Tears of Joys'
After-School Performing Arts Outreach Program
Formerly Higher Stages

In fall 1997, Tears of Joy was invited to partner with Portland Juvenile Justice and the Regional Arts and Culture Council. The resulting mask/theatre production was a resoundingly successful production, “Mowgli in the Hood,” where Portland gang youth performed with their parole officers. This challenging and successful adventure led to the discovery of how the arts can empower under-served children, modeling new behaviors, exploring cultural traditions and helping them meaningfully connect to learning. Our experience led to the creation of the Tears of Joy after-school outreach program which serves nearly 200 students a year.

Our outreach program provides under-served, disadvantaged youth in Portland, Oregon with the experience of working with professional artists in the crafting and performance of art.

Our free classes address the social, emotional and educational development of at-risk students through the performing arts. Classes help youth to develop self-esteem, self-confidence, and discipline. Great importance is placed on learning to respect and value people of different cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds.

We are grateful for the support of local and state agencies, private foundations and individuals. With their funding and support we are able to make a difference in the youth of today. These youth are the hope for our future.

For the 2008-2009 school year we offer classes in
Drama-Cultural folktales
Shakespeare
Circus Arts

We are in partnership with SUN Schools (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods)

2008-2009 Performances by Tears of Joy After-School Students  

• SUN Showcases
• Family Nights
• Tears of Joy After-School Showcase in the Winningstade Theatre on April 17^th
  
  Change a life -make a tax-exempt donation today to:
  Tears of Joy After-School Outreach
  
  Pay by check:
  Tears of Joy Theatre-Arts Outreach
  323 NE Wygant Street
  Portland, OR  97211
  
  Pay by credit card over the phone:
  Call us at 503-248-0557