At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Boy, do we have a cool film for you this week! We are opening Inside Man, starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jody Foster, Willem Dafoe and Christopher Plummer. What a cast! It’s a taut thriller where nothing is as it seems and a simple bank robbery turns out not to be so simple after all. Directed by Spike Lee, it has garnered terrific reviews. We brought it in because we thought maybe it would be fun to have an adult film tossed amidst all the kiddie fare we’ve been showing and will continue to show. It is R rated and because I haven’t seen it yet, I can’t tell you why. I’m assuming because of violence. So if you want your teens to see it you’ll have to bring them. I can’t wait to see it, for the cast if nothing else – but also because it just sounds so tricky and cool. In fact, that’s how one of the reviewers described it – as way, way cool!

Shaggy Dog is with us for another week. It’s very funny, very silly, and the audience laughs all the way through it. If you’re looking for a good family time, then this is what you’re looking for. The kids think it’s hilarious and really, so do the adults.

Don’t forget that next week, March 31, Ice Age 2 opens. Ice Age 1 was such a superb film and the trailers on this one look to be just as good. I think this will be the blockbuster of the spring, so set aside some time to come to the Dietrich with your family and have one really terrific time.

Two special cultural classes I want to tell you about because not only are they simply terrific, but they’re FREE! (Does it get better than that?) First, on Tuesdays starting March 28 and running through April 25, from 4:00 to 5:00 we have “Pull the Strings” presented by the Everhart Museum. This teaches kids in grades 4 thru 6 how to put on a puppet theater. The kids write the play and create the puppet characters. How creative and cool is that? Sign the kids up now while there’s still room in the class. They’ll have such a good and creative time!

The second FREE program I want to draw your attention to is sponsored by State Farm Insurance and is called “Everybody’s Beautiful”. Susan Klein and her puppet family are going to put on a show on April 8, from 11:00 til 12:00 to teach children in a gentle and fun way that although we are all different on the outside, we are the same in the ways that count on the inside. Terrific for teaching little ones understanding of different cultures, ethnicities, and/or physical or mental challenges. It’s a wonderful hour and won’t cost you a dime. We are very grateful to our friends at State Farm for underwriting it!

I simply have to tell you about last Friday and the MH/MR breakfast here in the Evans theater. It was one of the most thrilling events we have ever had here. The audience was packed with folks with a wide range of “challenges” although I’d say that Down Syndrome made up the largest group. Esther had made a film of our so-talented Steve Colley teaching four young women with Down Syndrome to throw pots, decorate them, paint them and put them in the kiln for a delightful finished product. Their concentration, their good humor, their dedication to task and their beautiful final product was soul-stirring.

Then there was the Down Syndrome woman who tap danced to the Maple Leaf Rag perfectly! Perfectly! Her feet moved exactly as they were supposed to, her rhythm flawless. And when she completed that, she and a partner and one other couple glided across the stage, whirling and twirling to the fox trot. It brought down the house - - standing ovations! And at the end, when everyone was given a flag of many colors to wave as they sang about letting their light shine in the world because they were “perfect just the way I am…” the flags were blurred by my tears. So much joy in life, so much dedication to the creative moment at hand, so much sweetness. The best morning ever. Ever.

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

What a great time we had with the “5 Women” plays. The actresses brought their parts to life and the audience was so receptive. We can’t wait to bring another show to the Peg Fassett Performance Studio, but until then we will have other theatre opportunities. On Sunday, April 9th, we plan to have our second Theater & Dinner Excursion to The Northeast Theatre at the Hotel Jermyn in downtown Scranton. We will see the play “Waiting for the Parade” by John Murrell. The setting for the play is in Canada during WWII, where five women follow the conflict from the home front. They volunteer, work, write, send packages, sing and look forward to the war’s end – waiting for the parade of soldiers to return home. The play starts at 3:00 pm, so we plan to meet at the Dietrich at 2 pm and caravan to the theatre. Dinner will follow the performance at a Brixx Grille and Tavern, downtown Scranton’s best grill and tavern, which is in walking distance from the Hotel Jermyn. Tickets are $13 per person for the show. Last time, we all enjoyed seeing “Over the River and Through the Woods”. For more information or to reserve tickets, please call 996-1500.

For kids, we have this great multidisciplinary class “Pull the Strings” coming up which combines theatre arts with visual arts. Fourth through sixth grade students have the opportunity to go behind the scenes, write an original play and create a cast of puppet characters for a puppet performance in the Dietrich’s very own theater. Last year, the kids’ puppets and plays were so unique, and they used slides of famous paintings as their scenery for their plays. Everhart Museum Education Instructors will start teaching this class on Tuesdays, March 28th through April 25th from 4:00 – 5:00 pm. Admission is free. Call the Dietrich to sign up.

We also have a ventriloquist show for families and kids coming to the Dietrich on Saturday, April 8th from 11:00 am – noon. Join Susan Klein, a ventriloquist, and her family of friends for their show “Everybody’s Beautiful”. Learn how everyone is beautiful in their own way. As individuals we are all different, yet in some ways we are alike. After the show, stay to ask Susan about the art of ventriloquism. Admission is free. “Everybody’s Beautiful” has been sponsored by State Farm Insurance.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

2006: A Space Odyssey: Theater & Visual Arts Camp

Theater and visual arts combine to make an awesome space adventure! Learn all about outer space, aliens, planets, and intergalactic travel while creating stories, live theater, arts, crafts and so much more! For ages 5 -12.

Monday - Friday, June 19 - 23 from 10:00 am - noon.

Cost: $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Michaela Moore & Amy Colley

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 environment. Classes will be held at the Tunkhannock Middle School.

Thursdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30, April 6 from 3:30 - 5:15 pm.

Cost: Free!

Instructor: Everhart Museum Staff.

All About Drawing Camp, ages 8 -12.

Using the artwork in award winning children's books as examples, students will learn about basic concepts of drawing including Line, Shape, Texture, Value, Color and Space.

Monday - Friday, July 10 - 14 from 10:00 - 11:30 am.

Cost: $50 all materials provided.

Instructors: Amy & Steve Colley

Beads and Memory Wire Bracelets (age 16 and up)

Complete a memory wire bead bracelet in one class. The bracelet will have large gem beads, medium gem beads, small gem beads and sterling silver spacer beads.

Thursday, May 18th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Cost: $25, all materials provided.

Instructor: Jeanne Browning

Decorative Painting, ages 13 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. Each project will be completed within one to two classes. All levels of experience welcome.

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm. March 22, 29. April 5 - August 31.

Cost: $15 per class plus the cost of the painting surface. Preregistration required.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Digital Arts Camp, ages 8 -12

Claymation, Robotics, and Special Effects.

Monday - Friday, June 26 - June 30 from 2:00 - 4:30 pm.

Cost: $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Rand Whipple, Box of Light Theatre

Drumming Workshop for Adults, age 13 and up

Maxwell will lead the group in an amazing, interactive experience where African rhythms are incorporated into fantastical group songs. All that is needed is a desire to drum. Space is limited. Call 570-996-1500 to reserve.

Saturdays, April 1st and May 6th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Cost: $25 per workshop.

Instructor: Maxwell Kofi Donkor, Master Drummer.

Everhart Ancient Art Explorations

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

Mondays, July 10, 17, 24, 31. Ages 5 - 8: 10:00 - 11:00 am. Ages 9 - 12: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm.

Admission is free.

Instructor: Everhart Museum Staff

Fantasy, Fairy Tales & Beasts: Theater & Visual Arts Camp

This camp is all about ancient gods, wonderful tales and fantastical beasts. Children enrolled will learn about all sorts of cultures and myths and use that knowledge to create wonderful dramatic and visual works of art!

Monday - Friday, August 7 - 11 from 10:00 am - noon.

Cost: $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Amy Colley & Michaela Moore

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".

Tuesdays, April 4 - May 23 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission is free.

Instructor: Valerie Paulus

Intergenerational Quilting, for all ages

"Interlocking Boxes" - Learn the tricks of discovering new patterns inside this intriguing design. Family members can collect these charming 6" blocks and stitch them into one memorable quilt.

Wednesdays through March 29 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Peggy Lane

Introduction to Acting Camp, ages 6 -11

A fun and creative introduction to all that acting is!

Monday - Friday, July 31 - August 4 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm.

Admission is $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Michaela Moore, All About Theatre.

Introduction to Glass Fusing , age 18 and up

This class will be a very basic introduction to the process of small-piece fused glass work. Each student will create a fused glass item that can then be used as a pendant.

Monday, May 8th from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Cost: $25, all materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Making Cards, age 8 and up

Make creative cards for Mother's Day, Father's Day or any other special occasion.

Tuesday, May 9 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Cost: $6.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Metal Working Basic Jewelry (ages 16 and up)

Students will learn how to use a jewelers say, how to do basic metal cutting, filing and polishing. Metal used will be copper and sterling silver. Each student will create a pendant.

Monday, May 1st from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Cost: $45, all materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Mixed Media, ages 5 -12

A new artist will be introduced each week as students learn about famous artist and create their own works using materils including clay, tempera, charcoal, pastels, etc.

Fridays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Series 1 - April 7, 14, 21, 28. Series 2 - May 5, 12, 19, 26.

Cost: $30 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley, M.F.A.

Mommy & Me Mixed Media

For ages 3 and 4. Young artists and their moms, dads, or grandparents will create works of art using an assortment of materials, including clay, tempera, watercolor and collage.

Fridays, 10:30 - 11:15 am, Series 1 - April 7, 14, 21, 28. Series 2 - May 5, 12, 19, 26.

Cost: $25 for each series of 4 classes.

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

Move Over Mr. Spieberg: Digital Film Making Workshop

Learn how to create your own digital films using a digital camera and a computer. Using everything from clay actors to human ones, the class will shoot, edit, score and output several short films in the course of the week. For ages 13 to adult.

Monday - Friday, June 26 - June 30 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Cost: $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Rand Whipple, Box of Light Theatre

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing & Pottery

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

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Series 1 - April 4, 11, 18, 25. Series 2 - May 2, 9, 16, 23. Series 3 - June 6, 13, 20, 27. Series 4 - July 11, 18, 25, August 1. Series 5 - August 8, 15, 22, 29.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

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

Pottery & Sculpture, ages 13 to adult

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. Series 1 - April 3, 10, 17, 24. Series 2 - May 1, 8, 15, 22. Series 3 - June 5, 12, 19, 26. Series 4 - July 10, 17, 24, 31. Series 5 - August 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

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

Preschool Art - Summer

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.

Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27 from 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Cost: $25 for each series of 4 classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley, 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.

Thursdays, noon - 12:45 pm, Series 1 - April 6, 13, 20, 27. Series 2 - May 4, 11, 18, 25.

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 a puppet performance in the Dietrich's very own theater.

Tuesdays, March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission is free!

Everhart Museum Staff

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Friendship Star" - Experience the joys of team quilting while playing our new quilting games. Each student will take home their own quilt. Stitch one star in three lessons or stitch a sky full.

Wednesdays through March 29 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Gloria Eastwood, Terri Keller, Mary Louise Dodge

Spring Fling Purse Felting Workshop

Create your own felted purse. Experienced and beginner knitters are welcome.

Mondays, April 3, 10, 17, 24 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Admission is $45, all materials provided.

Instructor: Jean Kelly

Writers' Group

Come and read your work or listen and be inspired. Learn the craft of writing as you write. All genres and levels of writing are welcome.

Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Meeting are ongoing.

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.

Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Call 570-996-1500 for class dates.

Cost: $10 per lesson. Children are free.

Instructors: Melissa Russo & Mary Frances Giordano: Certified Hatha Yoga Instructors