History

In 1988, the Dakota Prairie Playhouse Company was incorporated for the specific purpose of building a theater complex in Madison. The corporation was formed exclusively for charitable, educational purposes within the meaning of Sections 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

A survey identified that, in addition to the needs of SDSU's Prairie Repertory Theatre, which was popular locally and regionally, there was a range of needs for a theater and conference facility to serve the community, the region, and Madison's Dakota State University (DSU).

Dakota State University's provision of the building site, with approval by the South Dakota Board of Regents to a 99-year lease, as well as DSU's commitment to provide support of the facility, set the stage for a major fund-raising campaign.