Audie nominee Mark Binder writes and tells stories for readers and listeners of all ages. His work is eclectic. He is the author of more than 20 books and audio books for children, families and adults. He tours the world as a performer for children and families, transmitting the joy of story across boundaries. He also performs work for adults that include, “stories of drugs death, love, theft, humor, hope and happy endings.”
A writer who creates at least one new project every year, whether it’s a printed book or an audio book, an ebook or a play. Mark is constantly pushing boundaries, while keeping his diverse audiences of readers and listeners engaged.
A performer with more than twenty years of programs in schools, libraries, theaters and festival for nearly 200,000 listeners of all ages. Every year Mark gives more than 100 presentations across the United States and around the world. Recently, he was featured in the Amazon/Audible series, “Story Live.” His audiobook Loki Ragnarok was nominated for a 2019 Audie Award for Original Work.
Education… Mark studied mythology with T.E. Gaster and storytelling with Spalding Gray at Columbia University, mime and dance with the Adaptors Movement Theater. He earned an MA in English and Writing, Acting and Directing from Rhode Island College and the Trinity Rep Conservatory. He holds a third degree black belt in Aikido, studies centering and internal power, and promises not to throw you across the room.
Entertaining, Inspiring, Challenging Whether written or told, Mark’s stories are always fresh and new. Some are pure fun, while others address issues, soothe fears and inspire change. Because he has such a broad assortment of stories, books and audio, he can work from a theme or offer “Omakase” stories that suit the day and the audience. Everyone who listens or reads is transported
A Teacher and Leader Mark knows how to teach by listening and coaching, by example and assignment. His goal is to inspire students to do more and better work than they thought possible. He has taught martial arts in a dojo, “Telling Lies” at the Rhode Island School of Design, and writing and storytelling in dozens of elementary, middle and high schools for young people and adults of all ages.
And more… Mark is the founder of Light Publications, an independent publishing company. He co-created Bright Night Providence, and founded The Real Fun Theater Company and the American Story Theater. He has worked as the editor of magazines, designed books, and produced award-winning books and audios. He has been programming computers since 1977, and is constantly learning and adapting to changing technology. He has twice run for political office, and came frighteningly close to winning once.
Mark’s Books, Audio Books and ebooks include… (Click here to purchase)
After Ever After (2019)
The Misadventures of Rabbi Kibbitz and Mrs. Chaipul (2019)
The Bark Minder Project (2018)
The Zombie Cat (2017)
Loki Ragnarok (2017) – 2019 Audie Award Nominee for Original Work
A Dead Politician, an Undead Clam and an Ancient Horror (2016)
Transmit Joy! an awesome (audio) storybook (2016) – Parents’ Choice Gold Winner for Audio Storytelling
Every Hero Has a Story (2015)
Cinderella Spinderella (2014) – Kickstarter Funding and 5 international ebook awards
The Brothers Schlemiel (unabridged 2013)
Genies, Giants and a Walrus (2012)
Kings, Wolves, Princesses and Lions (2012)
The Buddha Who Wore Keds (2012)
Stories for Peace (2011)
A Holiday Present (audio 2010)
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night… (audio 2010)
Matzah Mishugas (2009)
Ragnarok (2009)
The Bed Time Story Book (2008)
It Ate My Sister (September, 2008)
The Brothers Schlemiel (abridged, 2008)
A Hanukkah Present Finalist National Jewish Book Award for Family Literature*
A Hanukkah Present (audio 2005) Storytelling World Honors
Classic Stories for Boys and Girls (audio 2004) Children’s Music Web Award, iParenting Media Award
Tall Tales, Whoppers and Lies (audio 2003)
The Brothers Schlemiel from Birth to Bar Mitzvah (audio 2001)
The Everything Bedtime Story Book (2001)
Crumbs Don’t Count — The Rationalization Diet (1994)
Plus…
More than 200 original short stories published in magazines, newspapers and websites including Cricket, The Forward, The Family, Bostonia, Conjure, and Pizza Today .
Awards and Grants include…
2019 Audie Award Finalist for Best Original Work for Loki Ragnarok Audiobook
Parents Choice Gold for Audio Storytelling Transmit Joy! Audiobook
Kickstarter funding; RISCA Project Grant, Digital Book Award Finalist, QED Award, Mom’s Choice Silver, Benjamin Franklin Silver for Cinderella Spinderella:
Finalist National Jewish Book Award for Family Literature for A Hanukkah Present
Storytelling World Honor Award for A Hanukkah Present (audio)
Children’s Music Web Award, iParenting Media Award for Classic Stories for Boys and Girls
US Department of Education Grant to Train School Librarians
Rhode Island State Council on the Arts Literature
RI Department of Education Innovative Project Grant
Training
Adapters Movement Theater (3 years)
Trinity Rep Conservatory Graduate (playwrighting, directing, acting)
Columbia University, BA (playwrighting, storytelling, mythology)
Rhode Island College, MA (English, theater)
Aikido (20 years Sandan, Shidoin, third degree black belt/instructor )
Yoga (10 years)
Centering and Internal Power (3 years)
Storyteller (Average 100 performances/year since 2000)
Contact
Mark Binder • mark@markbinder.com
PO Box 2462, Providence, RI 02906
Booking Agent: Beth Hellman • beth@markbinder.com