At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So. I was walking my Jacks the other day when the sky was a pale blue and the sun warm and cozy and for whatever reason wee Roxie had fallen behind. She was just poking along, when her head came up and she saw our old farmhouse about a quarter mile away. Suddenly the ears came up, the body straightened and in a nano-second she was leading the pack. Wee Roxie didn’t know that the old house needs a roof or that the porch has a definite slant to it or that the kitchen is sixty years old or…well…you get the picture. All she knew, all she cared about, was that she was going home.

I was thinking , during our walk, how our wonderful country could have gotten so off track in the past few years, and all those foreclosed upon McMansions came to mind. And I thought about the tiny house I grew up in (and so many folks my age grew up in) and how it contained all the necessities to nurture a child: loving parents, good food, a secure and warm bed, and dreams to aim your life at. Somewhere along the way people came to believe that a house was a home and that the bigger the house the more “home” you would have.

And now we know how untrue that is. What wee Roxie saw is what we all see when we picture “home.” A safe, warm, welcoming place . You don’t need marble countertops or Sub-Zero appliances or five full baths. You just need a place where people love each other and teach their children about living a purpose-driven life. Thank you, little Roxie, for reminding me what a happy life is all about. (The lessons you can learn from a dog are quite invaluable.)

The cultural people are off and running again! Two things of great import – first being the Open House this Saturday (March 28th) from 11:00-12:30. It’s so cool. You’ll get to meet the instructors and attend Make It/Take It art classes. You can sample yoga, decorative painting, theater arts, quilting, writer’s group and visual arts classes. A smattering of everything artistic. What a great way to explore your inner artist – and it won’t cost you a dime!

Next on the cultural agenda is a very, very special bus trip. On Wednesday, May 6, a bus will depart from the Dietrich at 6:30 a.m. to take us on a delicious tour of the Hudson Valley where we will lunch at the CIA (that’s the cooking people not the spying people). Then it’s off to tour the home of President Franklin Roosevelt as well as the library and museum. And if there’s enough time a brief stop to see how the Vanderbilt’s lived back in the day (is that a hoot or what???) On the way home we’ll stop at Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Restaurant on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack where you purchase your own meal so you can eat as little or as much as you want. The entire trip costs $125.00 per person and you can reserve your seat by calling 996-1509. It will be a lovely day – do come join us. I can’t wait!

Oh yeah, one more cultural event. Brochures go out at the end of the week for the Spring Film Festival. Do call 996-1509 to reserve your tix for gala night. We have less than a hundred tickets left and we’re three weeks out so make that call as soon as you can so you don’t end up on the (gasp! sigh! ewww!) waiting list. (And all that wonderful food and drink will cost you just the same as last year – we haven’t raised our prices so much as a penny!)

Okay okay – at last! -- this week’s movies. In the Evans we are opening Monsters Vs. Aliens, the latest from Dreamworks, starring the voice of the most excellent Reese Witherspoon. It looks to be completely delightful, a picture the kidlets will want to see again and again. You know, it doesn’t get better than Pixar or Dreamworks. So bring the kiddies, buy some corn and have a few laughs. Bet your family could use some of those. Race to Witch Mountain is in the Murray. Not to late to catch Dwayne Johnson in this family pleaser. Trying to get Hannah Montana for April 10 – we’ll see.

Oooh. One last little thing. I’m trying to see if you all who come to gala night can get a sneak preview of the new theaters. Won’t that be so fun????

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

What a show! We were completely delighted to host the United States Air Force’s Heritage Aire Celtic Ensemble. They played before a very appreciative sold out crowd in the Dietrich’s Evans Theater. Since the concert was just a couple of days before St. Patrick’s Day, the audience was more than in the mood for traditional music of Ireland, Scotland, and England. We would like to thank the group for the free concert and would welcome them back anytime.

Coming up this Saturday, March 28 from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm, the Dietrich is hosting its Arts for Everyone Open House. This is a perfect opportunity for you and your friends and family to come out to the theater and get a taste of the arts. All ages are welcome to meet Dietrich Theater instructors and attend Make It/Take It mini class sessions. The Open House will feature decorative painting with Eileen Balboa, yoga with Melissa Russo, Michaela Moore with theatre arts, Steve and Amy Colley with visual arts, and our quilting instructors. Admission is free. We hope to see you there.

Speaking of classes, Amy and Steve Colley have some new art classes coming up in April. For little ones, ages 3 to 5, Amy will teach Planes, Trains, Automobiles for both preschoolers and a mommy and me group. In these sessions, children will create real and imaginary things that go vroom out of clay using the clay slab construction technique. For preschoolers, classes will be held on Thursdays, April 9, 16, 23, 30 from noon - 12:45 pm. Mommy and Me classes will take place on Fridays, April 10, 17, 24, May 1 from 10:30 - 11:15 am. Admission is $35 for the four-week class. Call 570-996-1500 for more information or to sign up.

For older students, Steve Colley will be teaching tile making on Fridays in April from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. In these classes, students ages five to twelve will learn to create handmade art tiles as they carve, press and make molds of their original designs. Admission is $35 for four weeks. Call the theater to sign up.

For adults, the Dietrich will be starting up its Golden Days of Radio Players Group once again. Under the direction of Valerie Paulus, students will prepare for a radio play including sound effects, those old time commercials and more. Admission is free and all are welcome to participate. Classes will be held on Tuesdays, April 7 through May 26 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

And now is the time to make your reservations for the opening night of the Spring 2009 Film Festival (Friday, April 17 at 6:00 pm). It will be a wonderful evening of hors d’oeuvres, wine, two fabulous films, and desserts by Epicurean Delight. Tickets are $40 each and can be reserved by calling 570-996-1500. For more festival information visit www.dietrichtheater.com.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Acting Camp for Kids, ages 6 to 11

Use your imagination and learn all about acting through theater games, improvisation, storytelling, play making, character creation and more! Students will create their own characters and stories while learning how to act and how much fun theater is. A casual performance will end each week.

Camp 1: Monday - Friday, June 22 -26 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm. Camp 2: Monday - Friday, July 13 to 17 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm.

Admission: $50.

Instructor: Michaela Moore, All About Theatre.

African Safari: Theatre & Visual Arts Camp, ages 5 to 12

You can catch a tiger or become an elephant in this camp all about Africa and your imagination. Create African art and props for your characters and help us make up a play all about this fun land.

Monday - Friday, July 13 -17 from 10:00 am - noon.

Admission: $50

Instructors: Amy Colley and Michaela Moore

All About Pottery & Sculpture, ages 5 to 12

Students will learn hand-building techniques (coil & slab construction), glazing techniques and experience using a potter's wheel as they create their own pots, masks and musical instruments.

Monday - Friday, June 22 to 26 from 2:30 - 4:00 pm.

Admission: $50

Instructor: Steve Colley

All About Pottery & Sculpture, ages 9 -12

Students will learn hand building techniques (coil and slab construction, glazing techniques, and experience using potter's wheels.

Thursdays, March 12, 19, 26, April 3 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

An Artist a Day

Young artists will learn about a differnt artist each day of this multi media camp as they create their own colorful cut outs and collages, wall reliefs, carvings, and more!

Monday - Friday, July 27 to 31 from 2:30 - 4:00 pm.

Admission: $50

Instructor: Steve Colley

Animal Totems, ages 5 to 12

Choose your own animal totem from the American Indian zodiac and learn how each animal embodies certain strengths and attributes as you create your own animal totem using a variety of household items.

Monday - Friday, July 13 to 17 from 2:30 - 4:00 pm.

Admission: $50

Instructor: Steve Colley

Ballroom Dancing for Beginners

Learn how to waltz and fox trot in this introductory ballroom dancing class for adults.

Saturdays, May 2 to June 6 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm.

Admission: $30 per person.

Instructor: Connie Kintner

Basketmakers' Woods Walk, for ages16 and up

Take a walk in the woods to identify, harvest and process a variety of wild plant materials used in natural basketry. Participants will gather at Tunkhannock's Riverside Park Willow Dome and then travel to a local wooded site to try their hand at locating, harvesting, and processing a variety of barks, shoots, and other plant materials useful in basketmaking.

Saturday, May 16 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

Admisison: $10

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Chinese Dragon, ages 6 to 8

Learn all about Chinese culture, folk art and shadow puppet theatre. Students will study the mythology of Chinese dragons and their origin. Students will draw and make small Chinese dragons and learn the Dragon Dance. They will also make a shadow puppet and perform a short play on a small shadow screen.

Mondays through Fridays, June 29 to July 10 from 10:30 am to noon.

Admission: Free

Instructor: Hua Hua Zhang.

Create a Felted Handbag, for ages 16 and up

Learn how to create your own felted hand bag. All that is required to attend this class is how to make a knit stitch! All material is provided.

Thursdays, July 23 and August 13 at 7:00 pm.

Admission: $55

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Creepy Crawly Critters: Theatre & Visual Arts Camp, ages 5 to 12

Did you know that if a honey bee went into the Dietrich, its special eyes would be able to see movie being played...at once! Come to this great camp and learn more interesting facts about insects of all kinds! Create costumes, plays, pottery, jewelry, and more that is all about some of the smallest and most interesting creatures on our planet.

Monday to Friday, June 22 to 26 from 10:00 am - noon.

Admission: $50

Instructors: Michaela Moore & Amy Colley

Decorative Painting

Learn decorative painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. Preregistration is required. For ages 16 and up

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm. April 15, 22, 29. May 13, 20, 27. June 10, 17, 24. July 15, 22, 29. August 12, 19, 26.

Admission: $20 per class + cost of painting surface.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Decorative Painting - Clay Pots, for ages 16 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques as you paint clay pots to use as decorations or to give as gifts.

Thursdays, June 4 at 7:00 pm.

Admission: $15 includes materials.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Explore and Create Fairy Tales, ages 5 -12

Go on a journey through magical lands, creative characters, and suprise endings! Write, draw, create and explore fairy tales from around the world based on the Everhart's special exhibit, Fairy Tale Art. Visit the exhibit with your family on April 4th.

Tuesdays, March 31from 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Bus Trip: Saturday, April 4 from 12:30 - 4:30 pm.

Admission: Free

Sponsored by: Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

Exploring Color, for ages 3 to 5

In this class, little ones will explore the arts as they create color related projects that will provide a solid foundation of art experiences.

Preschoolers: Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28 from noon - 12:45 pm. Mommy & Me: Fridays, May 8, 15, 22, 29 from 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Amy Colley

Golden Days of Radio Players Group

Do you remember old time radio? Did you always wonder how all the sound effects were made...like a door opening and closing or someone walking on gravel? Or wonder how it would feel to stand in front of a microphone and read the lines of the characters you are playing? Or to act like a hero or a villian? Or to use your voice to sound very old or very young? Join us and you will learn and experience all of this and more. Oh, did I mention that we always have a lot of fun putting a show together to be played for an audience?

Tuesdays, April 7 to May 26 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: Free

Director: Valerie Paulus

Intergenerational Quilting - Spring 2009

"Mystery Wheel" - Learn quilting techniques as you experiment with color and design while making your own quilt.

Wednesdays, April 1 to June 3 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6.00 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, & Terry Keller

Intro to Knitting - Make a Scarf & Hat

Learn how to knit a scarf and hat set. Students will learn how to use straight and round knitting needles. No experience is required. These hand knitted scarfs and hats make perfect Christmas gifts.

Wednesdays, August 12 and 26 at 7:00 pm.

Admission: $35, materials included.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Introduction to Twined Basketry, for ages 16 and up

Learn the skills of basic twining while creating a small square or round basket of natural materials. Students may want to incorporate items they have collected themselves in advance of this session. Each basket will be unique.

Saturday, June 6 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $60

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Jammin' in a Jugband

Join Timothy Walker and David Driskell, PCA rostered artists, as you create and make music with homemade instruments such as the washboard, washtub bass, spoons, whistles, saws, and jug, as well as the conventional guitar, banjo, clarinet, and saxophone. Find out that music is fun.

July 20, 21, 22, 24 from 10:00 - 11:15 am.

Admission: Free

Instructors: Timothy Walker and David Driskell

Jammin' in a Jugband, ages 13 to adult

Join Timothy Walker and David Driskell, PCA rostered artists, as you create and make music with homemade instruments such as a washboard, washtub bass, spoons, whistles, saws, and jug as well as the conventional guitar, banjo, clarinet and saxophone. Find out that music is fun!

July 20, 21, 22, 24 from 1:00 - 2:15 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructors: David Driskell and Timothy Walker

Jewelry Making: Art Clay Silver, for ages 16 and up

Have fun learning the basics of working with silver clay to create pieces of silver jewelry! Silver clay is made up of real silver particles, organic binder and water. After drying, the clay binder is burned off with a torch and what remains is 99.9% pure silver. Students will fabricate choice of rings, earring or pins!

Monday, March 30 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making: Introduction to Glass Fusing, ages 16 and up

Learn the basics of small piece fused glass work. Each student will create a fused glass item which will be finished, polished and wire wrapped.

Series 1 - Tuesdays, June 2 & 16 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm Series 2 - Tuesdays, July 28 & August 11 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60 per series, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making: Introduction to Metal Working, ages 16 and up

Students will learn the first steps necessary for anyone who wants to do their own metal work in jewelry fabrication. Students will learn to use a jewelers saw, cut, form, and polish. Everyone will leave with a finished pendant.

Thursday, June 11 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $50, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making: Introduction to Stained Glass

Learn the first steps of working with glass to create stained glass pieces. Students will learn to work with a design, cut glass, polish, foil wrap, and solder. Each student will leave with a finished item in each session. All glass supplies and equipment will be provided.

Session 1 - Thursday, June 18 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Session 2 - Tuesday, August 18 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $55 per session.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Mamma Mia!: Theatre & Visual Arts Camp, ages 5 to 12

Oh, the beautiful art and wondrous acting you will do in this fantastic camp! Learn all about the fascinating land of Italia! Make Roman pottery and create a play about pizza and Michelangelo! Feast your mind on art and theatre.

Monday - Friday, July 27 to 31 from 10:00 am - noon.

Admission: $50

Instructors: Amy Colley & Michaela Moore

Mixed Media, ages 5 - 8

Students will express themselves using different types of clay, paints, and drawing materials as they create their own masterpieces.

Fridays from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. March 13, 20, 27, April 3.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Amy Colley

Mommy & Me Mixed Media, ages 3 to 5

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 from 10:30 - 11:15 am. March 13, 20, 27, April 3.

Admission: $35

Instructor: Amy Colley

Open Studio: Painting, Drawing & Pottery - Nights

Students of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to work at their own pace and with the medium of their choice.

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Session 2 - April 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 3 - May 5, 12, 19, 26. Session 4 - June 2, 9, 16, 23. Session 5 - June 30, July 7,14, 21. Session 6 - July 28, August 4, 18, 25.

Admission: $15/ class or $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Open Studio: Painting, Drawing, & Pottery - Days

Students of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to work at their own pace and with the medium of their choice.

Mondays from 9:30 - 11:00 am. Session 2 -April 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 3 - May 4, 11, 18, June 1.

Admission: $15/ class or $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Paint on Glass, ages 16 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques as you create a patio candle holder for your home or to give as a gift. All materials are supplied. No experience is required.

Tuesday, March 31 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $12

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Photography Workshop

Improve your photography skills with an experienced instructor. Students will meet at the Dietrich each week and then proceed to a variety of locations to photograph. Gain practical shooting experience along with personalized instruction.

Wednesdays, May 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Saturday, June 13 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Admission: $75

Instructor: Kenny Ganz, Steamtown Historic Site Photographer.

Planes, Trains, Automobiles, ages 3 to 5

Create your own real and imaginary things that go vroom using clay slab construction technique.

Preschoolers: Thursdays, April 9, 16, 23, 30 from noon - 12:45 pm. Mommy & Me: Fridays, April 10, 17, 24, May 1 from 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Pottery & Sculpture, 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 and sculpture techniques.

Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Session 1 - April 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 2 - May 4, 11, 18, June 1. Session 3 - June 8, 15, 22, 29. Session 4 - July 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 5 - August 3, 17, 24, 31.

Admission: $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Preschool Art, ages 3 to 5

Preschool students will explore the arts as they work with a variety of materials such as clay, tempera, watercolors, collage and more.

Thursdays from noon - 12:45. March 12, 19, 26, April 2.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Dancing with the Stars" - Learn quilting techniques as you take a simple design, make many quilt blocks, turn them in all sorts of directions and you get a tumbling dancing star quilt.

Wednesdays, April 1 to June 3 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Admission: $6 per class

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, and Terry Keller.

Shadow Mask Theatre, ages 9 to 14

Learn all about Chinese literature, culture, language, and writing as you explore Shadow Mask Theatre. Design and create scenery as you adapt the famous Chinese novel "Journey to the West" to create a show called Monkey King's Adventure.

Mondays to Fridays, June 29 to July 10 from 1:30 - 3:00 pm.

Admission: Free.

Instructor: Hua Hua Zhang

Simple Gifts - Cardmaking

Learn the art of papercrafting as you create 12 handmade cards for a variety of occassions. Techniques like stamping and distressing will be used to embellish your personal works of art. A great value for your own use or perfect to give as a gift.

Wednesdsay, April 22 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $15, materials provided.

Instructor: Jodi Armstrong

Simple Gifts - Mini Display Album

Embellish a six by six accordion album with great papers and other fun paper crafting techniques. Complete the project with your own photos or give as a gift. Perfect for display or a treasured keepsake.

Wednesday, May 6 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $15, materials provided.

Instructor: Jodi Armstrong

Spanish for Adults, ages 16 and up

Students will learn basic Spanish phrases and vocabulary using a variety of teaching methods. Hispanic culture will also be explored. The class will be tailored to individuals' personal language learning goals.

Wednesdays through April 15 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Victoria Romero

Tile Making, for ages 5 to 12

Create your own handmade art tiles as you learn to carve, press, and make molds of your original designs.

Fridays, April 10, 17, 24, May 1 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Trash to Treasures Camp, ages 5 to 12

Turn an old pile of junk into an artistic treasure. Explore how to create this 3-D form of collage as you learn about the environment and recycling.

Monday - Friday, August 3 to 7 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm.

Admision: $50

Instructor: Steve Colley.

Trash to Treasures, ages 5 to 12

Turn an old pile of junk into an artistic treasure. Explore how to create this 3-D form of collage as you learn about the environment and recycling.

Fridays, May 8, 15, 22, 20 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Cost: $35

Instructor: Steve Colley

Woodwinds Master Class, for all ages

David Driskell, a classically trained clarinet player, will conduct a woodwinds master class for all ages. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Monday, July 20 from 2:30 - 3:30 pm.

Admission: free

Instructor: David Driskell

Writers' Group

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

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

Admission is free.

group format - no instructor

Yoga for You

This class will teach and reinforce the basic yoga poses (asanas)which gently stretch and strengthen the body. Attention will be given to breathing and alignment in postures. 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.

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor: Melissa Russo