About The BHPAA

The Black Hills Playhouse Alumni Association (BHPAA) was formed to support the BHP mission “to enhance and inspire lives through professional theatre productions and learning experiences in the unique environment of the Black Hills.” The Alumni Association values Stewardship, Communication, and Historical Preservation. People become members by virtue of their association with the Black Hills Playhouse.

The BHPAA organizes and executes reunions and projects for the good of the BHP. 

80th Anniversary Celebration!

  • Alumni Reunion July 24-26, 2026 

  • Fundraiser for BHPAA

  • Registration and tickets available online 

  • Special matinee performance of Come From Away

  • BHPAA Hosts Current BHP Company with catered Dinner

  • Paddle Raise Auction, 

  • Alumni Program and Party with Company

  • Oral History Videos – 1963, 1973, 1983, 1993, 2003, 2013, 2023   

75th Anniversary

  • During the Covid summer of 2021 an all-virtual 75th Anniversary event was produced and masterminded by Mark Norberg, Mark Meersman, Jennie May Donnell, and Jeff Kingsbury. 

  • Participants entered “online rooms” organized by decades to socialize

  • Talent Show performed by current BHP actors

  • Auction hosted by Jeff Kingsbury raised $4,645 for lights and sound system

  • First BHP livestream of I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change

70th  Anniversary

  • 70th Anniversary Celebration July 10-12, 2015

  • Raised $70,000 for lighting and sound system upgrade 

  • Monthly newsletter and website

  • Alumni Spotlight Interviews with BHP staff, company members, BHPAA board members and alumni 

  • Monthly listing of Openings in monthly newsletter

  • Extra Mile Brunch and awards established

60th Anniversary

  • 60th Anniversary Celebration July 2025

  • Advocating the BHP importance as a state cultural institution

  • Raising almost $100,000 for its Get Back in the Park campaign in 2011 

  • Raised $5,000 to purchase new equipment for scene and costume shops

  • Raised funds and produced “Stage Directions: 60 Years with the Black Hills Playhouse”

50th Anniversary

  • 50th Anniversary Celebration July 1995

  • 300 Alumni and Patrons raised $60,000 to build Haberman Hall honoring Hap and Eillie Haberman veterans of the BHP

  • assistance in purchasing the air conditioning and heating in the theater, 

  • Regular newsletters, and maintenance of the alumni database. 

  • helping the BHP succeed in the effort to retain its location in Custer State Park, 

  • produced Party Pieces, an alumni show that raised $25,000 for a new grand drape for the stage. 

The Black Hills Playhouse Alumni Association(BHPAA) was first formed in 1980. Beginning in 1994 the BHPAA became a not-for-profit corporation in South Dakota.