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photo by Colleen Olson. BHP FUTURE VISION. Our founder, Doc Lee, had a dream. To provide o pportunities for young artists to get o n-the-job training and jobs
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Our founder, Doc Lee, had a dream. • To provide opportunities for young artists to get on-the-job training and jobs for theatre professionals in the Midwest • To provide the highest quality entertainment with the resources available for audiences in our region
The company grew and generations of folks attended shows. A South Dakota tradition was born.
The program advanced.The campus and organization infrastructure didn’t. • 68 + years of people artistically learning and growing • Over 420 productions • Over 900,000 tickets sold • 2500+ alums, BUT • Aging buildings, unrealized partnerships and lack of solid maintenance and fundraising plans almost brought it down
Flashback to where we stood 3 years ago. • Most of the buildings at the BHP were condemned. • The company was forced to tour offsite losing money and patrons. • The organization was in debt, the office in chaos. Board, alums and supporters were tired. Odds were against recovery.
People who believed in the BHP didn’t give up. • Board came up with a plan to engage the legislature, executed the plan and won a 2nd chance. Raised $$ to do a capital feasibility study and hired a new executive director. • Alums stood behind the BHP and helped with dollars for capital projects • Generous people sent money to help. Volunteers gave time, treasure and labor. • Things started to turn around.
Over three years, great progress has been achieved through dedication and teamwork….
With the help of many friends and partners Room Service Volunteers South Dakota National Guard ARC International, Inc. J.Scull Construction, FourFront Design Boxelder Job Corps, Wyss & Associates Royal Company, Custer State Park SD Department of Game, Fish & Parks SD Department of Environment & Natural Resources Governor Daugaard & Staff And many others!
Given as a Christmas gift to a young boy, the Velveteen Rabbit lives in the nursery with all of the other toys, waiting for the day when the Boy will choose him as a playmate. In time, the shy Rabbit befriends the tattered Skin Horse, the wisest resident of the nursery, who reveals the goal of all nursery toys: to be made "real" through the love of a human. "Real isn't how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.”
We have a lot of people who love and support the BHP.Let’s get about the business of making the Black Hills Playhouse real. {real=permanent & secure}
It’s time to dream & time to move.We may be “tiny grass” but we have discovered we are mighty.
BHP Future Vision Points{Let’s solidify what makes the BHP stand apart from other theaters}
1. Location, Location, LocationExplore ways to enhance our visitor’s experiences by developing interpretive trails (BHP/CCC/Park history) and picnic areas. Do our best to reflect the values of the Park through environmentally responsible practices.
2. InclusivityMake our grounds and buildings a model for accessibility. Find ways to engage underserved populations. Strive to be a reason people stay in the Park longer.
3. Excellence of artistic programs and educationBe an inspiration for our audiences, the students and professionals who work at the BHP and for other theaters across the country. Share our knowledge and expertise with others to advance their causes whenever possible.
This is a watershed moment. {A critical point which marks a division or a change of course; a turning point.} How do we make the BHP “real”?
1. Live by our strategic plan.2. Put our our values into practice.3. Extend lease and continue to invest in campus improvements.4. Resource infrastructure to make growth possible.5. Create a master plan for growthwhich reflects our values and is inclusive of others who might support the BHP campus.
Thank you Donate today at www.blackhillsplayhouse.com or BHP * PO Box 2513* Rapid City, SD 57709
We have an amazing team. Let’s keep the momentum going!Please consider a gift today to strengthen and preserve the BHP for future generations.