Stevie Ray

Executive Director

stevie@stevierays.org

Business
Executive Director, Stevie Ray's Improv Company
Corporate Trainer for Fortune 500 companies
Keynote speaker for conferences and events nationwide
Executive Coach in leadership and communication
Real estate owner and investor

Entertainer
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

Co-Creator and Star of High School Clix, two-man comedy show.

Opened for:

  • Paula Poundstone

  • Marsha Warfield of Night Court

  • Rich Hall of Saturday Night Live

  • "Weird Al" Yankovic

Master of Ceremonies for:
  • Miss Minnesota Pageant (2005-09)
  • 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)

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

"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

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

Author of:
  • "What We Laugh At...and Why," a book that explains the nature of humor and the psychology of laughter; used as a text in several universities

  • "Working the Room: Networking for Professionals ," a step-by-step guide to develop professional networking skills

  • "Speaking in Public without Sweating in Private," a book that helps you develop presentation and public speaking skills

  • "Keep Your Mind on Your Work," a book of exercises to speed up your brain and help you communicate with anyone

Extras
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 Ray is:
     "the improv showman."
               TV Guide
      "a ready-for-prime-time player."
               St. Paul Pioneer Press
      "an impressario of improvisational comedy."
               Skyway News

Pamela M. Mayne
Artistic Director

pamela@stevierays.org

Pamela began her association with Stevie in 1988 when they co-managed a comedy variety club in Minneapolis. They eventually took over the club to create Stevie Ray's Improv Company. As Artistic Director, Pamela directs all productions and works with Jason Bindas to direct the School of Improv. 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 five children 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, performing as a stand-up comic at Scott Hanson’s Comedy Gallery as well as assorted other clubs, co-founding Theater Sportz improv competition in Minneapolis, and, for the past 17 years, playing 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.