AUDITIONS & CALLS FOR ENTRY
The Wally Gordon Community Singers open membership: Based in Clarks Summit, this group was founded 35 years ago to give local people opportunity to pursue the love of choral music, regardless of training or ability. Membership is open to high school and adult singers. No auditions required. Two concerts are presented per season, one in early December and the other in early May. Rehearsals will begin Jan. 23 and are held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the music room at the Clarks Summit United Methodist Church, 1310 Morgan Highway. Info: 570-561-6005 or wallygordoncommunitysingers.com.
Auditions for ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ 7 p.m. Jan. 28 through 30 at the Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville. The show is directed by Matthew Wegener, musical direction is by Jennifer Hunter, and choreography by Jamie Burns. The cast has an age range of 15 and above. Children ages 8 to 10 will be auditioned for the “Hosanna Procession” scene. All who audition will be asked to sing a song of choice (a song from the show is preferred). A short dance routine will also be auditioned. Sheet music is preferred: an accompanist will be available. Performance dates are March 10, 11, 16 to 18, and 23 to 25. Info: 570-283-2195.
Our Town Art Scholarship: Entry deadline is Jan. 19. For seniors at Abington Heights High School. Info: gatheringplacecs.org.
Auditions for ‘Reserve Two for Murder,’ by appointment between 5 and 9 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Dietrich Theater. Callbacks, if necessary, will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 25. This dramatic comedy, written by John Randall and directed by Brenda Fager, will be presented April 27 through 29 in the Peg Fassett Performance Studio at the Dietrich. Cast members needed: six women, seven men and one girl between 9 and 13 years old. Actors/actresses should prepare a comedic one-minute monologue (not from the play) and may be asked to read from the script. Rehearsals begin March 12. There are also several positions available for people interested in working behind the scenes. Info/appointments: 713-962-9029.
VISUAL ARTS & PERFORMING ARTS
The Blues in Art and Music reception, 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Dietrich Theater. Presented by the Dietrich Theater and Kitson Arts Alliance. Come celebrate the rich history of the blues in the photography and art of John Rockland, Scott Nichols, Erika Gibson-Bertram, and Katrina King and the music of the Matt Bennick Project and Phyllis Hopkins, featuring Little Sister Band. Enjoy light refreshments, live music, and exhibits. Cost: Free.
Dietrich Film Favorites: ‘Casablanca,’ 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Dietrich Theater. To celebrate its 75th anniversary, view this film classic “Casablanca” on the big screen. Cost: free admission; sponsored by Sandy and Tom Henry.
Songwriters’ Round Table, 7 p.m. Jan. 21 at The Gathering Place. Calling all Songwriters! Join others and hone your craft.
National Theatre Live on Screen: ‘Follies,’ 2 p.m. Jan. 21 and 28 at the Dietrich Theater. Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical is staged for the first time at the National Theatre and will be shown on screen at the Dietrich Theater. Cost: $14 for general admission, $12 for member and senior tickets and $10 for child/student tickets.
Winter Fest 2018 Preview Day, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Dietrich Theater. Cost: free admission and discounted concession. Get an idea of what the Dietrich’s Winter Fest 2018 movies are about, by seeing the trailers for all 21 films.
Sherlock Holmes and The Curse of the Sign of Four or The Mark of the Timber Toe, A Victorian Melodrama by Dennis Rosa, Jan. 25-28 and Feb. 1-4 at Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road, Scranton. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday performances at 2 p.m. Cost: $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors and $8 for students; admission to the Jan. 25 performance is discounted at $8 for general and seniors and $6 for students. Reservations: 570-342-9707 or tickets@actorscircle.com.
Hiking Through the Natural Beauty of Pennsylvania, 11 a.m. Jan. 27 at the Dietrich Theater. Presented by Jeff Mitchell, this program will showcase Pennsylvania’s beautiful parks and natural areas, including hiking trails and waterways, with a focus on locations in NEPA. Cost: free. Books by Jeff Mitchell will be available for sale, benefiting the theater.
LITERARY ARTS
Winter Challenge, now through Feb. 23 at the Abington Community Library. All ages are invited to participate. Complete a BINGO sheet full of fun wintry activities for the chance to win prizes. In February, check out magical Harry Potter-themed activities to accompany the 2018 Clarks Summit Festival of Ice: Wizarding World of Ice. Join an intergenerational book club, make your own wand and learn about fantastic beasts. Info: 570-587-3440.
‘Only One You’ reading and activities, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Abington Community Library. Drop in anytime during this event, paint a rock to be displayed on library grounds, read through the book “Only One You” and enter your name for the chance to win a copy of the book. Miss Laura will read the book at 3 and at 4 p.m. Though the book is written for children, all ages are invited to paint a rock. Sponsored by the Abington Heights Civic League.
ARTS, CRAFTS & MORE
Craft and Chat, 10 a.m. Jan. 12 at The Gathering Place. An inclusive art program.
Pottery and Sculpture, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays at the Dietrich Theater. For ages 13 and up. Series one: Jan. 15 through Feb. 5. Series two: Feb. 12 through March 5. Series three: March 12 through April 2. Instructor: Steve Colley. Students will learn to work on potter’s wheels and develop hand-building (coil and slab construction) and sculpting techniques. All materials will be supplied. All levels of experience are welcome. Cost: $60 for a four-class series, plus the cost of clay.
Open Studio and Portfolio Prep, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Dietrich Theater. Series one: Jan. 16 through Feb. 6. Series two: Feb. 13 through March 6. Series three: March 13 through April 3. For ages 13 to adult. Instructor: Steve Colley. Students of all levels of experience will have the opportunity to work at their own pace with the medium of their choice, whether it is pottery, sculpture, drawing or painting. Students will also learn how to create a portfolio to showcase their work for college, professional or personal reasons. Cost: $60 for a four-class series, plus the cost of clay. Info/register: 570-996-1500.
Decorative Painting, 12 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 17 through April 25 at the Dietrich Theater. Learn decorative painting techniques while creating pieces for your home or to give as gifts. For ages 16 to adult. Instructor: Teresa Brewer. Cost: $20 per class, plus cost of painting surface. Pre-registration is required. Info/register: 570-996-1500.
Quilting for Everyone, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 17 through March 28 at the Dietrich Theater. For ages 13 and up. Instructors: Terry Keller, Peggy Lane and Ingrid Rogler. Learn early American quilting techniques as you create a quilt using the old-time pattern Monkey’s Wrench and your imagination. Along the way you will learn design techniques and color theory. No experience necessary. Cost: $6 per class; fabric is free. Info/register: 570-996-1500.
Harry Potter DIY Night, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Abington Community Library. Pop in to make a pretzel wand, or Harry Potter bookmark. Info/register: 570-587-3440.
Fine Wine, Fine Art, 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 16 and April 20 at the Dietrich Theater. Ages 21 and older only; ID required. Instructors: Steve and Amy Colley. Bring your own wine and snacks and immerse yourself in an evening inspired by Impressionist artists. Cost: $25 per class. Info/register: 570-996-1500.
Introduction to Stained Glass, 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Dietrich Theater. For ages 18 and up. Instructor: Esther Harmatz. Students will learn to work with a design, cut glass, polish, foil wrap and solder and will leave the class with a finished item. All supplies and equipment provided. Cost: $60. Info/register: 570-996-1500.