BankWest Kids Go Free Sponsors / Grounds Sponsors

Scot & Mary Hoscheid

De & Dave Knudson

$2,000 Level

Experience the tranquility of the Black Hills in log cabins, motel-style lodging, or in cozy honeymoon cabins complete with a private hot tub. The Powder House Restaurant has been a regular stop on people’s way to the Playhouse for years. Look for the old “potato head” BHP logo in stained glass at the entrance and check out the special discounts for patrons of the BHP in their ad on page 9. Attendees of the first show of the season can get a 50% discount on an entree!

Scot and Mary recently retired from their jobs in Iowa and decided to make a lovely cabin near Custer their home. Having attended the Playhouse as young adults, they decided to sponsor the summer season as a way to show their support for the BHP and surrounding communities. They were also part of the crew who helped on Annual Cleanup Day and have volunteered at fundraisers. Friends like these are the best!

De and Dave Knudson of Sioux Falls are proud season sponsors of the 75th Season at the Black Hills Playhouse. De (Welch) Knudson is a USD alumna (BA ’71, MA ‘74). She serves on Augustana University ’s International Advisory Board. She served on the Sioux Falls City Council for 8 years and is a past board member of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, Great Plains Zoo, National Music Museum in Vermillion, SD. Dave Knudson is an attorney and businessman. He is a Harvard University alumnus (BA, ’72), NYU Law School (JD ’75), as well as a USD alumnus (MBA, ’81). He served in the South Dakota Legislature from 2003-2011, and as Senate Majority Leader from 2007-2011. He was Chief of Staff for Governor William J. Janklow in 1995 and 1999. In 2020 USD’s law school was named the Knudson School of Law in honor of Dave. Both De and Dave have served and continue to serve and give meaningfully to organizations and efforts dedicated to civic growth and community-building. Philanthropists, volunteers, donors, and avid arts supporters, De and Dave welcome you to the reimagined 75th season at the Black Hills Playhouse.

Rapid City Medical Center is a medical practice comprising eight locations. Their group boasts a team of more than eighty physicians and caregivers whose specialties include dermatology, ENT, family medicine, gastroenterology, internal medicine, OB/GYN, eye care, plastic and reconstructive surgery, podiatry, rheumatology, surgery, urgent care, interventional pain, and more.

BankWest Kids Go Free Sponsors

Executive Producer Title Level ($5,000+)

Since 2012, BankWest has been dedicated to our ”Kids Go Free” program with sponsorship earning the bank the title of “Vision Sponsor” for their ongoing commitment. Helping communities achieve financial success is a primary focus of Charles Burke III and his team. With BankWest helping the Kids Go Free program, thousands of kids and their families have had an opportunity to attend live theatre at the Black Hills Playhouse. Burke’s father played an integral part in finding a home for the BHP by helping Doc Lee find a suitable location in Custer State Park. BankWest continues the tradition of getting people to the BHP 75 years later.

The Alpine Inn, an iconic Black Hills restaurant, received the annual Restaurant of the Year award in 2020. Built in 1886 as the Harney Peak Hotel, this historic landmark, with its old world charm and reputation for fine dining, the Alpine Inn became the showplace of Hill City. Family owned and operated for three decades, the Inn carries on this tradition of excellence. The Alpine Inn has supported Kids Go Free since the program began welcoming children through 18 years of age to attend a show for free with their parent or guardian.

Lead Role Level ($1,500+)

Sage Studios Photography ($2,000+)

We are proud to partner with Sage Studios in capturing high quality photos of our shows. Russell Jensen’s artistic photography is in the homes of thousands of families across the region. His portraits have been honored by being selected as part of the 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2017, 2019 Professional Photographers of America's International Photographic Loan Collection. In 2016, he was awarded the South Dakota Photographer of the Year award as well as the CPP award for the highest scoring print case from the SDPPA.

Custer Mile High Garden Club

Plantsmyth

Grounds Sponsors ($500+)

Custer Miler High Garden Club’s objectives are to stimulate interest in gardening, promote community beautification, improvement of the environment, improve knowledge and skills in all aspects of gardening, and to conserve native plants. Every year they provide plants and labor to create the beautiful flower beds in front of the theatre.

The Plantsmyth in Rapid City focuses on providing gardeners with quality nursery stock, greenhouse plants, garden and landscaping supplies along with the best information available. This season the Plantsymth worked with Jeff Kingsbury to select and donate many of the exceptionally beautiful plants and flowers in our hanging baskets.