For two decades, the South Barracks Theatre at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park has come alive each summer with laughter, music and storytelling as the Northern Fort Playhouse continues a tradition of bringing live theater to northeast South Dakota.
The Northern Fort Playhouse returns this summer for its 20th anniversary season, offering two productions throughout July while those involved reflect on the organization’s history, community impact and hopes for the future.
Northern Fort Playhouse is a nonprofit foundation that was started through the vision of Curt Jones in the mid-2000s. Jones wanted to find a way to draw more visitors to Fort Sisseton while highlighting the historic buildings that had recently undergone restoration.
“His dream was to bring people out to the fort,” said Pam Lunzman, program director for Northern Fort Playhouse. “He thought live theater would be a great way to do that.”
Jones formed a board of directors, and the first season of Northern Fort Playhouse was held in 2006. Northern State University was involved with the playhouse from the beginning, helping support the organization in its early years. The partnership ended last year after the university closed its theater department.
Since its beginning, the playhouse has continued the tradition of presenting two shows each summer. The format allows visitors who camp at Fort Sisseton for the weekend to enjoy multiple performances while also exploring the historic park.
Over the years, the productions have been paired with additional activities, including fort tours, s’mores, wine and beer nights, dinners, Sunday lunches and other special events.
Lunzman became involved with the Northern Fort Playhouse in 2009 while working at Northern State University. Her supervisor, Tom Farber, was one of the original board members and helped introduce her to the organization.
Today, the board helps select the productions. The playhouse typically presents one musical and one comedy each season.
The stage has been filled over the years by community members, students and volunteers who contribute their time and talents both on and off stage.
“Our stage is powered by the heart and soul of our community,” Lunzman said. “The Northern Fort Playhouse is home to a dedicated group of local, non-professional volunteers who do it all, from performing and directing to designing sets and managing technology.”
In past years, many Northern State University students participated in productions, and younger performers continue to be an important part of the playhouse. This year, Britton-Hecla student Noah Schuster is among those taking the stage.
Lunzman said one of the unique aspects of the playhouse is the opportunity it provides for people to develop a wide range of theater skills.
“Actors have to learn a lot,” she said. “They learn about sets, stage managing and costumes. It gives people an opportunity to showcase skills.”
The cast and crew typically move to the fort the week before performances begin, allowing them to build relationships and develop the teamwork needed for each production.
Fort Sisseton Park Manager and Northern Fort Playhouse board member Ali Tonsfeldt said the playhouse continues a tradition that dates back to the fort’s earliest days.
“When this frontier outpost was active in the 1860s, theatrical plays were a vital creative outlet for soldiers looking to entertain themselves during long deployments,” Tonsfeldt said. “Over the last 20 years, the playhouse has beautifully revived that historic tradition, offering top-tier family entertainment that does more than just amuse. It connects our modern community directly to the historical roots of the fort.”
Former Northern Fort Playhouse artistic director Kate Wismer said live theater remains an important experience for communities.
“Having an opportunity to perform in and see live theater in our little corner of the state is so valuable to our communities,” Wismer said. “We don’t get to enjoy many collective, in-person experiences anymore, and theater is one of those beautiful communal experiences.”
The 2026 season features two productions. “The World According to Snoopy” is a family-friendly musical revue based on the Peanuts characters, featuring Snoopy, Charlie Brown and friends in stories centered around friendship, life and humor.
“The 39 Steps” is a comedy-thriller based on John Buchan’s novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film. The fast-paced production follows an ordinary man caught in a spy mystery and features four actors portraying dozens of characters.
Performances of “The World According to Snoopy” are scheduled for July 10, 12, 18 and 25. “The 39 Steps” will be performed July 11, 17, 19 and 24. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are available at the door if space allows or can be reserved by calling 605-467-3247 or visiting www.northernfortplayhouse.net. A separate Park Entrance License is not required for those only attending a play. A license is required for visitors planning to camp or use the park’s other amenities.
As the Northern Fort Playhouse celebrates 20 years, Lunzman said the organization’s future depends on continued community support.
“If you want to get involved, pick up the phone and call me,” she said. “There is a spot for everyone.”
She said attendance and support from the community are important as the organization works to continue the tradition and provide opportunities for performers.
“The theater adds to our area,” Lunzman said. “If people want to see it continue, the best thing they can do is come to a show.”
