At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So, on Thursday, April 13, we will be five years old! Wow! Can you believe it? Sometimes I look back and it seems like we’ve been doing this forever, and other times I wonder how the time could have flown by so quickly. It’s sort of like raising kids, I guess. When you’re going through it the weight of many sleepless nights can weigh you down, but when they’re suddenly grown, you wonder where the time went. I guess you could say that the Dietrich has been our “baby” these last eight years (three to get ready, five running it) and it’s been exhausting, exhilarating, infuriating, inspirational, and just plain fun. There is not a one of us who have stuck with this project who haven’t had a wonderful time doing it, who isn’t awed by the loyalty of our clientele, who isn’t incredibly grateful to the community that has supported us through good times and bad. And who isn’t amazed at how it’s all turned out!

When we started, we hoped we would be able to do some cultural events. Just a few. Now and then. And look what Margie and Erica have brought us! The studios are busy every day with wondrous art projects – from oils and watercolors to clay and theater and writing and jewelry and mosaics and yoga and, well, as the King would have said, “Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.” Sometimes I walk by the Sheldon studio at dusk and I see children bent over their projects and Steve and Amy working with them and it’s the most beautiful sight in the world. Sometimes I just stand there, unable to move, barely breathing, needing to watch this dream that’s even bigger than the dreams we dreamed, happening right in front of me!

And what a gift this theater has been not only to the community it serves, but to the people who run it. I am so thankful that when I was going through chemo, I had the Dietrich to come to. I wasn’t sitting at home worrying about what cancer cells might be getting away from the poisons they were injecting me with. And when Sandy had such tragedy, it was the theater she returned to first, once she could think of living again.

One of the things that has, in my view, made the theater as fine as it is, is that it is run by women. (Now come on, guys. Don’t get yourselves in a snit over that - - think of all the things you run in the world - - banks, huge corporations, the government – surely you can allow us to have the Dietrich.) We care about the kids who work for us, we care deeply about the town and community we love, we care about each other. We are friends – the old broads and our dear, young, smart-as-a-whip Erica, who explains things patiently to us and who fixes our computers and reminds us of appointments we have forgotten because…well…we’re of an age where we forget things sometimes. As Sandy said the other day, we need to look out for each other now, which is true, and we will.

And, of course, there are the wonderful, inspirational, glorious, scary, heart-wrenching, hilarious movies that come to thrill us every week. And the festivals that bring the world right to our doorstep. We still get a thrill when the lights go down and the movies come on the screen. We still get a thrill when the lines go out the door and when the children watch the popcorn popping and laugh and look up at the parents who brought them to this wondrous place with the pure joy of happy children.

And then there is the day to end all days - - when It’s A Wonderful Life” shows twice on our screen as a gift to all those who love the movies, both today’s and yesterdays, and who look at Bedford falls as Tunkhannock, and Jimmy Stewart’s journey as their own.

Those of us who run the Dietrich are so blessed. We can never thank all of you enough for making the Dietrich what it is today – just the best little small town theater in the world! Thank you and God Bless.

See you at the Dietrich!

P.S. Oops. Ran out of space. We open “The Wild for Easter.” G rated. For kids. Check out Ed McMullen’s art history course. Film festival starts on the 21st.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Okay, the film festival is only nine days away. And there are only a few Gala night tickets remaining. I think each year we sell out opening night tickets a little sooner.
I can’t wait for opening night and to see all the movies. I want to see Cache and try to figure out this mystery-thriller for myself. And The White Countess, made by Ismael Merchant and James Ivory, is their last film together. It looks good. They also made “A Room With a View”, so I’m hoping Countess will be the same caliber film.

Also starting next week, we will have a five part lecture series conducted by Ed McMullen entitled “Art through the Ages”. Ed will utilize hundreds of digital images representing many of the most famous and important works ever produced. This digital journey has been designed to introduce you to the fascinating story of our development as seen through extraordinary artistic achievements throughout history. Join us for these art history presentations on Wednesdays, April 19th through May 17th at 7 pm. Ed McMullen is a former Curator of Collections at the Everhart Museum in Scranton and is currently an Artist/Educator for the Scranton Cultural Center. McMullen is also known throughout the region as an accomplished speaker and performer. Admission is $5 per lecture.

And for kids and families, on Thursday, April 20th at 1:30 pm is the Tom Knight Puppet Show. It will be a fun afternoon full of songs and skits about animals, the environment, food, books and more. The kids love it! Admission is free. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 for more information.

Looking to May, we will have a nice array of jewelry making classes. On May 1st, Esther Harmatz, one of the Dietrich’s projectionists, who is also an expert jewelry maker, will be teaching “Metal Working Basic Jewelry” from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Students will learn how to use a jewelers saw, how to do basic metal cutting, filing and polishing. Metals used will be copper and sterling silver. Each student will create a pendant. This class is for adults and students age 16 and up. Admission is $45, including all materials.

The following Monday, May 8th Esther will teach “Introduction to Glass Fusing” from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. This workshop will be a very basic introduction to the process of small-piece fused glasswork. Each student will create a fused glass item that can then be used as a pendant. Admission is $25, all materials are provided.

And then on Thursday, May 18th, instructor, Jeanne Browning will teach a Bead and Memory Wire Bracelet class from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. 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. Admission is $25, all materials are included.

These jewelry classes are starting to fill so call the Dietrich at 996-1500 to reserve your space.

And can you believe tomorrow is the 5th Anniversary of the Dietrich reopening! Look how far we have come! The theater has great blockbuster and foreign, independent and art film offerings. And look at the host of cultural events and classes available at the Dietrich. We look forward to the next five years!

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

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. 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, 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

"String Quilting" - Making something out of nothing while exploring this ancient art form. Since we will be working in miniature, the string pieces will be prepared by the teachers. Learn its history while stitch and see other string quilts.

Wednesdays April 5 - May 31 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.

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Mystery Puzzle" - Discover design possibilities while learning how to sew. Students will then have the opportunity to embellish their finished quilts with beautiful beads.

Wednesdays, April 5 - May 31 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