About Us:
Black Hills Community Theatre (BHCT) was incorporated in South Dakota in 1968 under the name of Group Theatre and it is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable tax exempt organization. Our mission is to infuse the Black Hills Region with enthusiasm for all aspects of theatre by providing quality theatrical opportunities and productions for the region.
During its first five years of operation, BHCT productions were presented wherever a space could be found...schools, church buildings and dinner clubs in Rapid City. In 1974, Group Theatre moved into the theatre space in the newly constructed Dahl Fine Arts Center at 713 7th Street in Rapid City. In 1992, the name was changed to Black Hills Community Theatre, reflecting a commitment to area wide participation. During the 1970’s and 1980’s the Artistic Directors included Gayle Forsberg, Graham Thatcher, Karen Kinney, Patrick McCusker and Steve Hinkle. Merritt Olsen served as Managing Artistic Director from 1990 - 2000 and Eric Johnson from 2000 to 2005. Anna Marie Thatcher served as Interim Executive Director from 2005 to 2006, Angela McKie served as Executive Director from 2007 - 2009 and Dennis W. Gleason served as Managing Artistic Director from 2009-2011. The current Managing Artistic Director is Michael Kraklio.
