RECENT HISTORY
The Vermillion Cultural Association purchased the Coyote Twin Theater in July 20215 to preserve it from abandonment and demolition. Since then, we have invested over $450,000 to renovate and refresh both auditoriums and lobby as well as purchase state-of-the-art laser projectors and speakers. In 2020, the theater was again at risk of permanent closure due to COVID. Thanks to the federal Shuttered Venue Operators Grant from the Small Business Association and to the Vermillion community buying a LOT of popcorn every month, we were able to reopen in May 2021. During the 13 months our screens were dark, we sold $1,200 worth of popcorn a month, which was enough to pay our basic overhead bills so we could easily resume operations. Lingering effects of the pandemic and the introduction of streaming services have scaled back moviegoing audiences in recent years. We are updating our business model to account for today’s consumer habits, but the VCA is committed to providing affordable movie entertainment at the Coyote Twin. We remain proud to be Vermillion’s local nonprofit cinema.

BEFORE OUR TIME
The building that the Coyote Twin now occupies was purpose-built as an entertainment hall in 1910. Although we are unsure of the venue’s original name, a 1913 Sanborn Fire Map has this building lot labeled as "cheap theater." By the 1940s, it was operating as the Co-Ed Theater, likely as a reference to the student population of USD. During that time, the theater featured a single screen with a sloped-floor auditorium and balcony above. In 1972, a fire demolished the inside of the building. Exposed brick walls around the building today are reminders of this bit of history. From the Plain Talk:

“An early morning fire last Friday completely gutted the Co-Ed Theater in Vermillion. According to Fire Chief Mel Stiegelmeyer, the fire apparently started in the balcony from a smoldering cigarette. The fire was discovered about 2:30 a.m. by Captain Darrel Christopherson and Policeman Don Seiler as they were making their rounds. Jack March, manager of the theater, says future plans are pending the insurance company investigation.”

After the fire, the main auditorium was rebuilt without its balcony. Instead, a smoking lounge with restrooms was added on the second floor, and the projection room was rebuilt on that same level. It was likely around this time that the basement lounge and restrooms were closed offto the public to create a main-floor lobby and concessions area, with accessible restrooms. The business was renamed The Coyote Theater upon its reopening.

In the 1990s, the theater owners purchased the neighboring lot, formerly the site of Monogram News. They constructed a new Hollywood Video store adjoined to the theater lobby and built a second auditorium behind it—the Coyote Twin was born! (In the movie exhibition industry, a “twin” is a two-screen cinema.)

The March family, who had owned the theater for decades, put the property up for sale in 2014. By the time the VCA purchased the theater, video rentals were a thing of the past, and the organization converted the space into Vermillion’s premier rotating art gallery. 

Public rentals are best for free community screenings of films related to your organization's cause—or just for fun! We work with a third-party booker to secure the license to screen your film of choice. We encourage you to advertise your public screening widely! Get the word out with social media posts, hang posters, and email folks who may be interested. Public rentals are a flat fee of $400.

EXTRAS
We offer the following additional services to help you stage and advertise your public events. Please list what services you would like to discuss in description portion of the registration form.

Event title & time on marquee (day of): $80
Event poster design & Coyote Twin social presence: $50/hr
Microphone (wireless handheld, max 2): $25 each
Stage setup: $300

Best for birthday parties, gaming sessions, screening a favorite film with friends, or a treat for the team. A private rental is an invite-only event, not open for public attendance or advertisement.

Private Rental Rates
$200 up to 25 guests
$250 up to 50 guests
$300 up to 75 guests

Cancellation fee: $100
Cancellation within 24 hours: full rental fee
Custodial surcharge for excessive mess: $50

During special screenings, our concessions counter will be open and staffed so guests can enjoy fresh popcorn, fountain drinks, and candy. We ask that you encourage your attendees to make a purchase, as it’s the best way to support our nonprofit cinema. Ask about our reduced rates on concessions packages for groups or sponsors who would like to pay for their guests’ pop and popcorn.

JUMBO BAGS
Need snacks for an event? We’ll pop a 13-gallon bag of to-do popcorn for you! Each bag is $25. Give us a call or drop us an email with your preferred date and time for purchase and pickup.