BHP History

Dr. Warren M. ("Doc") Lee founded the Black Hills Playhouse in 1946. Initially the buildings in CCC Camp Lodge (built in 1933 as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps) were shared and used for housing, while the Playhouse toured its productions.

In 1947, the University of South Dakota began aiding the Playhouse. In 1955, the current theatre was built (replacing the dining hall, which had burned down in 1952). In the intervening years, the BHP performances were held in the 50-seat "old theatre," which currently serves as our Reserved Ticket Office and a rehearsal space. Between 1979 and 1982, the Playhouse corporation built five new dormitories (which are located on the hill in the woods behind the theatre) for its company. Prior to that, the company members had lived in the old CCC buildings (three of which had no plumbing) and shared the "bath house" as a communal toilet facility. In 1976, on Doc Lee's retirement, Leonard Anderson took over as Managing Director. In 1987 Jan Swank became Managing Artistic Director. The Black Hills Playhouse has been in continuous operation since its inception in 1946. CCC Camp Lodge has been in continuous operation since its construction in 1933.

Playhouse at Legion Lake 1949

Camp Lodge 1930's

Doc Lee

Theatre, 2001