About this Artist

Pronouns: she/her

The Washington Post describes Noa Baum as someone who “Spreads cultural truths that eclipse geopolitical boundaries…” Born and raised in Jerusalem, Noa is an internationally acclaimed storyteller, author, and educator who uses storytelling to builds bridges of peace and compassion.

With warm authenticity, mesmerizing voices, and humor, Noa’s uplifting programs combine story, song, and audience participation. Her stories draw on the wisdom of many traditions and her own rich Jewish heritage, to highlight our similarities, celebrate our differences, and encourage curiosity, tolerance, and ethical responsibility.

Noa holds a graduate degree in Theater-in-Education and Drama Therapy from NYU and brings over four decades of teaching experience and expertise to engaging student residencies and interactive Professional Development workshops that focus on listening, literacy, communication and social emotional skills. She is the author of two award-winning books “How the Birds Became Friends,” on the power of kindness to create change, and a memoir “A Land Twice Promised – an Israeli Woman’s Quest for Peace.” She is a Parents’ Choice Award winner and recipient of numerous awards from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Montgomery County Arts Council.

Artist Statement

I grew up in Israel and between acting roles in Jerusalem, I took a job telling stories at a community center. On my first day, a troubled nine-year-old girl walked in late, kicked the kids sitting on the floor and sat on the windowsill. But as my story began she listened, and then transformed into a graceful majestic princess as she acted out the story with the group. The community center staff told me this was the first time anyone had seen this child participate without breaking chairs. It was a powerful moment that set me out on the path to become a professional storyteller and teaching artist. For nearly 30 years I’ve been using the transformative power of stories to motivate students to learn through storytelling, movement, and dramatic play. I marvel at the power of storytelling in developing the social, emotional, and cognitive skills of children. I absolutely LOVE it and look forward to sharing my passion with Maryland students and educators.