At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

What a week! You know, we human beings operate under the illusion that we have control over our lives. To that, Mother Nature gives a resounding “Ha!” Last week was the week from hell and for so many in this county and those surrounding us, the bad times just keep rolling on. On Tuesday night I e.mailed Jeffrey, told him that the forecasts were for the water to be higher than the Agnes flood, and that only a miracle could save the theater. Then I sat in my dining room and had a good cry. I simply couldn’t bear the thought of all our work for the last eight years being washed down the Susquehanna.

But, when the waters rose they stopped short of the Dietrich. It really wasn’t as bad as Agnes, although for those living near creeks it was worse. There was almost a tornadic feel about the whimsical nature of the destruction. This and that weren’t touched, roads and bridges and neighborhoods unused to flooding were annihilated.

Our staff was incredible. Don’t you ever let anyone tell you that teenagers are an irresponsible lot. Our kids shone like stars in the heavens! They were incredible! The girls, (Vanessa, Samantha, and Claire) schlepped everything (and I mean everything) from the basement and brought it to the second floor offices. Heavy, awkward stuff including a film collection given to us by the University of Scranton.

Meanwhile, back in the flood zone, Tim and Adam and Jake, beautifully attired in oversized garbage bags, fought the rain and collecting water and filled sandbags to put around our doors And then Jake came back the next morning and filled more bags and worked all day to the point of exhaustion.

As I said, I hope no one ever tries to tell me that teens don’t carry their share. Those would be fightin’ words!

There is a spirit in this town that is remarkable no matter what’s happening. Tuesday I called Norm Ball who arranged to have sand delivered to fill the bags sent by FEMA. Wednesday folks just stopped by to help – Janice and Jimmy Sick, Ronnie and Sandy Vieczorek, Tom and Sharm Sheridan, to name just a few.

And, of course, Omar and Esther just about wore themselves out doing all the things that had to be done as the waters rose. Bless their hearts – they are as loyal and as hard-working and as fine as employees could possibly be. We thank them a million times, and it’s still not enough.

So Superman didn’t have a good opening weekend. But I have to tell you that I saw it and it’s a really, really good movie. I didn’t know how I’d feel about it, because I loved Christopher Reeves so much as the man of steel, but this guy is good. And Kevin Spacey as Lex Luther is the most fun villain I’ve seen in years. Lois Lane is super fine and the little boy is so darling he steals every scene. So come give it a try. It’s well worth your time. Honest.

This Friday we open Pirates of the Caribbean, 2. I cannot wait! I loved the first one and this looks even better. Of course, honestly, I’d pay to watch Johnny Depp just sit on a chair and read the phone book, but these are great movies. Just fun and laughs and gorgeous people! And don’t forget the midnight show seating on Thursday at 11:00 p.m..

Yes, we are going to bring in The Devil Wears Prada and Click. As soon as we can, I promise! It will be toward the end of this month, but I can’t wait to see them myself (especially Prada).

So that’s it. We have a fascinating exhibit in the Earnshaw Gallery. Ralph Figlow, Jr., a local farrier, has done some wonderful, whimsical metalwork. Come see it. It’s amazing. And of course we still have that great art from the Keystone college kids. It’s gorgeous!

Our prayers are with all of you who have had sadness in the past week. Be well. God Bless.

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

What a week it has been. To see the impact of the torrential rain and flooding leaves me feeling shocked. We at the Dietrich are thinking of all of those who were affected by the storm. We would also like to thank all of those who offered assistance as we prepared for the rising river. Their kindness really makes me appreciate the community we live in. Luckily, this time the Dietrich did not sustain any weather damage, but we know from Hurricane Ivan that dealing with flood damage can be tiring.

While the weather did change the schedule of our Digital Arts Camp and Move Over Mr. Spielberg classes last week, students still had a great time learning about and creating claymation movies. To see the kids’ creative processes in making a movie is amazing. They had great movie ideas, which were executed by making clay characters and scenery and taking shot after shot of film. It takes great patience and concentration to make a claymation movie. An afternoon of filmmaking may produce only a thirty-second film because the characters and scenery are moved just fractions of an inch in each shot, but the final product is worth it! You should see the students beam with pride at their movies.

And if you are a filmmaker, there is still time to submit a short film for the Endless Mountains Digital Film Festival. Both children and adults are invited to make films and submit them. For more information about this fun contest contact the Dietrich Theater at 996-1500. This festival is hosted by Box of Light Theatre and the Bradford County Regional Arts Council. The Dietrich will show festival entries and the winning films on Wednesday, August 23rd. The films will also show at the Keystone, Sayre and Rialto Theatres. I think it will be a great time to see local filmmakers’ movies on the big screen!

Today, we start Dance Workshops for children of all ages with Judy Weist of the Stage Door Dance Studio. It will be a fun few days as children learn the basics of dance. The older age groups will get a little taste of ballet, jazz and hip-hop, while the younger set will have a basic introduction to dance through music and movement.

And next week, we will start our Everhart Explorations classes on Mondays for children ages 5 –12 in July. In each session, students will learn about and make projects related to exhibits housed in the museum including birds, dinosaurs, art and Africa! Educational, fun and free – what a great mix for a summer activity! There is still time to sign up for this class series.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

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

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 through August 31.

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

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Everhart Explorations

Students will learn about dinosaurs, birds, and Africa and art over those weeks.

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! For ages 5 -12.

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

Cost: $50, all materials provided.

Instructor: Amy Colley & Michaela Moore

Intergenerational Quilting, for all ages

"Seascape Quilt" - This project is designed to challenge students to construct variations of the classic sailboat pattern and explore fabrics that create special effects.

Wednesdays through July 26 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.

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 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 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.

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Sail Away" - Our easy Just for Kids sailboat pattern will ensure a smooth sailing experience for young quilters.

Wednesdays through July 26 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

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

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.

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