By any measurable standard, what Justin Speck and Joey Lore have accomplished at Rapid City Central High School is extraordinary. By any human standard, measured in lives changed, confidence built, community strengthened, and art sustained, it is immeasurable.
After the 2025–2026 school year, Speck and Lore will step away from their roles leading Central High School’s theatre program, closing a chapter that has defined competitive and educational theatre not only in Rapid City, but across South Dakota for more than two decades.
Together, they guided Central Theatre to 21 consecutive South Dakota State One-Act Theatre Championships, a streak so dominant and sustained that many believe it will never be replicated. Yet to focus solely on trophies would miss the heart of their impact.
Because for Speck and Lore, theatre was never about winning alone.
Twenty-Two Years of Building Something Bigger
Justin Speck has served as Artistic Director of Central Theatre for 22 years. Joey Lore, the program’s Technical Director, has been his partner in shaping not just productions, but people.
Their collaboration built a theatre department rooted in discipline, creativity, humility, and grace. One that demanded excellence while nurturing belonging.
“It’s only one time when a group of kids is in the same room for a show,” Lore reflected. “That’s pretty magical.”
That magic was on full display during The Broadway Spectacular, a farewell concert held this past weekend, 2 days after Christmas, that reunited current students with alumni spanning more than two decades. Featuring iconic songs from shows Speck and Lore produced together, Rent, Hairspray, A Chorus Line, Pippin, Newsies, Spring Awakening and more! The event was both a celebration and a ‘thank you.’
“It was a non-stop hug fest after the show,” Speck said. “What a thoughtful, meaningful, magical way to say goodbye.”
The answer from alumni was immediate and overwhelming. Invitations were met almost universally with “yes.” Performers returned from across the country, generations collapsed into one shared space, and the theater became what it has always been under Speck and Lore: a home.
Theatre That Traveled the World
Beyond the stage, Speck and Lore expanded theatre education far beyond Rapid City through ACTS Productions, raising funds to send students on immersive international theatre and cultural trips. Alumni have walked Broadway, studied Shakespeare abroad, and explored the UK, Ireland, and now, one final journey, a 10-day grand tour of Italy.
This final trip, supported by Rapid City’s generosity, will take 35 students through Milan, Florence, Rome, Tuscany, and Capri, which is a fitting final chapter to a program that taught students to see the world with curiosity and empathy.
“When we have a community that is rich in art,” Lore said, “we have a community that is rich in light.”
Lessons That Last a Lifetime
Ask Speck and Lore what they hope students carry forward, and the answers extend well beyond theatre.
Showing up on time. Being prepared. Respecting collaboration. Leading with humility.
“Always lead with humility and grace,” Speck said. “And remember that you’re standing on the shoulders of giants.”
And one phrase, etched into syllabi and memories alike:
“You’re always auditioning.”
Former students will tell you these lessons followed them into careers far outside the arts, business, education, medicine, engineering, anywhere discipline, confidence, teamwork, and empathy matter.
Still More Stories to Tell
Before the final curtain officially falls, Central Theatre still has meaningful work ahead:
- An Evening of One Acts (February 2–3), including the student-directed comedy Attack of the Pom Pom Zombies
- State One Act: Toy Box, a piece reflecting friendship, memory, and shared journeys
- To Kill a Mockingbird (April 23–25), a story Speck says “it’s time to tell again”
Even in their final season, the work continues — intentional, thoughtful, and rooted in purpose.
An Impact That Will Echo for Decades
Rapid City has produced great educators, artists, and mentors, but it is rare to see two individuals shape a cultural ecosystem the way Justin Speck and Joey Lore have.
Their influence lives on in standing ovations, backstage rituals, packed auditoriums, and quiet moments of courage when a student steps onto a stage for the first time.
The trophies will remain. The records will stand.
But the real legacy is found in thousands of former students who learned how to believe in themselves and in a community forever richer because two teachers believed art mattered.
As the final curtain approaches, one thing is certain:
Rapid City theatre will feel their absence.
But it will live in their work for generations to come.
The Rapid City Post would like to thank Amelie Wilcox for Interviewing these two legends, which was the base of this article.
