Students at Stanfield Elementary School recently participated in a puppet workshop under the instruction of Tears of Joy Theatre.

The entire student body at Stanfield Elementary was treated to a recent performance by the nationally acclaimed Tears of Joy Theatre. Based in Portland, Tears of Joy takes puppet theater to audiences throughout the United States and abroad. The group received American puppetrys highest honor, the Citation of Excellence in the Art of Puppetry.

During a morning session, puppeteers Kate Belden and Mark Dunworth performed two folktales from Mexico and Argentina in the morning and were met with rapt attention by the students, as well as plenty of laughter. Later in the day, Belden and Dunworth offered a workshop to teach students how puppets are made and how they perform. A pair of lucky students from each class were chosen to participate in the workshop.

Founded in 1971, the theater is recognized nationally for its commitment to excellence and innovation. The nonprofit company performs for approximately 200,000 children and adults each year. For more information, go to www.tojt.com.