At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Oh my, oh my. Have you seen our incredible gallery yet? Even if you’re not planning on catching a movie soon (and I don’t know why that would be) you MUST come to see the gallery. It’s a winter wonderland, a starry night in a snow-dusted kingdom. Stephen outdid himself this year (well, really, doesn’t he always?). When you walk into the gallery there are snow covered branches forming a canopy to walk through, icicles and snowflakes hanging from them and twinkle lights in the winter night sky. And then, on the occasional branch sits a big fat old cardinal, preening, looking vain and pompous as they do in real life. Plus, Stephen has a new case where circus performers twirl in the night sky, and Calista has the most wonderful storyboard about the making of Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas, which she helped put together when Jim Henson was just starting to make movies with his delightful muppet creations. It is, all in all, a wondrous display. Come see it. You will be amazed and delighted.

With such credit to the artists must come the working folks who made the display possible. First kudos to Sandy and Ronnie Vieczorek who slogged through their cabin land in Mehoopany and cut branches for us to use in the display. Then to Scott Overfield, bless him, who turned them white for us and trimmed them and made them gorgeous. He volunteered his time (and a ton of it) just to make the world a prettier place. Steve Scranta and our dear Omar and young Ronnie V. rounded out the folks who worked on the branches. Then Ronnie and the gang at Route 6 made the holders for the branches in the body shop – if you look closely you’ll see they were all once tail pipes, in another life. (Don’t you love it?) And then there is our own remarkable Sarah who sprayed glue on every branch and then rolled them in “snow” which took eons of time and patience. I want to mention, too, that all the coordination for the decorations is done by Sarah, and that is a mammoth job. I don’t know how she does it, but she always does. (And she never even gets cross.)

And Esther worked all day on her gift bag window, making sure it has proper holiday kitsch (it does, it does). So you can see what a coordinated, massive effort it is to bring such beauty to you. Kudos to all the silent foot soldiers at the Dietrich who do what they do behind the scenes with no expectation of thanks. Thank you all and bless your hearts!

So, just one or two other things to mention before I get to the movies. First, after each of the Emmet Otter shows Calista will be there to answer questions about the muppet productions in general and Emmet Otter in particular. Isn’t it something to be able to ask questions of someone who actually worked with the legendary Jim Henson?

The Writer’s Workshop is pretty much filled up. As I write this on Tuesday morning we have three spaces left, so if you are interested, make that call now (this is especially for those of you who read this on the internet). If you’re interested at all in writing, especially genre fiction, then this is the workshop for you. The three hottest fields in publishing will be represented by the three authors that morning – inspirational, sci-fi and paranormal romance. So sharpen those pencils and come to a joint Dietrich Theater/Pennwriter’s event. You really do want to hook up with Pennwriter’s. You can make so many connections when you join up. Give yourself a Pennwriter’s membership for Christmas, or give a membership to a writer friend. It’s one of those two-way gifts. You know, you give a gift to someone you like and you help out a good organization at the same time. Far out.

Speaking of which, remember our gift bags make the perfect gift for the holidays. Under twenty bucks, everyone loves ‘em and it’s not something you’ll ever have to dust.

The Nativity Story and Happy Feet this week. The Nativity Story is a beautiful film depicting the Christmas story. Do come see it. We’ll be looking for you.

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Again I must say our gallery looks beautiful. We can’t thank Stephen and Calista Hendrickson enough for all their work in creating it! Besides gorgeous decorations, the Dietrich will usher in the holiday season with great movies including The Nativity Story, which opens Friday, December 1st. The Nativity Story is a drama that focuses on the period in Mary and Joseph’s life when they journeyed to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. Church groups are welcome to make arrangements for special shows.

And Tunkhannock’s Christmas in Our Home Town is just a few days away. Join us on December 8th (5-10 pm) and 9th (10 am - 5 pm) for this weekend of seasonal celebrations and old-fashioned joy. There are horse and buggy rides, an ice sculpture display, carolers, a Victorian tea, sales and specials at all of the local shops and more!

The Dietrich will take part in Christmas in Our Home Town with two free showings of Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas on Friday the 8th at 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm. These showings will be presented in conjunction with the Jim Henson Legacy Foundation. Calista Hendrickson, part-time Tunkhannock resident and costume designer Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, will be on hand to share stories about the making of the movie and to answer questions.

Then on Saturday, December 9th, the Dietrich will continue celebrating the season with our Holiday Workshop from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm. All ages are invited to come out and join us in traditional holiday activities. We will have a holiday sing-a-long, ornament making, cookie decorating, and the balloon lady will be there to make your favorite balloon creations. The Holiday Workshop is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Tunkhannock. Admission is free.

And mark your calendar; the Dietrich’s free showings of It’s a Wonderful Life will be on Tuesday, December 19th at 2 pm and 7 pm. We also will give out free popcorn, soda and cookies. Come out early for the shows, seating fills up quickly! It’s a Wonderful Life has been sponsored by the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church and is also in memory of Rose Miller.

Besides catching a movie or taking in an event at the Dietrich, we have a variety of gift ideas for all those folks on your holiday list! We have movie gift bags, individual movie poppers and gift certificates for classes in denominations of your choice. You can even make charitable donations to our organization in honor or memory of a special person in your life, and we’ll prepare a card of recognition for you. Dietrich gifts are perfect for clients, co-workers, teachers, instructors, friends, family and Secret Santa Exchanges. Call the Dietrich at 996-1507 for more information about Dietrich Theater gifts.

And while the kids are off from school during their Christmas break, the Dietrich will host its annual Holiday Camp for children ages 6 and up. Students will have the opportunity to learn about pottery (December 27), drawing (December 28) and painting (December 29) from 9:30 - 11:00 am each day. Students are invited to enjoy one day of camp or explore the arts in all three classes. Admission is $15 per class or $35 for all three classes. Call the Dietrich at 996-1500 to register.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Decorative Painting, ages 16 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. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm, through December 13.

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

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Drawing & Painting for Kids, ages 9 -12

Students will learn the basics of perspective, line, form, color and value as they draw and paint from life. All levels of experience welcome. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Thursdays, November 9, 16, 30, Dec. 7 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Cost: $35, all materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley, M.F.A.

Holiday Camp, ages 6 and up

Young artists will become familiar with pottery, drawing and painting as well as famous artists in this camp. Enjoy one day of camp or explore the arts in all three classes. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

From 9:30 - 11:00 am, December 27 - Pottery, December 28 - Drawing, December 29 - Painting

Admission is $15 per class or $35 for all three classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Holiday Crafts, for ages 8 to adult

Students will make a selection of holiday crafts including beeswax candles by the dipping method, wreath making, a large willow star. and several woven holiday tree ornaments. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

October 5, 12, 19, Nov. 2, 16, 30, Dec. 7 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm.

Admission: $60, all materials included.

Instructor: Bonnie Gale

Intergenerational Quilting, for all ages

"Cathedral of the Pines" - Learn the art of quilting while making a majestic "Pine Tree" pattern quilt. Create special nature effects with fabric. Learn about other classic tree blocks and quilts as well. Create one tree block or collect a forest. All levels of experience welcome. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays through December 13 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Cost: $6 per class, all materials provided.

Instructors: Terry Keller, Peggy Lane and Ingrid Rogler

Mosaic Design, age 13 to adult

Learn basic techniques as you create and assemble your own mosaic design using ceramic tile. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays and Tuesdays, December 4, 5, 11 & 12 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Cost: $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, M.F.A.

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. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Session 3 - November 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $50 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. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. November 6, 13, 20, 27.

Cost: $50 for each series of four classes.

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

Preschool Art, ages 4 and 5

Preschool studens will be introduced to a famous artist each week as they explore a variety of materials such as clay, tempera, watercolors, collage, etc. Call the Dietrich Theater at 570-996-1500 to register.

Thursday from noon - 12:45 pm. November 9, 16, 30, Dec. 7.

Cost: $30 for a series of four classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Flock with Us" - While geese fly south, flock with us as we make classic "Flying Geese" quilts. Students will learn about design as they artfully mix colorful old time fabrics with ones from today, and learn basic quilting techniques from piecing to embellishing, to binding a quilt. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays through December 13 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Cost: $6.00 per lesson, materials included.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Terry Keller and Peggy Lane

Willow Basketry for Adults, age 13 and up

Using basket willos and traditional techniques, students will make two different baskets over the next 6 sessions. The Danish Fruit Basket is made using a cardboard template and the base is the last thing to be woven. The Thanksgiving Bread basket will be ready for your Thanksgiving serving needs. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500.

Thursdays, October 5, 12, 19, Nov. 2, 30, Dec. 7 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Admission is $100, materials provided.

Instructor: Bonnie Gale

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

Writing for the Hot Markets Workshop

Featured writers: Eileen Berger (Inspirational), Ty Drago (Science Fiction), and Charlee Ganny (Paranormal Romance). Bring the first two pages of work-in-progress for critique. Call 570-996-1500 for reservations. Seating limited.

Saturday, December 2nd from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Admission:$25 (includes lunch)

Sponsored by the Dietrich Theater and Pennwriters, Inc.

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