Bold Theatre. Rich Legacy
A New Chapter Begins
Theatre 605 carries forward the 80+ year legacy of the Black Hills Playhouse, reimagined for a new generation of storytellers and dreamers.
Theatre 605:
Telling Stories. Changing Lives.
Vision
Theatre 605 will be the region’s model for professional and educational theatre, championing innovation, inclusivity, and accessibility.
Mission
Theatre 605: Telling Stories. Changing Lives.
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 T605 mission.
SUSTAINABILITY: Responsible management, strategic planning, and engaged teams are essential to the success of the Theatre 605.
Diversity Statement
Theatre 605 is dedicated to creating an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where theatre reflects and amplifies the full spectrum of the human experience.
Land Acknowledgement
Theatre 605 acknowledges that we are on the ancestral lands of the Cheyenne and Oceti Sakowin people. These lands, water, and waterways are the unceded territories and the homeland of the Lakota, the Dakota, and the Nakota Nations. Theatre 605 is committed to reflecting the continued legacy of all of the original peoples of South Dakota. We acknowledge the Lakota people as the traditional custodians of the Black Hills. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present, and emerging. We also pay our respects to the Indigenous men and women who have contributed to the defense of the United States of America in times of peace and war.
The People Behind the Curtain
staff, creatives, and collaborators who make the magic happen
Believes that art is an economic driver for vibrant communities. Fixer and builder. Musician. Always ready for a challenge - the bigger, the better. Knows theatre transforms lives and the importance of access for all.
Linda Anderson
Executive Director
Leads the artistic vision of the T605 and is the co-founder of Dakota Players, alongside his wife Debra, with whom he has shared over 30 years. He casts the season by scouting talent from across the nation to highlight in the Black Hills. His passion for T605 goes beyond words.
Dan Workman
Artistic Director – Black Hills Playhouse
Has a strong track record of fundraising for the T605, fostering creativity and connecting with diverse audiences to build lasting relationships that support the organization's growth and sustainability. They blend outstanding acting abilities with a love for gardening with the heart of a child.
Jeff Kingsbury
Development Director
Dakota Players cofounder and genuine advocate for the unique strengths and talents of every individual. Guides with compassion and empathy. A catalyst for creating opportunities and inspiring magic. Always engaged in self-discovery and personal growth.
Debra Kern Workman
Artistic Director- Tours, Jr. Camps, Expanding Stage
A dreamer and self-motivated individual who embraces the journey of life and cherishes family. She puts her heart into celebrating the people around her. For her, the theatre is the ultimate passion!
Kassi Blue-Scates
Development Associate
Enjoys working with spreadsheets and solving puzzles. Participates in local theater productions and shares a deep passion for the arts with his lovely wife, Kassi.
Liam Blue-Scates
Operations Guru
Calendaring wizard and designer who thrives on the intersection of education and the arts, ensuring that communities have access to transformative theatre experiences.
A firm believer in making art accessible for everyone.
Erin I. Wegleitner
Edu Operations Associate
Energetic, creative, optimist with a big smile, huge dreams, and gigantic heart. Jack is extremely passionate about creating a safe space to foster creativity for artists at any age or stage, and making theatre accessible for all!
Jack Bledsoe
Edu Program Associate
A creative, outgoing soul with a big passion for bringing storytelling and the arts to communities all around. An avid performer both theatrically and vocally in the Black Hills area. Her grand organizational skills and bubbly personality bring and added spark to the behind the scenes of what Theatre 605 is all about!
Gretchen Lindenberg
Operations Assistant
A creative problem solver with a knack for organizing the chaos. Caty is celebrated for her creative flair and collaborative spirit all while fostering positive and inclusive environments. Her ability to inspire those around her makes her an invaluable asset.
Caitlyn Nordeen
Edu Production Coordinator
Recently returned after a 30-year career with the National Park Service and has a passion for the forest. His skills and enthusiasm ensure that the T605 Company and its audiences can rely on him to maintain buildings, grounds, and equipment effectively.
Darryn Witt
Physical Plant Manager–BHP Campus
2026 Board of Directors
Theatre 605 is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors who champion our mission, steward our vision, and ensure we continue creating meaningful arts experiences for our community.
Corey Brown*
Vice President, Government Relations – Sanford Health – Sioux Falls
JANET KAHLER
Philanthropist, Rotarian
Cynthia Robertson
Homeschool Educator and former Public School Teacher – Rapid City
Rick Giesel*
Retired, former President & CEO Sanford Health –Rapid City
Bruce Kelley*
Dean, College of Fine Arts, USD – Vermillion
Anjelica Sasse
Compensation Analyst, Black Hills Energy – Rapid City
Rai Genna
Chair and Associate Professor, USD Theatre, Coordinator of BFA Studies, Director of Graduate Studies – Vermillion
Deb Kuehn
Certified Family & Neonatal Practitioner, Black Hills Pediatrics, Monument Spearfish Pediatrics Clinic – Rapid City
Mandie Weinandt*
Director of Center for Teaching & Learning, Instructor Beacom School of Business, University of South Dakota – Vermillion
Erin Goetzinger, PRESIDENT*
Homemaker, former legislative aid to Sen. Tom Daschle – Rapid City
Mark Meersman
Compliance and Business Integrity Officer for the VA Black Hills Health Care System – Rapid City
Eric Whitcher
Pennington County Public Defender – Rapid City
BRIE GROVES
Dahl Arts Center Business Manager, Rapid City
Tyler Micheel
USD Assistant Professor of Lighting, Sound Design, and Technology – Vermillion
Joe Williams
Storyboard Artist, Host of 5 Plain Questions Podcast – Fargo, ND
Tom Geu
Retired Professor , Knudson School of Law, USD – Vermillion
Charolyn Mize
Retired Educator – Spearfish
* indicates Executive Committee Members
Eric HageN, PAST PRESIDENT*
Professor Emeritus of Theatre, USD – Minneapolis, MN
Carrie Moore
Owner, Petals and Pages – Custer
Ron Jeffries, VICE PRESIDENT*
General Manager, Central States Fair & Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo – Rapid City
Stephanie Rissler
Communication Manager SD Health Care Association, Chair SD G, F & P Chair through 2026 – Vermillion
80 Years of Theatre That Matters
TELLING STORIES. CHANGING LIVES.
No matter a person’s age, income, background, or zip code, creativity is a fundamental part of how we learn, heal, and understand one another.
Theatre 605 works to make theatre participation accessible in South Dakota, promotes healthy expression and creative learning for youth, creates opportunities for artists to be professionally employed, and provides high-quality entertainment and thought-provoking productions for our communities.
931+ Communities toured
5,731 Live stage performances
Over 1 M Audience members over 80 years