CUSTER STATE PARK, S.D. — The Black Hills Playhouse launches its 2025 summer season on Sunday, June 8, with a full lineup of shows including Murder on the Orient Express, Legally Blonde, Waitress, and The Book of Will.
Now in its 79th season, the historic theater nestled in the heart of Custer State Park continues to draw local audiences and national talent. “This year, we have 17 states represented in our company,” said Jeff Kingsbury, development director for the Playhouse. Kingsbury describes the audition and casting process for the Black Hills Playhouse as, “Unique…the artistic director has to look at okay, this person may be good for this show, but how would they fit in the other three shows? So he’s looking much more broadly at how he can incorporate all of the characters across the spectrum of shows that we’re doing.”
Founded in 1946, the Playhouse is known for its immersive summer program where cast and crew live on-site and rehearse intensively for each production. “Each show gets about two and a half weeks of all-day rehearsal,” Kingsbury said. The result is a polished, authentic experience that you can feel from the stage.
Operating as a nonprofit with a budget just shy of $2 million, the Playhouse relies on both earned income and donations. “About 60% comes from ticket sales and sponsorships, and the remaining 40% from grants and individual donors,” said Kingsbury. “We’re fortunate to have loyal supporters, especially in a time when arts funding is becoming more scarce.”
Despite being located in a tourist hub, Kingsbury said 80% of attendees are local to the Black Hills. “A lot of people visiting the park don’t even realize we’re here. But the local community has always understood our value.”
Kingsbury, who also appears in one show per season, praised the ongoing support from Rapid City and the wider Black Hills community. “I moved here when I was 61. I was a little…you know, I’m uprooting my life and moving to the Black Hills. But boy, I have found the community to be welcoming. I have been shocked. Surprised that the community is so connected to the arts here, and that the business community clearly sees it as being quite important, and that’s wonderful.”
Looking ahead, Kingsbury teased a major announcement coming in October and hinted that the 2026 season may feature productions celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
“This year’s lineup is already strong,” he said, “but we’re always thinking about what’s next.”Season passes for the 2025 season are available through June 15 and tickets can be purchased online at blackhillsplayhouse.com or by calling the box office at 605-255-4141.
