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October 8
MORE THAN MOVIES Dietrich Theater Erica Rogler

The ladies in our Decorative Painting at Night class made the quaintest autumn decoration on Monday night! Under the instruction of Eileen Balboa, these beginner students were able to learn decorative painting techniques and leave with a finished project in just three hours. It’s the perfect class for those who like to experience new things, but don’t have the time to take an ongoing class. We also have several other one session classes planned over the couple of months. On October 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local artist Jan Henning will be back for a Watercolor Workshop.

Students will learn that placement and mixing colors are equally important in watercolor painting. She will also help students explore pigment properties and the use of color for impact. The class is open to beginners as well as intermediate painters. What is so neat about Jan’s classes is that she demonstrates each watercolor technique and by the end of the day you have watched her create a finished watercolor painting. Admission is $60.

Local basketry artist, Susi Nuss, will also be teaching a few one-session classes over the next few weeks. On Monday, October 20, 7 to 10:30 p.m., students will learn how to weave a cuff style bracelet with narrow black ash wood splints. By the end of the class, students will have created their own lovely fashion accessory that particularly appeals to basket makers. Then on Saturday, November 1 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Susi will offer another basketry workshop. In this workshop, students will create miniature, rectangular market baskets. The baskets will feature double satin, black ash wood splints, spokes, and weavers. Students will also learn options for personalizing weaving techniques, rim styles, handle placement, and embellishment details.

For those of you who were always interested in learning how to make jewelry, Esther Harmatz has a few introductory jewelry making classes coming up. On Thursday, October 23 from 7 to 9 p.m., students ages 16 and up will have fun learning basic loom beading. By the end of the class, participants will have completed a bracelet. Admission is $25 and all materials and equipment will be supplied.

Then on Thursday, November 6 from 6 to 9 p.m., students will learn basic metal jewelry fabrication. Students will work with jeweler’s saws and cut, form, and polish their own metal pieces and will leave with a finished pendant.

The Dietrich also has a few special events coming up this month. We will be hosting a free local history presentation with Dr. Sheldon Spear on Wednesday, October 15 at 7 p.m. on Conflicts in Northeastern Pennsylvania History. Then for children and families, Rick Mikula, the Butterfly Guy will be at the theater on Saturday, October 18 at 11 a.m. to teach children ages five and up about butterflies - how to handle them and how to raise them with household items. Admission will be free. This event will be sponsored by Asera Care Hospice and Asera Care Home Health.

To round out the month, the Dietrich will host a Writers’ Workshop on Saturday, October 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in conjunction with Pennwriters that will feature multi-published authors Marta Perry and Charlee Ganny. Marta will speak about “Keeping the Reader Reading: Building Suspense in Your Story” and Charlee Ganny will discuss “Writing for the Hot Markets.” General admission is $20 and Pennwriter admission is $15. Space is limited so make your reservations today by calling 996-1500.

Then the following day, beautiful music will fill the theater with the Sweeny - Steveskey Classical Guitar Duo. What began as a teacher - student relationship has been revisited as this classical guitar duo. Chopin said it best when he said, “Nothing is more beautiful than a guitar, save perhaps two.” Join us for this live concert with classical guitarists Paul Sweeny and Jay Steveskey as they play together again. Tickets are $10 each. Call the Dietrich for concert information.

As you can see, the Dietrich is so much more than the movies!

Erica Rogler is an employee at the Dietrich Theater