Melinda Pfundstein  |  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

About Melinda (SHE/Her)

Executive Director and co-founder of StateraArts, Melinda is a director, actor, educator, administrator, arts consultant, advocate for women in the arts, and mother of three children. She holds an MA in Arts Administration from Southern Utah University, where she also completed her undergraduate work in theatre and dance performance, and served on the faculty as Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts. 

Melinda has participated in parity convenings around the country, including the Berkshire Leadership Summit and TCG's Gender Parity Think Tank. She engages with artistic and executive leaders around their organizational culture and inclusion practices, and has presented on mentorship at TCG's National Conference. Most recently, she directed Merchant of Venice and The Book of Will at the Utah Shakespeare Festival where she has been a company member for 20 seasons; and Every Brilliant Thing at Lake Dillon Theatre Company. Next, Melinda will direct Hamlet at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company in March of 2020, and Into the Breeches at Utah Shakes, summer of 2020. Other select regional credits include Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, The Skylight, and First Stage Children’s Theatre.  

A Certified Laser Coach, Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, and certified Pilates instructor, Melinda formerly owned and operated Breathe Pilates and Wellness in downtown Milwaukee. She is a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and Actor’s Equity Association.