The 4th and 5th graders of James Sales Elementary recently took the stage for their annual LENS performance, an uplifting, student-built showcase that highlights the power of Learning Empathy, Negotiation, and Sense of Self.

After eight years of partnership with Tacoma Arts Live, this year’s production blended trending moments (including the ever-popular “6,7”) with meaningful lessons from the 11-week LENS curriculum. Each scene centered on empathy, negotiation, or sense of self, and featured demonstrations of the theater-based games students practiced throughout the course.

This year’s showcase was a true collaboration between James Sales librarian Jennifer Bruce and Darlene Anderson of Tacoma Arts Live. Ms. Anderson joined students during their weekly library time, leading daily lessons and guiding them through activities that later evolved into the performance. Together, she and Ms. Bruce shaped ideas, refined scenes, and supported students through rehearsal, pairing Ms. Anderson’s artistic expertise with Ms. Bruce’s connection to the school community. While Tacoma Arts Live crafted the creative vision, Ms. Bruce provided steady on-the-ground support, ensuring every student felt prepared and included.

As rehearsals progressed, remarkable growth took shape. Many students had never performed before, and stage fright was common at first. But through practice, encouragement, and the fun of props and costumes, students developed confidence, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the LENS themes.

In the end, the performance offered more than entertainment—it offered opportunity. Families saw firsthand the value of the LENS program and students walked away proud. Peers who attended the assembly performance loved cheering on their friends and siblings on stage. Thank you to Ms. Bruce, Ms. Anderson and Tacoma Arts Live for making this project possible!