This special day was an opportunity to come together in support of a place that has inspired artists and audiences for generations. The Playhouse turns 80 this year, and we are proud to be one of the oldest summer stock theatres in America. Your support during the South Dakota Day of Giving helped honor this milestone and prepare the campus for a safe, vibrant future by raising $48,000.
This season invites us to reflect on the places that inspire us and the communities that bring us together. We know for many that place is the Black Hills Playhouse. Your generosity lights up our world, and every gift helps us continue preserving a theatre that has shaped countless memories. We are grateful for the care supporters show year after year and for the shared belief that the arts bring people together in meaningful ways.
This Giving Tuesday, we invited donors to help us move forward with important safety improvements on the Playhouse campus. Many of the buildings were constructed decades ago, and updated standards now require thoughtful upgrades. Addressing these needs will help protect staff, artists, and patrons while preserving the heart and character of a place we all cherish.
Identified safety needs include:
Our dorms were built in the late 70’s, and fire codes have changed since then. All windows need to be replaced.
Installation of sprinkler systems in dorms
Kitchen fire suppression system
Handrails in Hab Hall and near the Theatre
Two hot water heaters in the two-story dorms
Emergency lights upgraded
Stairwells in the theatre and lobby areas are too small to meet fire code requirements.
With your help, we are determined to complete as many of these improvements in 2026 and to raise funds for the larger projects. Current estimates for this work are upwards of $400K.
Since 2010, more than two million dollars in upgrades have been made to the Playhouse campus, and each project has helped us move toward a safer, more accessible environment. No gift is too small. Every donation helps protect this historic treasure and supports the artists and audiences who bring it to life each summer.
Would you like to donate to this important project? Our mailing address is Theatre 605 Black Hills Playhouse, 512 Main St, Suite 980, Rapid City, SD 57701, or call Jeff at 605-255-4910 to donate. Thank you for standing with us as we honor the past, strengthen the present, and build toward a bright future.
DECEMBER WIND DAMAGE, BRIDGE & SEWER PROJECT
On December 18th, Custer State Park (CSP) resources had their hands full opening up the roads after the windstorm. Approximately 25 trees blew over or snapped off on Campus, causing property damage to structures and power lines. Staff has started debris cleanup, obtained bids for repairs, coordinated tree cleanup with CSP, and is working with the insurance on the damage claim.
Damage to electrical infrastructure
Trees tore down the main service electrical power lines on Campus. Black Hills Energy has already repaired some of those service lines. There is also damage to Service Connectors, Weather-heads, Service Masts, and Connectors to the Service Masts. Some of these repairs are the responsibility of Black Hills Energy, and some repairs will be our responsibility.
Structural damage
The roll-up garage door blew completely off the Scene Shop. When the door blew off, it also did some minor damage to the siding on the costume shop, damaged one of the exterior lights on the costume shop, and damaged the corner trim on the Scene Shop.
A tree hit the west side of the two staff dorms. It broke off the eave of the roof where it overhangs beyond the wall. Repair will include rafter repairs, sheathing, soffit, fascia, rain gutter, and shingles replacement. Another tree hit the Two Story Dorm in a similar location, damaging sheathing and shingles.
The exterior walk-in cooler door blew open, was sprung beyond repair, and will need to be replaced.
Bridge Replacement and Campus Sewer Project
RCS Construction has completed installing the new bridge across the creek on campus. They demolished the old bridge, completed excavation and installation of a new box culvert, and installed railings. They also completed the rehabilitation grading and seeding along the creek shoreline. The sewer project is not complete; holding tanks and a new lift station still need to be installed and should happen shortly.
We are so incredibly grateful to our Physical Plant Manager, Darryn Witt, for the detailed reports he provides and the incredible work he does with vendors and partners to make improvements at the Playhouse. Keeping a campus of this size in repair and up to code is a big job.
Board member Rick Giesel heads the Physical Plant Committee of the Playhouse, which assists Darryn to get the work done. Are you interested in joining this committee? As you can see, there is a lot going on at the Playhouse in 2026, and we would welcome additional helpers as we work to get things in order for the 2026 Season. Email Liam@theatre605.org if you are interested in serving!