film festival time at the Dietrich. On Thursday, March 31st the Dietrich has invited back Maxwell Kofi Donkor for a Drumming Workshop at Father Nallin Hall in downtown Tunkhannock from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Take this opportunity to participate in a drumming circle with fantastical group rhythms. African drums are provided for each participant, all that is needed is a desire to drum. All levels of experience are welcome. Maxwell is an amazing drumming teacher; drum maker, and an expert about African culture. Admission is $30.00. Call the theater at 570-996-1500 to preregister.

Then on Tuesdays, March 29 through April 26th from 4:00-5:00 pm, the Dietrich Theater will present “Pull the Strings”, the Everhart Museum’s Puppet Theatre Workshop. Fourth through sixth graders will create puppet characters, write a play, and put on a puppet performance under the direction of Elizabeth Hughes of the Everhart Museum. In last year’s workshop, kids made really unique puppet characters with interesting storylines. Admission is free. Space is limited so call the theater to register today.

The Dietrich also has a new lineup of classes in its new spring and summer brochure, which is now available. We are excited to offer new “Batik” (Fiber Art) classes on Mondays, April 4th through June 6th. 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 570-996-1500 to learn more about this opportunity.

April means new quilting classes for youth and adults and “Portfolio Prep” classes. Through May, “Mixed Media” classes for children ages 5 -12 will be held on Wednesdays and Fridays from 4 -5:30 pm with our artists-in -residence Amy and Steve Colley. “Pottery and Sculpture” classes have a new night, Wednesday from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. We will also continue some of our favorite classes including “Mommy and Me Mixed Media”, “Preschool Art”, “Decorative Painting”, Writers Group”, and “Yoga for You”!

On Saturday, April 9th at 11:00 am, the Dietrich Theater will resume its Second Saturday series with “Theatre Fun for Families”. Explore the theatre arts during this family improvisation/interaction theatre workshop with Michaela Moore of All About Theatre. All ages and levels of experience are welcome and admission is free.

Now for all of you film festival fans out there, our April 8th - April 21st festival schedule is online at www.dietrichtheater.com or you can pick up a festival brochure at the Dietrich. This year’s spring festival movies have received major acclaim. Annette Bening was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as a theatrical diva who mixes her on-and off-stage lives at will in Being Julia and Imelda Stauton was nominated in the same category for her role in Vera Drake. Born into Brothels: Calcutta’s Red Light Kids received the Oscar for Best Feature-Length Documentary. The Sea Inside won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and The Chorus (Les Choristes) was nominated in the same category. And Don Cheadle was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for his role in Hotel Rwanda. On opening night, Being Julia and The Merchant of Venice (starring one of my favorite actors of all time, Al Pacino) will be featured. The night will be extra decadent with a dessert spread provided by Epicurean Delight. Tickets for opening night sell out quickly, so reserve yours today by calling 570-996-1500.

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

Bus Trip to Everhart Museum, Nay Aug Park and Zoo

Preregistration required. Space is limited.

Saturday, July 30th, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm

Cost: $5 per person

Instructor: Everhart Museum Staff

Crafts with Sarah Sidorek, ages 10 and up

Enjoy making crafts with local artist Sarah Sidorek. 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

Thursday, May 5th, 3:30-5:00 pm and Thursday, June 16th, 3:30 - 5:00 pm

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

Decorative Painting for Adults, age 13 and up, Spring and Summer Day Sessions

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

Wednesdays, April 6-May 18, June 8-29, July 13-20, August 3 -31. noon - 3:00 pm

Cost: $15 per lesson + cost of painting surface

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Decorative Painting for Adults, ages 13 and up, Spring and Summer Night Sessions

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

Thursdays, May 5, 12; June 9, 16; July 14, 21; August 11, 18. 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Cost: $15 per lesson + 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

Intergenerational Quilting for all ages - Spring Session

Learn early American quilting. Recreate the classic Log Cabin pattern.

Wednesdays, April 6 - June 8, 6-7:30 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Peggy Lane

Intergenerational Quilting for all ages, Summer Session

Make a traditional quilt sampler. The prep work will be done for you.

Wednesdays, June 15 - July 27, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

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