Five & Two Pictures' film "Me & You, Us, Forever" isn't likely to top the box office when it comes out today. But Black Hills residents have plenty of reasons to see it, not the least of which is one of the film's stars.

A University of South Dakota graduate, Sandi Fix grew up in South Dakota and spent two summers at the Black Hills Playhouse. She also was Miss South Dakota USA in 1988.

Directed by Dave Christiano, "Me & You, Us, Forever" tells the story of a 47-year-old Christian man who is on the other side of an unwanted divorce. He reminisces about his first love from high school, whom he dated for two years, four months and 28 days.

In "Me & You, Us, Forever," Fix plays the role of the girlfriend 30 years later.

Fix wanted to act from a young age. Born and raised in Sioux Falls, she was part of Music Is You, a singing group with her brother and sister.

But when she went to college, she initially went in a different direction.

"My practical side, being from South Dakota, kicked in," she said, " I entered USD in their nursing program, so my electives were not basket-weaving."

Her love of performing eventually prompted her to switch her major to performing arts, though, a change that Fix looks back on happily.

"I'm glad that I did. I've made a wonderful career out of it now," she said.

Her seasons at the playhouse helped prepare her for that career. She was there in 1986 and 1987, before cell phones and other such forms of communication could keep people connected. At the playhouse, she felt isolated but focused.

"When you're at the playhouse, you're in the boondocks. There was one pay phone that you could sit next to and watch the buffalo roam," Fix said.

In addition to working in different parts of a production - such as wardrobe and makeup - mingling with more experienced actors broadened her horizons as an actress. During her playhouse summers, she learned about the Screen Actors Guild, contracts and other facets of the entertainment business.

"A professor at USD actually changed everything for me. She was a commercial actress and not from the theater. She really was pivotal in my career move," Fix said.

That career now includes commercials and a couple of other films. She was the personal makeup artist for "Inside Edition's" Deborah Norville and worked with NASCAR as Miss Winston and as a makeup artist.

And now, "Me & You, Us, Forever" could lead to even more opportunities for Fix. Even though the film was made on a low budget and features no well-known actors, Fix believes people can connect with the story.

"I think the draw is that they can easily immerse themselves in the story without getting in the way of celebrityism," she said.

Director Christiano made wise use of his resources and a young crew that was willing to work as a team to get the film made, Fix said.

"Dave had a very good love story. I think it's a question that's relevant to anyone," Fix said. "I think a lot of people wonder about somebody in their past."

The film opens today at Carmike Stadium 10 in Rapid City and in more than 80 other cities in 35 states.

If you go

What: "Me & You, Us, Forever" featuring former Miss South Dakota USA Sandi Fix

Where: Carmike Stadium 10 in Rapid City

When: Today's shows start at 4:10 p.m, 7 p.m. and 9:40 p.m.

Contact Eric Lochridge at 394-8321 or e-mail eric.lochridge@rapidcityjournal.com.