ABOUT MARK:

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​“I learned a lot about theater from teaching; working in theater made me a much better teacher." 

 

Creativity and synthesis, concentration and observation – these are the tools of storytelling, whether your challenge is a conference room or concert hall, a play script or a new SOP.  Learning to tell a good story means developing critical thinking skills and strengthening empathy for what your audience – your client, your colleague, or your student – wants and needs in order to get your message.”

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Scientists and salespeople, actors and writers, line workers and executives are some of the people Mark Spina has mentored in his dual careers in workplace training and theater.

 

As an educator specializing in workplace training, he has taught employees at every level from maintenance workers to vice presidents.  He has helped American-born business people win promotions by improving their presentation skills, and prepared foreign-born pharmaceutical VPs to make crucial presentations to the Food and Drug Administration..

 

As founding Producing Artistic Director of the award-winning company The Theater Project, he’s learned a lot about storytelling, perseverance, and people. Working in theater, he learned to be flexible and think on his feet, enabling him to create customized programs for students at all levels. He brings this experience to his work with individuals who are committed to improving their communication skills.

 

Mark extensively uses exercises in problem-solving through role play in the classroom, along with his theater training, to develop language skills as well as insight and empathy among his students.

 

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Connecticut College, he also attended the National Theatre Institute at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center in Connecticut. He was named Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Association for Lifelong Learning for his use of video and interactive role play in workplace training.