The Academy of Fine Arts in Gaithersburg is welcoming a new storyteller to its staff. Rita Norton Mazza tells interactive stories that make her audiences part of the action.

Mazza started Storybook Theatre classes for 4- and 5-year-olds at the academy. She also will start a Troupe of Tellers in her acting classes for ages 6 to 9. The Troupe will present Shakespeare plays and contemporary literature.