Theatre 605

Creating Theatre Statewide and Beyond

Theatre 605 is part of the University of South Dakota College of Fine Arts because its founder, Dr. Warren M. Lee, was a theatre professor and Dean of the College. He worked to establish the Black Hills Playhouse (BHP), a summer stock theatre in Custer State Park, in 1946.  Generations of local families and visitors to Custer State Park have enjoyed professional theatre productions at the Playhouse over the decades. Each year, over 70+  seasonal actors, artists, and technicians are hired from around the country to produce extraordinary theatre in a unique, rustic environment.

Many USD students and professors have been part of the Black Hills Playhouse company over the years. Students, hired as interns, have the opportunity to work side by side with seasoned professionals to advance their education. 

Theatre 605's initiatives extend to statewide, year-round education programs, including a touring children's theatre company that serves communities of all sizes throughout South Dakota and Jr. Camps for youth in grades 5th - 12th. In Sioux Falls, the Expanding Stage program works with people with developmental disabilities, offering a space for non-traditional actors to learn, create, and perform.

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