FEDER, MARK (7 July 1907-3 July 1992) was a leading figure in Cleveland theatrical circles. He was the founder of the Jewish Community Theatre of the JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER (JCC), serving as its drama director from 1948 until retirement in 1972.
One of ten children of Hirsch and Toby Feder, Mark was born in Minsk, Russia (now Belarus). At age 11, he immigrated to the United States, joining his older brother Joseph then living in Cleveland. After graduation from John Adams High School, he moved to Chicago where he attended Jewish People's Institute and studied acting. He continued his education at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, where he majored in directing.
His interest in the theater took him to New York City where he attended classes at New York University and gained acting experience at the Yiddish Art Theatre. During WORLD WAR II, he toured extensively, performing for the Armed Services.
Following the war he returned to Cleveland and began his association with the Jewish Community Center. Before the JCC opened its own theater in 1960, he produced his plays on various stages around the city. Altogether in his 24 years with the JCC, he directed over 100 plays, occasionally acting in some as well.
Prior to his return to Cleveland, Feder was also active as a writer. For several years in New York, he authored a syndicated column on Jewish humor, "Live and Laugh," from which he later produced a book, It's a Living, which was published in 1948.
In 1943 he wed Ethel Grumer. They had one daughter, Tova.
Following his retirement in 1972, Feder moved to San Diego, CA, where he died and is interred.