The University of South Dakota

Our Vision

To excel as the premiere professional theatre training program built upon a liberal arts foundation. See our Past Productions.

Our Mission

The Department of Theatre prepares the student for a career in the theatre and encourages personal and creative growth.  We do this by providing a comprehensive liberal arts education, supplemented by intensive craft-training, in which classroom study and practical experience are of equal and complimentary value.  The Department promotes excellence in education, research, and service; fosters student engagement and leadership; develops creative and pragmatic problem-solving skills; explores new questions, techniques, and practices in the theatre; and inspires students to become life-long learners who contribute to their respective discipline and profession while enhancing the cultural lives of the University and their community.

Our Values

1. The ideals of liberal education;
2. The creative process through collaborative practice;
3. The development of intellectual character and creative and personal growth;
4. The apprenticeship model for educating students in the art and craft of theatre;
5. Relationships with The Black Hills Playhouse and other arts entities;
6. Theatre as a vehicle for social, civic and cultural engagement;
7. The ethical standards guiding our discipline and industry;
8. Creative research, scholarship, and service.

Our Strengths

1. A faculty of practicing artist-scholars committed to excellence in education;
2. Depth, breadth and flexibility of curriculum in NAST - accredited degree programs;
3. Individualized professional and personal mentoring in a supportive environment;
4. A high student success rate in top level academic and professional arts venues;
5. Extensive opportunities in high quality production program;
6. A long standing association with The Black Hills Playhouse in Custer State Park.