First Posted: 12/5/2014
Editor’s note: This week’s piece was written by guest columnist Margie Young, Dietrich Theater program coordinator. Contributing Columnist Erica Rogler’s column will return next week.
Lights. Christmas trees. Holiday displays inside and outside the Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock.
Who envisions and masterminds a plan each year and who makes it all happen? Sarah Sidorek, Dietrich Theater general manager, that’s who.
Sarah is the one who designed the entry to the theater this year with a starry wintry night sky to showcase the glass cases with sleigh-riding bears, an antique doll house ready for Christmas, hand-carved wooden Santas and artisan gift treasures. Sidorek’s artistry is evident, even from the outside of the theater — in the Fassett Studio window winter night scene, the large Kintner Lobby wreath and the many lit holiday figures inviting all to come inside.
Her team of elves worked for days to make the Dietrich Theater a holiday destination for all.
The festive air that fills the theater beckons all to take advantage of the events coming up. We have a tradition reflected by the image on the wall of the Kintner Lobby, the huge photo of the scene with the Baileys in Hollywood’s wonderful film with Jimmy Stewart. Thanks to Ace-Robbins, there will be three free showings of this all-time holiday favorite, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” No reservations will be taken — just come a little early for any one of the showings at 2, 7 or 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16 .
Not only is the movie free, but so are popcorn, soda and homemade cookies, again thanks to the support of Ace-Robbins. This event is the Dietrich Theater’s thank you to the community for its patronage and support over the years. It is you who make us a thriving movie theater and cultural center. And we are most grateful.
Children ages 5 to 12 are able to continue having fun by experiencing the arts during the holidays by attending Holiday Camp from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday and Tuesday Dec. 29 and 30 with instructors Amy and Steve Colley. They can explore pottery and sculpture, drawing, and painting with the Dietrich Theater’s artists-in-residence. To register, call the Dietrich Theater at 570-996-1500.
Finally, the Dietrich Theater invites all middle school and high school students to sign up for After School Players Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Jan. 13 and continuing until a final performance showcase on Saturday, March 7. This free theatre arts program is sponsored by the Overlook Estate Foundation, Wells Fargo and Walmart.
Through the use of Scene Study, students will experience all aspects of producing a play from breaking down a script, to creating a character, to the actor’s responsibilities, to choosing costumes, to designing the set in which it all happens. Instructor Brenda Fager is anxious to welcome all who wish to participate. To sign up, call the theater.
Through the holidays and beyond, the place to be is the Dietrich Theater. We are so much more than the movies!