Rapid City, SD – The Black Hills Playhouse in Custer State Park will remain named The Black Hills Playhouse but the overall umbrella company, The Black Hills Playhouse, Inc. has changed names to Theatre 605. This is to better reflect its expanded programming and statewide impact. The move is designed to cohesively link the organization’s diverse initiatives while maintaining the legacy of its historic summer theatre in the Black Hills.
For nearly 80 years, the Black Hills Playhouse has been a cornerstone of the South Dakota performing arts community, operating its professional regional theatre in Custer State Park. Under the new structure, The Black Hills Playhouse will continue to exist as a division of Theatre 605, keeping its beloved name and location intact.
“Our mission, values, and programming remain the same,” said Linda Anderson, Theatre 605’s Executive Director. “We’re simply embracing a name that reflects our statewide dedication to bringing quality theatre to all.”
The organization’s campaign tagline, “You’ve known us all along,” alludes to the many ways people across the state have experienced its work-from the summer theatre in the Black Hills to its educational headquarters in Sioux Falls, which has enriched lives through the arts for more than 25 years.
The organization’s mission and programming have grown far beyond the borders of Custer State Park over the past decade. The rebranding aims to clarify the full scope of its work.
Theatre 605 Program Divisions
The new corporate structure encompasses several key divisions:
- The Black Hills Playhouse: The long-running professional summer stock theatre in Custer State Park. It remains the only professional regional theatre in South Dakota.
- Theatre 605 Tours (formerly Children’s Theatre Company of South Dakota and Dakota Players): This program brings theatre education and performance opportunities to communities across the state, led by professional artists.
- Theatre 605 Jr. (formerly BHP Jr. Camps): These youth camps empower young people to build confidence and develop theatre skills.
- Expanding Stage: This program, in partnership with organizations like DakotAbilities and LifeScape, provides inclusive performance opportunities for children and adults of all abilities.
Theatre 605 is committed to creating theatre that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes diversity, aiming to build community and opportunity through the transformative power of performance throughout South Dakota.