At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So, here we are at festival week one more time! It came upon us so quickly this year, quicker than most. Probably because we had such a busy January, then had Wyoming County Reads in February and then the play in March and of course, there is the ongoing discombobulation of the expansion and now, suddenly, we are opening the spring festival.

I love gala night. I love the movies, the food, the wine, the wonderful people who come and are so enthusiastic about …well…everything! I always feel as if I’m attending a family reunion when I see the dear, familiar faces of those who so faithfully come. I had thought, for a while the last two weeks, that we might not sell out, that the economy was going to take its toll on the opening night. But, thankfully, that wasn’t the case. We sold out, all is well, we can party on into the night!

A few people have asked me which movies I am particularly looking forward to. I have to say that the top of my list is “Defiance.” I love World War Two films. I always get torn up about wars, about whether or not they should be fought (and mostly I come to the conclusion that they should not) but there is no sense of an unnecessary war when you’re talking about WW Two. Most likely many things could have been done to prevent it (that’s usually the case, isn’t it?) but the fact is that once we entered that war the fate of the world hung in the balance. As did the fate of the Jewish people. The monstrous evil that was Nazism needed to be stopped and for people my age, that meant our fathers and uncles and maybe even an older brother or two, went to war to roll back the dark clouds and let the sun shine in once more.

So a film about three Jewish brothers who create a small but effective group of resistance fighters in Poland is just my cup of tea. They helped hundreds of fellow Jews escape the horror that awaited them. Now that’s an adventure story to cheer for and a group of men to be awed by! So you can see why that would be on the top of my list.

The second on my list of “films I most want to see” is A Christmas Tale, the French film starring Catherine Deneuve as the mother of a very large and extremely dysfunctional family that gathers each year for the holidays. From what I have read it is funny, poignant, and has a very real feel to it. Plus, Deneuve is as gorgeous as she ever was and I can’t wait to see her.

Then there is “The Wrestler” which my daughter has seen three times and since she is even tougher on the movies than I am, it has to be good. Besides, here is the bottom line for me. When Rourke was given the Golden Globe (or whatever) he didn’t do a loooong list of thank-you’s to rich and famous people. Nope. He thanked his dogs! That’s right. His dogs! Now that’s my kind of fella. Top o’ my list.

Plus, I have to say that I do want to see every other one, too. I can’t wait to see “Last Chance Harvey” because I think a love story with older actors is great fun. The whole idea that as we get older we lose our dreams of love and belonging is an idea that ticks me off. I want to see a film about people still growing, still vibrant, still open to a relationship even though they are no longer young and wrinkle-free.

Of course, I have to see Frost/Nixon. I mean, if you’re in your sixties you remember the interviews. You can see Nixon right there, on the television, giving his self-serving interviews and refusing to accept any responsibility for what had happened to him or to the country. Tell me that’s not fascinating.

Oh yeah, and I need to see every single other one! I do. I really, really do! So come join us for this wonderful line-up of movies. We’ll be so happy to see you in our beloved theater in our gorgeous downtown. Aren’t we just the luckiest people ever????

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

What a delight! Earlier this month, students from our Exploring and Creating Fairy Tales class at the Dietrich hopped on a bus with their families and took a tour of the Everhart Museum in Scranton. This trip concluded a five-week class series where children ages five to twelve could explore fairy tales from around the world and create their own under the guidance of an Everhart Museum Educator. While at the museum, our group from the Dietrich received a private tour of the exhibit that inspired these classes, Fairy Tale Art: Illustrations from Children’s Books. Talk about a beautiful and enchanting exhibit! We saw the original work or prints from prizewinning illustrators including Kinuko Y. Craft, Trina Schart Hyman, Barry Moser, DEMI, Susan Paradis and Jim LaMarche. They worked in mediums such as watercolor, etchings, and more. The group quickly recognized artwork from some of their favorite tales including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, and the Emperor’s New Clothes. In some of our free time at the museum, it was great to see children sitting on benches reading the books that exhibited illustrations came from. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit this exhibit with your family, I really recommend it. The exhibit will be at the Everhart Museum through May 25th.

Tomorrow Tom Knight and his puppets will be back at the Dietrich! On Thursday, April 16th at 1:00 pm, join us for songs and skits about animals, the environment, food, books and the solar system. Favorite songs include “Alligator Jump”, “Henry the Magician” and “Library Boogie”. Admission is free. It will be a great afternoon of dancing and singing for those who are young and young at heart.

Then on Friday, our Spring 2009 Film Festival kicks off. I am so excited about seeing so many of the films especially How About You, A Christmas Tale, Frost/Nixon, Revolutionary Road, The Wrestler, and Revolutionary Road. I need to start planning my movie going schedule! With fourteen days of fifteen foreign, independent, and art films there is something for everyone. To view the festival schedule and film synopses, visit www.dietrichtheater.com or pick up a brochure at the theater. Matinee festival tickets are $6.00 and evening tickets are $7.00.

Don’t forget there are a variety of classes coming up in May for both children and adults. For those who are interested in learning how to dance, Connie Kintner will be teaching a Ballroom Dancing for Beginners class. Students will learn dancing basics such as the waltz and fox trot in this introductory class. Classes will be held in the Dietrich’s Peg Fassett Performance Studio and on Saturdays, May 2 to June 6 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Partners are not required and admission is $30 per person.

For children, Amy Colley will be teaching an Exploring Color workshop. Little ones ages 3 to 5 will be able to explore the arts as they create color related projects. Preschoolers will meet on Thursdays, May 7 through 28 from noon - 12:45 pm and our Mommy and Me classes will be held on Fridays, May 8 through 29 from 10:30 - 11:15 am. Admission is $35.

For five to twelve year olds, Steve Colley will be bringing back the ever-popular class, Trash to Treasures. Students will use their imaginations and turn an old pile of junk into an artistic treasure. Last time many students turned old shoes into amazingly unique 3-D collages. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 for more information about any of these classes.

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

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 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

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 through 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 through June 3 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6.00 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, & Terry Keller

Intergenerational Quilting - Summer 2009

"Star Twister: - Learn quilting techniques as you create a quilt with triangles. Learn how to create movement with fabric. Make this quilt with two fabric selections or many.

Wednesdays, June 10 - July 29 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6.00 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane, and 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, 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

Jammin' in a Jugband, ages 5-12

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

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

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

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

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up - Spring 2009

"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 through June 3 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Admission: $6 per class

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

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up - Summer 2009

"Sky Gardens" - Create a bold butterfly quilt as you learn quilting techniques.

Wednesdays, June 10 - July 29 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Terry Keller, and Peggy Lane

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

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