Project overview: Hire a contract employee to operate and maintain the Yosemite theater that provides a core part of the visitor experience by screening the Yosemite park film, The Spirit of Yosemite, daily on the hour and the half hour.

How your support helps: For decades, the Yosemite Valley Theater has welcomed thousands of visitors eager to learn about the park’s history, wildlife, attractions, and more. Located adjacent to the Yosemite Exploration Center building — originally the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center — and open year-round, the theater is heavily used by visitors, staff, and volunteers alike. 

The theater’s main feature is the Yosemite National Park film, The Spirit of Yosemite, which plays daily on the hour and half-hour. This 23-minute film is the perfect introduction to the park, guiding visitors through some of Yosemite’s most popular trails and destinations. In addition to supporting the visitor experience, the theater also serves as a space for park staff and partners to conduct training and onboarding. 

To keep the theater open and operating smoothly, the National Park Service relies on a contract employee to maintain the space, replace bulbs, troubleshoot technical issues, set up podiums for park events, and more. The current theater manager is stepping down in early 2026. Without this essential role, the space will be unable to function, forcing its closure and cutting off a key source of information for visitors. 

This year: In 2026, Yosemite Conservancy will hire a contract employee to maintain operations at the Yosemite Valley Theater. The new, part-time employee will work 16 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, to support the visitor experience, continuing to educate visitors and providing technical assistance to staff who use the theater.

Project partner: Yosemite National Park