Regional Summer Stock Theatre In
Custer State Park
Professional Summer Stock Theatre in Custer State Park
The BHP began as a dream of Dr. Warren M. (Doc) Lee of the University of South Dakota. His goals were to create high-quality entertainment for people in the Black Hills while providing training and employment opportunities for students and theatre professionals. The BHP has been a part of the College of Fine Arts at USD since 1946.
Each year, auditions and interviews are held across the country in search of talented actors, directors, designers, technicians, and interns. Artists reside in dorms in Custer State Park, rehearse on-site, and performances are held Tuesday - Sunday throughout the summer in a rustic and sweet 345-seat house.
It is the tradition of generations of friends and families to attend shows at the BHP in Custer State Park. People often bring picnics to Hab Hall, enjoy the offerings of the BHP Snack Bar, and take time to relax before enjoying a show in this glorious location. Check out the 2025 Season HERE. Interested in seeing past seasons? Click here.
The Black Hills Playhouse is supported by the Guardians of the BHP, the College of Fine Arts at the University of South Dakota, South Dakota Arts Council through the SD Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional support from Arts Midwest, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, South Dakota Community Foundation, Sioux Falls Community Foundation, and generous donors, sponsors, and advertisers.
One man's dream of a little theater in the woods took flight. It's where it all started!
