WAYNE “DOC” KNUTSON

Jun 27

Dr. Wayne S. Knutson

1926-2015

written by Leonard Anderson

Dr. Wayne S. Knutson made a profound and enduring influence on the development of the Arts, in general, the Theatre Arts, and, specifically, the Black Hills Playhouse (BHP).

Beginning as a student in the theatre department at the University of South Dakota (USD) in the early 1950’s, Dr. Knutson helped Dr. Warren M. (Doc) Lee realize his dream of having a little theatre in the woods to provide entertainment for locals and tourists and serve as a training ground for young artists.

In the subsequent positions of Chair of the Theatre Department at USD, Dean of the College of Fine Arts, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Chair of the South Dakota Arts Council and his committee work with the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, Dr. Knutson never faltered in his support of the ongoing development of the BHP.

He encouraged the efforts to transform the Board of Directors from a relatively local effort into the dynamic, hardworking, successful regional entity that it is today. He supported the beginning and continuing efforts to upgrade the physical plant of the BHP with the introduction of new dormitories with more modern amenities. Present management has capitalized on those efforts with a near complete replacement of all other facilities needed to make the BHP the vibrant entity that it is today.

A quiet, unassuming man, Dr. Knutson would often give a young aspiring person a gentle positive push or, sometimes, a needed reprimand, to give that person the incentive to work harder in perfecting their skills to be successful in their chosen area of interest. Many carried his spirit with them while becoming independent professional actors (some to Broadway), artistic directors, designers, and technical personnel. Others became leaders in management of arts and professional theatre organizations, theatre programs in universities, high schools, and community theatre throughout the United States and beyond. His spirit lives in the many lives he touched. And that spirit will always live at the Black Hills Playhouse!

I am, indeed, most honored to be asked to pen this tribute to Dr. Wayne S. Knutson, my mentor, my colleague, my friend.

Leonard A. Anderson 1969-1985 Former Managing Director of the Black Hills Playhouse