Bravo to the Dietrich Theater’s After School Players! Their performance last Saturday was absolutely tremendous. I loved their monologues, how they froze between each scene and their acting was superb. They performed the play “Class Action” by Brad Straight, which won critical acclaim for its entertaining yet realistic portrayal of life in junior and senior high. I think the students could really relate to their characters and the story, and boy, did it show.
We would like to thank the Overlook Estate Foundation, Walmart and the Wells Fargo Foundation for making the After School Players possible. We would also like to extend our thanks to After School Players instructors Brenda Fager and Mary Troy, as well as the Tunkhannock High School for the loan of lockers and school desks.
Another program that just wrapped up is our Readers Meeting Writers project with local author Jeanne Moran and students in the Tunkhannock Area Middle School. How great was it to see 26 middle school students meet after school to discuss a book. Not only did they discuss Jeanne’s book, but they participated in a variety of activities related to the book and were given journals to write their thoughts.
On the last day we asked students what changes they would like to see to the program and they wanted to meet more. Incredible. I think it is so important for readers of all ages to meet together and share their thoughts on what they have read.
We would like to thank all those at the Tunkhannock Middle School especially Mrs. Ergott for making this program come to life. We would also like to thank Jeanne Moran for sharing her enthusiasm for writing and reading with the students. She’s a wonderful teacher in addition to being a fantastic writer. She probably received the highest praise from the students who participated in the project when they lined up at the end of the last session to get a selfie with her. We hope to bring in another author next year, so stay tuned.
This month we will bring a few new programs to the Dietrich for you and your family to enjoy.
Naturalist Rick Koval will be at the Dietrich at 11 a.m. this Saturday, March 19 to present “My Fascination with Birds: The Story Behind the Photos.” Through his PowerPoint presentation, Koval will share his thoughts on what captivates him and so many nature enthusiasts about these beautiful creatures from the melodious songs of singing males to the maternal care of nesting females to their colorful plumage and migratory patterns. He will also share some funny stories and experiences with birds.
Admission is free, thanks to support from the Overlook Estate Foundation. Tickets are available by calling 570-996-1500 or at the door.
Then at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 20, we invite you to a special public reading by the Dietrich’s Warrior Writers and Writers Group. Come hear their works and then join us for a light reception following the reading to give you the chance to meet these amazing writers. Admission is free.
We will also host a special Knox Mine Disaster Documentary Benefit Screening at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 23 with filmmaker David Brocca. During this evening, Brocca will present clips from the upcoming documentary on the Knox Mine Disaster of 1959, including some recently restored 16mm film footage that has not been seen in over 57 years. This presentation will include approximately 20 minutes of footage from the film, followed by a question and answer time with the filmmaker.
The feature length documentary is currently in post-production and seeking tax deductible donations to help get it completed and into theaters this year. The film is fiscally sponsored through the International Documentary Association, a non-profit whose mission is dedicated to the betterment of documentary culture. Admission to this event is free and will be followed by a light reception.
Oh, and be sure to reserve your tickets now for the Opening Night Gala of the Dietrich’s Spring Film Festival on April 1.
As you can see, the Dietrich is so much more than the movies!
