VISION

The Black Hills Playhouse will be the region’s model for professional and educational theatre, championing innovation, inclusivity, and accessibility. 

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MISSION

The Black Hills Playhouse fosters a dynamic and inclusive environment where creative thinkers and artists collaborate to produce distinctive theatre and groundbreaking educational programs that explore the full spectrum of the human experience.

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VALUES

INCLUSION:  Theatre is an integral part of the human experience and needs to be accessible to all. We embrace shared humanity, in order to experience transformation through theatre. 

 

ARTS / COMMUNITY IMPACT: Arts are impactful vehicles for social, civic, cultural, and educational engagement and vital to the growth of dynamic communities.

 

RELATIONSHIPS: Strong, deep, and meaningful relationships are key to sustainability and extend the reach of the BHP mission.

 

SUSTAINABILITY: Responsible management, strategic planning, and engaged teams are essential to the success of the Black Hills Playhouse.

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​WHAT WE DO

The Black Hills Playhouse (BHP), associated with the University of South Dakota, was established in 1946 as a summer stock theatre in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Entering its 79th season, the BHP is one of the oldest continuously running summer stock theatres in the nation. In Custer State Park, the BHP provides high-quality, professional theatre productions and diverse artistic opportunities for theatre professionals and students in an idyllic, natural environment. Since 1946, hundreds of thousands of people have enjoyed productions, and thousands of students have received training.

 

Since 1999, we have toured high-quality theatre residencies designed to make learning fun. We teach young people how to work as a team, the experience raises their self-esteem, and preparing for the performances gives them the confidence to present in public. Kids come away with a sense of belonging and love for the arts. We do our best to go wherever there is a need so youth can experience the magic of theatre wherever they live. Over 25 years, our actors/directors have logged over 203,000 miles, taught over 33,000 students, played to almost 141,000 audience members, and provided youth with over 44,000 teaching hours!

 

Since 2013, in East River, we have provided people with disabilities opportunities to learn about theatre and appear on stage through our Expanding Stage programs, with DakotAbilites and LifeScape as partners. And through Camp Bravo, kids with and without disabilities can have fun together learning a show.

 

And since 2016, each summer, youth from all over the state have converged at Placerville for two BHP Jr. Performing Arts Camps each summer. Kids meet new friends, explore the world of performing arts, and make memories for a lifetime!

 

The mission of the BHP is to foster a dynamic and inclusive environment where creative thinkers and artists collaborate to produce distinctive theatre and groundbreaking educational programs that explore the full spectrum of the human experience.

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At the BHP, our mission is more than words—it’s a living, breathing commitment to fostering creativity, inclusion, and the magic of live theatre. Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of board members volunteers their time and treasure to ensure that mission thrives.

 

STRATEGIC GOALS

 

Goal 1 - Programs

 

Produce theatre and educational programs that exemplify excellence and prioritize sustainability, equity, and accessibility for people of all ages, abilities, identities, and socio-economic backgrounds. 

 

Goal 2 - Accessibility

 

Provide access to creative opportunities and representation on and off the stage by securing and pledging resources that ensure participation for people regardless of their circumstances.

 

Goal 3 - Communication

 

Tell the stories of the impact we have on artists, audiences, and participants to elevate and strengthen the Black Hills Playhouse programs and preserve the Black Hills Playhouse as a vibrant cultural treasure of South Dakota. 

 

Work with key stakeholders, including the State of South Dakota, USD, local communities and Tribal Nations, BHP Alumni Association, artists, donors, and funders to ensure the Black Hills Playhouse thrives as an inclusive space where theatre, culture, and heritage are accessible for all.

 

Goal 4 - Governance

 

Fortify the future of the Black Hills Playhouse by building a diverse and inclusive professional staff and an engaged, representative board of directors.  

 

We will prioritize recruiting and retaining individuals who bring a wide range of perspectives, ensuring operations reflect and serve the communities we represent, while fostering an equitable and supportive environment for growth and leadership.

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