About Deadwood Alive

Andy was born and raised in Concordia, Kansas, where he worked as a firefighter/EMT for many years before moving to Deadwood in 2005. In 2010, he was recruted by friends to join Deadwood Alive. He plays several different characters throughout the day including Jon Swift at the Trial of Jack McCall. His main role on the street is Deadwood’s, first and only, City Marshal, Con Stapleton. Since joining the troupe, he has served in various capacities and is currently the Executive Director of Deadwood Alive.

Ty has been with Deadwood Alive since 2011. His primary role on Main Street Deadwood is that of Deputy US Marshal, bounty hunter and shotgun messenger, Daniel Boone May. This character is no relation to George May from the Trial of Jack McCall, whom Ty also plays. Ty’s current position is that of Assistant Director and Loading Captain in charge of all things firearms.

Sean Baxter is a “Hoosier” daddy from the great state of Indiana and now resides in Deadwood. He is a musician, playing and singing regularly in Deadwood. During the day he plays a variety of roles including a stage robber, a miner, a gunfighter, and a store clerk. Sean also plays Jack McCall at the Saloon No. 10 and has been with Deadwood Alive since 2009.

Since 2009 Travis has played gunslingers all day and an attorney at night. Travis is “shot” four times each day by Jack McCall while playing Wild Bill Hickok, and finishes out each night by defending his “murderer” in court! Travis was born and raised in Vivian, South Dakota, where he is remembered as “that kid that caught the four pound bass”, and now considers the Black Hills his home for life.

Jake’s fifth great uncle was Mike Heffron, one of the first white men to enter Deadwood Gulch back in 1875. In 1879, he married Mary Manning, she was the youngest sister of John Manning who was the first elected Sheriff of Lawrence County (beating Seth Bullock in a landslide election). John Manning owned the Senate Saloon in 1876 and dealt cards there to Wild Bill. Since Uncle John and Grandma Manning’s mother, Julia Manning, came to the Black Hills on the stage in 1878 this makes Jake a sixth generation Deadwood resident. His ancestors really played cards with Wild Bill Hickok. Jake has been with Deadwood Alive since 2018, playing many roles including that of Jack McCall, the murderer of Wild Bill.

Les has lived in the Black Hills since 2014. He makes his home in both Deadwood and Custer. He has been involved in theater and historical re-enacting since 2014 and joined Deadwood Alive in 2020. He plays Sheriff Seth Bullock on the streets of Deadwood and various other characters in the Trial of Jack McCall. Les has a passion for history, especially about Deadwood and the Black Hills. He served 3 1⁄2 years active duty in the U.S. Air force and another 5 in the Air Force Reserves. He has a bachelor’s degree with a minor in history and will graduate with a Master’s degree in history, in 2021. In his spare time, he loves playing guitar, piano, singing, reading American history, and riding motorcycles through the Black Hills.

Patrick Harpel grew up in Pueblo Colorado. In 1985, he moved to Denver where he operated a roofing company for 35 years. In the early 2000’s Patrick visited Deadwood with his uncle. He enjoyed the area so much that he soon bought property in Boulder Canyon. He and his wife built a house on their property and retired to the Deadwood area in 2020. During his many visits to Deadwood over the years, he got to know the cast of Deadwood Alive by “harassing” them on the street every summer. After retiring, it was only natural to join them. Patrick can be found on main street, portraying Potato Creek Johnny(a local celebrity), and helping out visitors at the information chuckwagon. *Photo Credit Brittany Schoenfelder

Josh joined the troupe in 2023 after moving to the Black Hills with his family in 2017. He is an Army brat with interests in history, theatre and motorcycles. Josh is a full-time student at Black Hills State University in the off season. On the street, his main character is Cornelius “Lame Johnny” Donohue.

Zach grew up in the Deadwood area and has a keen interest in history. His goal is to become a museum curator. He graduated from Sturgis High School and is a full-time student at Black Hills State University in the off season. Zach joined Deadwood Alive in 2021.