Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Black Hills Playhouse?
BHP is a 68 year old professional summer stock theatre company located in beautiful Custer State Park at the site of an old CCC camp. It is one of the oldest continuously operating summer stock theaters in the nation. The company can be found just off the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road in Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota and is within driving distance of Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monuments.
Every summer, BHP brings incredible artists from all over the nation to create magical theater productions for residents and people visiting the Black Hills, and educational experiences for students of theatre. The Black Hills Playhouse is affiliated with the University of South Dakota. Each summer 4 to 6 plays are offered covering musicals, drama, and comedies during 72 performances Tuesday through Sunday.
Black Hills Playhouse, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 organization and receives support from the University of South Dakota, Black Hills Playhouse Alumni Association, Custer State Park, Allied Arts Fund of Rapid City, the South Dakota Arts Council through the South Dakota Department of Tourism, the National Endowment for the Arts, generous foundations, corporation donors, loyal patrons and audience members like you!
Every summer, BHP brings incredible artists from all over the nation to create magical theater productions for residents and people visiting the Black Hills, and educational experiences for students of theatre. The Black Hills Playhouse is affiliated with the University of South Dakota. Each summer 4 to 6 plays are offered covering musicals, drama, and comedies during 72 performances Tuesday through Sunday.
Black Hills Playhouse, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 organization and receives support from the University of South Dakota, Black Hills Playhouse Alumni Association, Custer State Park, Allied Arts Fund of Rapid City, the South Dakota Arts Council through the South Dakota Department of Tourism, the National Endowment for the Arts, generous foundations, corporation donors, loyal patrons and audience members like you!
Who is Doc Lee?
The Warren M. Lee Center Theater at the Black Hills Playhouse is named in honor of Dr. Warren M. Lee, in recognition of his dedicated contributions in the Black Hills Playhouse and the University of South Dakota. "Doc" Lee served on the University faculty for thirty-seven years as a Professor of Theatre, Dean of Fine Arts (1952-68) and as Director of the Black Hills Playhouse, which he founded in 1946.
It was his vision which inspired the creation of the BHP Company and our little theater in the forest. Doc Lee passionately believed that people in rural areas were enriched by quality theater and that the Black Hills Playhouse provided a unique and intensive training opportunity for theatre professionals in the region.
It was his vision which inspired the creation of the BHP Company and our little theater in the forest. Doc Lee passionately believed that people in rural areas were enriched by quality theater and that the Black Hills Playhouse provided a unique and intensive training opportunity for theatre professionals in the region.
What is the mission of BHP?
The Black Hills Playhouse Mission is to enhance and inspire lives through extraordinary theatre production and educational opportunities in the unique environment of the Black Hills.
What is the Black Hills Playhouse Alumni Association?
The Black Hills Playhouse Alumni Association (BHPAA) was first formed in 1980. After several dormant years, the organization was re-formed in 1994 as a separate not-for-profit corporation in South Dakota. It is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt charitable organization. People are members by virtue of their association with the playhouse as a company or board member. There is no membership fee.
Since 1995, BHPAA has raised $136,886 for BHP. Major projects completed to date have been Haberman Hall and the BHP Documentary "Stage Directions: 60 years with the BHP.
Since 1995, BHPAA has raised $136,886 for BHP. Major projects completed to date have been Haberman Hall and the BHP Documentary "Stage Directions: 60 years with the BHP.
How can I buy tickets?
Season passes are available for sale through June 10. Look under the box office tab for current ticket pricing and policies.
Group rates are available--please inquire with Jeff Kingsbury @ 360-790-7290.
Group rates are available--please inquire with Jeff Kingsbury @ 360-790-7290.
