At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

It was a great weekend at the Dietrich! Kudos to all those little zoo animal critters who made their great escape from the city of cement to have an adventure in far more verdant pastures. Bless them all! They gave us our best weekend since Christmas! Tunkhannock is such a family town – we really love to bring our kids to the movies. And it shows. Every time we have a film the entire family can enjoy we do very well. Believe me, we’d have more of them if Hollywood would turn them out a little more often.

The delightful thing about “Madagascar” is how chatty and happy everyone is leaving the theater after they’ve seen it. We love films like that! Where everyone comes out laughing and talking to each other about what they’ve just seen. And sometimes they’re talking to folks they don’t even know!

Which brings me to the subject of the great “box-office slippage” that’s being discussed in the media from coast to coast. One of the reasons given for this dearth of movie-goers is the growth of the DVD. Well, folks, I don’t buy it. I think DVD’s are wonderful – to catch a movie you inadvertently missed or to see again one you loved. But to substitute a DVD for actually seeing a film in a theater? Puhleez! I don’t care how big your home screen is or how much you’ve spent on the sound. You still don’t have a movie screen and you don’t have dts and, most of all, you don’t have hundreds of people watching it with you.

Movies were made to be seen in groups. Large, large, really big groups. Watching them home alone is no substitute at all. In fact, like the Internet, or Game-boys or listening to music through ear-phones, watching a movie at home is simply another way our society is becoming a nation of isolates. And isolates have no sense of group responsibility. Isolates see what they want when they want to. They listen to what they want when they want to. They play endless games with only a computer as their partner. Where, from those experiences, do they find their place in the community of their brethren?

Think of the first time you saw “It’s A Wonderful Life” at the Dietrich. Many of you had seen it countless times on your televisions at home. When the cast sings Auld Lang Syne and the camera closes in on the misty eyed Stewart, were you even in the room, or had you gone to the fridge to get a snack? When the credits started to roll, did you applaud as if you’d just seen live theater? Did you look at the person sitting next to you (if there was someone sitting next to you) and say – God! I’m so glad we sat here alone in our rooms and watched this movie? Probably not.

But if you saw it at the Dietrich you laughed when two hundred others did, and you wept with them and, at the end, you applauded and talked to the folks around you and said – “What a great movie. They just don’t make them like that anymore!” Or some such.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that movies are a very important part of American culture, and they are a communal event. And it’s the communal part that is so profoundly important. When we play together we form bonds that will carry over to the more important work at hand.

Movies are the great American art form. (Yeah, yeah, I know I’ll hear from folks who tell me that watercolors or oils or playing the saw are the real American art forms and to that I say – ha! You’re wrong. It’s the movies – hands down!) And as such, these films deserve to be seen in the great rooms they were made for. With company. And that company consists of your friends and neighbors. It’s important!

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Madagascar is here! And those kids love all of the animated zoo animals in that film including Alex the Lion (Ben Stiller), Marty the Zebra (Chris Rock), Gloria the Hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith), Melman the Giraffe (David Schwimmer) and of course the penguins! The movie is also popular with older kids! Our teenage concession staff seems to enjoy the movie. I hope to check out the movie myself this week!

Our quilting class has grown significantly in the past week. We started with five children and now have nineteen boys and girls taking an Amish Quilting Adventure thanks to a grant from the Trehab Center in Tunkhannock.. Kids age five and up are learning about the Amish culture and the Amish way of quilting. Their projects are beautiful!

The Dietrich’s quilt instructors Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, and Gloria Eastwood also taught a mother and daughter quilting class at the Blue Herron Gallery in Wyalusing in May. It is amazing to see how programs grow and how different generations can enjoy the same type of art!

In June, we will continue our “Quilting for Kids” class in the summer with a new session starting Wednesday, June 15th to July 27th from 3:30-5:00 pm in which students will make a patchwork flag quilt and a “Snails Tails” quilt with many twists, turns, and spirals. Each class is $6.00. Call the theater at 570-996-1500 to register.

Our Second Saturday event is also quilt related. On Saturday, June 11th from 10:00 am –noon. Quilt instructors Ingrid Rogler and Peggy Lane will introduce your little ones to the art of quilting. Children will draw a picture on cloth then frame their masterpiece with fabrics of their choice. If a child loves to color but is reluctant to stitch, we'll complete the quilted memory for you. This project is great for children of all ages. Admission is free. Please call 570-996-1500 for details.

In June, we can’t wait to use our new cultural space, Studio II. We plan to use it for yoga sessions, Writers Group, Acting for Adults, and some of our summer camps including Digital Arts Camp. It enables the Dietrich to offer more night classes without interfering with the movies.

On Tuesday, June 7th from 7:00-8:30 pm, we will be starting our “Open Studio for Painting and Drawing” class with Steve Colley. This class has had a great response! Individual artists and families have signed up for this class series. There are still a few spaces available, so register today!

And the night before on Monday, June 6th from 6:00-7:00 pm, the Dietrich will host a Batik Open House and Reception in the Earnshaw Gallery. If you are curious to find out what Batik is, here’s your chance. This will be a fun evening to meet Gail Jones, Batik artist-in-residence, and to see her work and her students’ work. Light refreshments will be provided.

There is still time to register for June camps, classes, and events! Visit www.dietrichtheater.com to learn more about these opportunities for summertime fun.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Acting for Adults II, ages 16 and up

Students will add to their "toolbox" by focusing on the physical life of their characters. Students will strengthen their technique, and learn how to apply their skills to material that is more complex and stylistic. This class session will culminate in a showcase of students work open to the public. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Tuesdays, July 19, 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Cost: $60 for the six-week session.

Instructor: Sara Lane, M.F.A. in Acting from the National Theatre Conservancy

Acting for Adults, ages 16 and up

This class focuses on the use of objectives, character development, given circumstances, sub-text, obstacles, and physical actions to create truthful characters and performances. Students will apply these techniques to monologues and scenes by contemporary playwrights. This class will culminate in a showcase of students' work open to the public. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Tuesdays, June 7, 14, 21, 28, July 5, 12 from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Cost: $60 for the six-week class

Instructor: Sara Lane, M.F.A. in Acting from the National Theatre Conservancy

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

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, 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, 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 20 - 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

Father's Day Craft with Sarah Sidorek, ages 10 and up

Enjoy making crafts with local artist Sarah Sidorek. 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 in. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

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

Cost: $8.00

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

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 - 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, 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.

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, June 6, 13, 20.

Cost: $20 for each series of three classes

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

Open Studio (Session 1-filled)

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.

Pottery & Sculpture

This class is designed for students of all levels of experience. Students will work on pottery wheels and learn hand building techniques. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register

Mondays, 7:00-8:30 pm. Session 1-June 13, 20, 27. Session 2- July 11, 18, 25, August 1. Session 3 - August 8, 15, 22, 29.

$45 for four classes, or $35 for three classes

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., 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, June 2, 9, 16, 23.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes.

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

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 (Ages 5-12: filled)

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

Yoga for You at Night!

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.

Mondays, June 6 - June 27 from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

$40 for the four sessions

Instructor: Angela Heffron

Yoga for You -Saturdays

This class will teach or reinforce the basic yoga poses (asanas) which gently stretch and strengthen the body. Special attention will be given to proper breathing and alignment in the postures. Please bring a yoga mat or beach towel. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Saturdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 from 10:00 am -11:00 am

Admission is $40 for all four classes.

Instructor: Mary Frances Giordano, certified Hatha yoga instructor