Today we’d like to introduce you to Stevie Ray
Hi Stevie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Stevie Ray started his comedy journey when he performed his first show at the age of nine. He is the only person in the country to design his own degree to study comedy at Minnesota State University – Moorhead. He worked at various clubs in the Twin Cities before opening Stevie Ray’s Improv Company in 1989.
He is both an improv and a stand-up comedian, touring the country opening for such stars as Paula Poundstone and “Weird Al” Yankovic.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Running an arts organization is never a smooth road. Stevie Ray’s Improv Company is also one of the only self-supporting non-profit arts organizations in the country.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Stevie Ray (along with his co-founder, Pamela Mayne), have taken Stevie Ray’s Improv Company to places few other arts organizations have been. The School of Improv trains hundreds of students each year in the arts of improv, stand-up, musical improv, comedy sketch writing, and more. They also help those in need gain valuable life skills through the “Skills for Life Project,” using the tenets of improv to help people learn communication skills, team work, and self-confidence.
Stevie Ray is a nationally known keynote speaker and corporate trainer, helping professionals learn the art of positive influence.
Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret, located at the Chanhassen Dinner Theaters is proud to be one of the few venues that features comedy without profanity or offensive content. Dozens of new and emerging comedy artists are given valuable training at Stevie Ray’s, many of whom go on to careers as professional entertainers.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Our entire history has been about taking risks. Stevie Ray’s Improv Company has a one-word business plan. That word is “Yes.” When someone suggests a new idea or program, we say “yes.” This philosophy helped us enter areas where improv had never been before; helping the needy, training for special needs groups, and bringing improv into the corporate world. These types of programs are common today, but we were the first to start them 35 years ago.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stevierays.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/srimprov/
