Staff
Stevie Ray - Executive Directorstevie@stevierays.org
Stevie is a successful businessman, an accomplished entertainer, talented writer, lucky husband, and worn-out stepdad.
In addition to his executive director role at the improv company, he is a corporate trainer for Fortune 500 companies, has been a keynote speaker for conferences and events nationwide, is an executive coach in leadership and communication, and is a real estate owner and investor.
Stevie performed his first show at the age of nine and has been making people laugh ever since, touring the country as an improvisational and stand-up comedian. He is the co-creator and star ofHigh School Clix two-man comedy show. He has opened standup shows for the likes of Paula Poundstone, Marsha Warfield of Night Court, Rich Hall of Saturday Night Live, and "Weird Al" Yankovic. He has also served as Master of Ceremonies for several notable events:
- Miss Minnesota Pageant (2005-10)
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Breath of Life Gala (2004-07)
- Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Hope Has No Boundaries (2004-06)
- Twin Cities Public Television The Minnesota Channel (2003-04)
- St. Paul Winter Carnival Coronation (1998-2001)
His unique combination of business savvy and entertainment skills have enabled him to write several successful books:
- What We Laugh At...and Why explains the nature of humor and the psychology of laughter; it’s even used as a textbook in several universities
- Working the Room: Networking for Professionals is a step-by-step guide to developing professional networking skills
- Speaking in Public without Sweating in Private helps develop presentation and public speaking skills
- Keep Your Mind on Your Work is a book of exercises to speed up the brain and help you communicate with anyone
Other tidbits about Stevie you may find interesting:
- An award-winning blues harmonica player
- The only person in the country to design his own college degree in Theory and Performance of Comedy at Moorhead State University in Minnesota
- Martial artist since 1977 and holder of four black belts
- Former bodyguard for Pee Wee Herman (yes, really)
- Owner of "Steve's Bees Minnesota Honey," producing natural honey from his own beehives
- Volunteer for the Minnesota State Services for the Blind, recording books on tape
- Volunteer for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, bringing hope, strength, and joy to children with life-threatening illnesses.
Stevie’s affiliations and publications:
- Nationally syndicated columnist for the Business Journal Newspapers
- Professional member of the National Speakers Association
- Preferred Partner of the National Concierge Association
Really nice things that others have said about Stevie:
“In this, the most difficult comic art form, Stevie Ray makes improv performance skills seem like second nature. He slips in and out of personas, international accents, and situations the same way Harry Houdini slipped in and out of padlocked chains and steel cages - effortlessly, almost magically." Pam Mellskog - Twin Cities Revue"the improv showman."
TV Guide
“a ready-for-prime-time player."
St. Paul Pioneer Press
Skyway News
Pamela M. Mayne - Artistic Director
pamela@stevierays.org
Pamela began her association with Stevie in 1988 when they co-directed a Minneapolis comedy- variety club. They eventually took over the club to create Stevie Ray's Improv Company. As Artistic Director, Pamela directs the productions at Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret. She alone holds the distinction of being able to tell Stevie he's not as funny as he thinks he is. When not helping to run the company, Pamela tries to keep her four boys from jumping off the roof with a parachute made out of a bedsheet.
Jason Bindas - Assistant Artistic Director
jason@stevierays.org
Jason has been a part of Stevie Ray's since 1999. He is a respected performer, director and teacher. He helps guide troupe members to perform their best, and develop new talent.
Peter Simmons
Director -
Improv Nation, Youth Improv Program
peter@stevierays.org
Peter Simmons has been a performer in the Twin Cities for over 30 years. While he trained in classical theater at North Carolina School of the Arts, Peter has since concentrated on comedy for most of his career. He has performed as a stand-up comic at Scott Hanson’s Comedy Gallery as well as assorted other clubs, he co-founding Theater Sportz improv competition in Minneapolis, and, for the past 17 years, has played dozens of roles for Mystery Café Comedy Dinner theater. In addition to his performance experience, Peter has taught numerous improvisation workshops for corporate clients, taught comedy writing through the Open U., served as Director of McDonalds Children’s Entertainment for the Twin Cities Region, and spent 4 years teaching high-school aged students at Trollwood Performing Arts School in Fargo, ND. He is very pleased to be working with the good folks at Stevie Ray’s.
