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.
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.
As a nonprofit, we rely on the vision and leadership of these passionate individuals. They bring their expertise, love of the arts, and unwavering support to the BHP. Their impact is woven into everything we do, from championing new educational initiatives to guiding our artistic endeavors.
We invite you to scroll down to meet the extraordinary people who help shape the future of the Black Hills Playhouse. Each has a unique story, but all share a passion for making the impossible possible.
Executive Committee
President:
Eric Hagen: Professor Emeritus of Theatre, University of South Dakota, Minneapolis, MN
President-Elect:
Erin Goetzinger: Homemaker, former legislative aid to Sen. Tom Daschle - Rapid City
Treasurer:
Betsy Groves: Lamont Enterprises, Whitewood Partnership - Rapid City
Secretary:
Joe Williams: - Fargo, ND Storyboard Artist, Host of 5 Plain Questions Podcast, Bush Foundation Fellow
Past President:
Mark Meersman: Compliance and Business Integrity Officer, VA Black Hills Health Care System, Rapid City
Dean of College of Fine Arts USD:
Dr. Bruce Kelley: Dean of the College of Fine Arts, University of South Dakota - Vermillion
Advisors: Rick Giesel: Retired, former CEO Regional / Sanford Health - Rapid City
Corey Brown: Vice President of Government Relations, Sanford Health
Members
Whitnee Coy: Poet, children's book author and adjunct professor Oglala Lakota College - - Rapid City
Rai Genna: Chair and Associate Professor USD Theatre, Coordinator of BFA Studies, Director of Graduate Studies
Tom Geu: Retired Professor, Knudson School of Law, University of South Dakota - Vermillion
Ron Jeffries: General Manager, Central States Fair & BH Stock Show & Rodeo - Rapid City
Holly Knox: Onboarding Nurse Educator, Monument Health, Actor/Community Volunteer - Rapid City
Deb Kuehn: Certified Family & Neonatal Practitioner: Black Hills Pediatrics, Rapid City & Monument Spearfish Pediatrics Clinic
Tyler Micheel: USD Assistant Professor of Lighting, Sound Design, and Technology, Vermillion
Carrie Moore: Owner, Jenny's Floral - Custer, SD
Charolyn Mize: Retired Educator - Spearfish
Carissa Naasz: Teacher, Rapid City Catholic School System - Rapid City
Stephanie Rissler: Communications Manager - SD Health Care Association - Vermillion
Cynthia Robertson: Homeschool Educator and former Public School Teacher - Rapid City
Anjelica Sasse: Compensation Analyst, Black Hills Energy - Rapid City
Sara Southwood: HR Professional Lander, Wyoming
Mandie Weinandt: Director of Center for Teaching and Learning, Instructor, Beacom School of Business, University of South Dakota - Vermillion
Eric Whitcher: Pennington County Public Defender, Rapid City
Would you like to support our mission at the BHP? There are so many ways to do so! Select the button below to see how you can become involved in helping us strengthen South Dakota communities.
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