At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Can you believe that we are about to start a new year one more time? On so many levels it doesn’t seem possible, that we have gone through another three hundred and sixty-five days and are about to begin all over again. And yet, here we are, in the bleak midwinter, bundled up to protect ourselves from the chill, and ready to face the new and unknown year to come. The most remarkable thing about us human folks is that, in spite of the past year and how good or bad it may have been, we take on the new one with such great hope and more than a dollop of good cheer. Which is really what we need to do, isn’t it? What would be the point of looking at the year to come with fear and trepidation? We need to get out our optimist’s glasses and look at the world as rosily as our spirits permit.

I, for one, am very happy to see this old year go, and I have nothing but high hopes for the new. I want to move on now, as best we all can, to the business of this grand old theater and the special place it holds in the community.

I want to think about all that Margie Young has accomplished (with much needed help from her mighty assistant, Erica Rogler) for both the Cultural Center and the town. When we started all this, of course, we knew nothing about the movies and less about cultural events and how we would schedule them. But, as has been the case right down the road with this project, as we needed folks they seemed to magically appear. We’d just about found out the basics for running the movies when Margie turned up and said she’d like to help us plan classes and concerts and after-school wonders for children. She’s like to see us have an artist or two in residence and she’d like to see us reach out to those who wouldn’t be able to afford classes on their own.

Of course, we said that sounded pretty good to us, and we simply gave her free reign to do it as she saw fit. Well, I’d say it worked out pretty well, don’t you think? Thanks to Margie and Erica we now have the most comprehensive arts program outside of the school in the county. The Culley’s are our artists-in-residence and we have every conceivable sort of programming for adults and children alike. (I’m allowed to brag all this up because I have absolutely nothing to do with the cultural activities except to say – “Go for it!”. That’s it. So I can shout to the heavens how proud we are of our cultural people and of the fine programming they’re doing.)

So, there is much to be grateful for and to look forward to. But it would all fall by the wayside if it weren’t for you, dear readers. Thank you so much for your encouraging notes, your phone calls, your attendance at our events, your suggestions, your participation, your generosity and your kindness to us. This project is so much fun because you make it so. Your constant positive feedback makes this a ball! Thank you a million times – and then some more.

You have helped make all our dreams come true! We are most humbly grateful.

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By

Yesterday, the Dietrich Theater continued to celebrate the holidays with a bus trip to see the holiday ballet “The Nutcracker Suite” at Marywood University. Families young and old came out to experience this live performance. It was exciting to see parents and grandparents enjoy this classic with their children and grandchildren.

Over Christmas vacation the Dietrich has also been entertaining families with two blockbusters on the big screen. “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events” is a delight for our younger crowds during matinees and the “Meet the Parents” sequel; “Meet the Fockers” provides comedy to help you wind down after the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Looking to 2005, the Dietrich has quite a line up of cultural programs and classes for you and your family. To start our Second Saturday Series for 2005, the Dietrich will host a Family Concert with singer/ storyteller Mary Baker on Saturday, January 8th from 11:00 am – noon. Admission is free. Twice before, Mary Baker has led tots at the Dietrich in stories and songs. It is amazing how quickly the kids catch onto the songs! .

The theater also offers classes for kids that will stimulate their imaginations and creativity regardless of their age. For the under five set, the theater offers Preschool Art for 4 and 5 year olds on Thursdays from noon to 12:45 pm. Then on Mondays from noon to 12:45 pm, the Dietrich will introduce a new series of classes call “Mommy and Me Mixed Media” for 3 and 4 year olds. In these classes, young artists and their Moms, Dads, or grandparents will create works of art in an assortment of materials, including clay, tempera, watercolor and collage. Enjoy watching your child experience art at this young age and interact with other youngsters.

For children ages 5 and up, the Dietrich offers Mixed Media on Mondays or Fridays from 4:00 – 5:30 pm. A new artist will be introduced each week in this class. Students will learn about famous artists in Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism and more as they create their own works of art. On Wednesday afternoons from 3:30 – 5:00 pm, Ingrid Rogler, Gloria Eastwood, and Peggy Lane will be teaching a Quilting for Kids class. This time around, participants will work on a Log Cabin Quilt project. Kids can construct a log cabin quilt block in four easy sessions. Admission is $6.00 per class. For kids a little older, Sarah Sidorek will be teaching a craft class for students ages 10 and up. On Saturday, January 15th from 10:00 – 11:30 am, participants will paint a snowman figurine. Admission is $1.00. Space is limited. Please call the theater at 570-996-1500 to register.

For those future thespians out there, the Dietrich’s After School Players will start up on January 10th. For eight weeks, 5th through 12th graders will have the opportunity to learn theater arts while creating a play, including costuming, set design, makeup and performing for an audience at the Dietrich Theater. Classes are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 – 5:30 pm at the Dietrich. Class admission is $80.00 for the entire 8 weeks. This is the third year the Dietrich will hold this class taught by Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning of First Act Children’s Theatre. One of last year’s participants was discovered during the group’s March 2004 performance and was asked to do a local television commercial over this past summer.

The theater also offers a variety of classes for adults. Stop by the Dietrich to pick up a cultural event brochure or call 570-996-1500 for class information.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

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 the environment. This series of classes will be held at the Tunkhannock Middle School. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Thursdays, March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28. 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Free

Everhart Museum Staff

Crafts with Sarah Sidorek, ages 10 and up

Enjoy a Saturday morning of crafts with local artist Sarah Sidorek. Saturday, January 15th, 10 - 11:30 am - Paint a Snowman Figurine. February 5th, 10 - 11:30 am - Make a Jute Necklace. March 19th, 10 - 11:30 am - Think Spring - Paint a Birdhouse. Call 570-996-1500 to register

Saturdays, January 15th, February 5th, March 19th, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Cost: $1.00 per class

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Decorative Painting - New Night Sessions!

Try your hand at painting decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. All levels of experience welcome. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, February 2 to March 30, noon - 3:00 pm. Night Sessions: Thursdays, February 24 and March 3 from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Cost: $15 per class + cost of painting surface

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Dialogue and Marketing for Screenwriters

Learn the art of creating great dialogue and the ins and outs of marketing a screenplay. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Saturday, March 5th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Cost: $30

Instructor: Catherine Shefski

Dietrich's After School Players, grades 5 -12

Learn theater arts while creating a play, including costuming, set design, makeup, and performing for an audience at the Dietrich. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, 3:30 - 5:30, January 10 to March 12.

Cost: $80 ($10 per week)

Instructors: Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning

Drumming Workshop for Adults, ages 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 register.

Thursday, January 13th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Father Nallin Hall

Cost: $30

Instructor: Maxwell Kofi Donkor, Master Drummer

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". Call 570-996-1500 for more information.

Tuesdays, January 11th through March 8th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Admission is free.

Instructor: Valerie Paulus

Holiday Camp

Young artists will become familiar with the self portraits and symbolism of Frida Kahlo, the expressive paintings of Vincent Van Gogh, and the genius of sculptor and painter, Leonardo Da Vinci, by exploring a variety of mediums as they create their own masterpieces. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Monday - Wednesday, December 27, 28, 29, Ages 6 -8: 9 am - 10:30 am; Ages 9 - 12: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Cost: $30

Amy Colley

Intergenerational Pottery & Sculpture

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

Tuesdays, 5:00 - 6:30 pm, Session 1 - January 11, 18, 25, February 1. Session 2 - February 8, 15, 22, 29. Session 3 - March 8, 15, 22, 29.

Cost: $30 per child $45 per adult

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

Intergenerational Quilting for all Ages

Learn early American quilting. Recreate the classic pattern Amish Broken Bars (Chinese Coins). Bring a friend or family member. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, January 12 - March 30, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Peggy Lane

Introduction to Screenwriting

Take that story idea, the one you've been longing to get on the page (and screen) and develop it into a script you can pitch to Hollywood producers. A follow up class on Dialouge and Marketing will take place on March 5th. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Saturday, February 19th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Cost: $30

Instructor: Catherine Shefski

Mixed Media, ages 5 - 8

A new artist will be introduced each week in this Mixed Media class. 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. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Fridays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - January 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4. Session 2 - February 11, 18, 25, March 4. Session 3 - March 11, 18, April 1, 8.

Cost: $30 for each series of four classes

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

Mixed Media, ages 9 - 12

A new artist will be introduced each week in this Mixed Media class. Students will learn about famous artists in Impresssionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, etc. as they create their own works using a variety of materials including clay, tempera, charcoal, pastels, etc. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Session 1 - January 10, 17, 24, 31. Session 2 - February 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 3 - March 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $30 for each series of four classes

Instructors: Steve and Amy Colley, B.F.A, M.F.A.

Mixed Media/ Portfolio, ages 13 and up

In this class, you can build a diverse portfolio as you draw, paint, and create pottery and sculpture. Even if you are not planning a portfolio you will be able to experience art using a variety of materials and learn new techniques. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, 5:00 - 6:30 pm, Session 1 - January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2. Session 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 2. Session 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes

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

Mommy & Me Mixed Media, ages 3 and 4

Young artists and their Moms, Dads, and grandparents will create works of art in an assortment of materials, including clay, tempera, watercolor and collage. Please call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays, noon - 12:45 pm, Session 1- January 10, 17, 24, 31. Session 2- February 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 3 - March 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes

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

Pottery and Scuplture for Adults, 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 techniques as well. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Session 1 - January 10, 17, 24, 31. Session 2 - February 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 3 - March 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A. and 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, Session 1 - January 13, 20 , 27, February 3. Session 2 - February 10, 17, 24, March 3. Session 3 - March 10, 17, 24, 31.

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 the final puppet theater performance in the Dietrich's very own theater! Call 570-996-1500 to register. Space is limited.

Tuesdays, March 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26. 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Cost: Free!

Instructors: Everhart Museum Staff

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up - Log Cabin Project

Cabin Fever - Warm up while cold winds blow with this Log Cabin/Barn Raising quilting project. Construct one log cabin in 4 easy lessons or build more and discover variations of this popular pattern. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, January 12 to March 30, 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Gloria Eastwood

Yoga for Kids - Second Saturday Event

All ages are welcome to this morning of yoga with certified yoga instructor Melissa Russo. Please call 570-996-1500 to register

Saturday, February 12, 11:00 am - noon

Admission is free.

Instructor: Melissa Russo

Yoga for You - New Winter Sessions

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, starting January 5th.

Cost: $10 per lesson. Children are free.

Instructor: Melissa Russo: Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor