Visit & Learn
The United Theatre is a dynamic arts complex located in Westerly, RI. Our mission is to UNITE the community through the arts.
The United features a 700 capacity flexible-use black box auditorium that is used for live music, theater, opera, dance, and presentations; three film venues including a 76-seat main cinema, a 24-seat micro-cinema, and a 100-seat balcony cinema; a multi-purpose event and gallery space; and a state-of-the-art music school. We present arts and cultural programming along with vital arts education opportunities to locals and visitors of all ages. The United serves as a hub for creative activity for the region of southern RI and southeastern CT (and beyond!) and is building a community of creative thinkers, leaders, and lifelong learners.
Our History
First opened as a popular vaudeville venue in 1926, The United Theatre later became a cinema, which closed in 1986.
In 2015 our founding board members came together to envision a center for the arts housed within the United Theatre and the adjacent Montgomery Ward building. A unified complex to unite the community through the arts!
In 2019, after several years of consulting, designing, and fundraising, an ambitious, two-year renovation project was embarked upon. In the interim, community partnerships were developed, pop up programming was produced, and key staff members were hired.
Finally, after much anticipation, the United re-opened to the public on July 9, 2021! Since then, we have welcomed thousands of movie lovers, excited live performance fans, and curious arts learners into our unique and dynamic arts space.
Executive Director
carly@unitedtheatre.org
Artistic Director
tony@unitedtheatre.org
Community Director
margaret@unitedtheatre.org
Finance Director
vickey@unitedtheatre.org
Technical Director
jason@unitedtheatre.org
Press & Media Manager
tim@unitedtheatre.org
Brand & Content Manager
lee@unitedtheatre.org
Office Manager
kimberly@unitedtheatre.org
UNITED Music School Director
tom@unitedtheatre.org
UNITED Music School Coordinator
music.school@unitedtheatre.org
Program Director - UNITED Music School
r.piccolo@unitedmusicschool.org
Lead Faculty & Librarian - UNITED Music School
m.chicoria@unitedmusicschool.org
Looking for an inspiring and artful space to host a private party, corporate gathering, or unique event? Our gallery, cinemas, and black box auditorium are all available for your next fabulous function! Host a birthday party, business presentation, reception, or private movie screening at the United.
e-mail: events@unitedtheatre.org
Partnerships are critical to the success of the United. Early on, we began forming important alliances with local and regional organizations. Through collaboration, we can deliver a wide range of enriching and inspiring arts experiences to our audiences – experiences we simply could not provide on our own. We are incredibly grateful to the many artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions who chose to partner with us. Together, we can share resources, exchange ideas, and develop exciting programming.
Support from generous local businesses and regional corporations allows the United to think big! Our sponsorship program invites business leaders to support the arts and show their commitment to the community. Through sponsorship we can realize ambitious goals while providing audiences and students with accessible, world-class arts experiences.
Founding Donors & Board
Over 275 generous community members, local businesses, and foundations were inspired by our ambitious dreams and donated to our capital campaign. Their support was central to our success and we simply could not have done it without them. We recognize these individuals as our Founding Donors and will always be grateful for the part they played in helping us renovate and open the United Theatre.
Volunteering your time and experience is a great way to support the arts, make new friends, contribute to the community, or build a resume. The Friends of the UNITED was founded in 2014 with the goal of providing the theatre with people who can help meet its mission.
If you have time to give or a unique skill to share, learn more about a host of opportunities by joining the Friends of the UNITED.
directions + Parking
The United Theatre’s main entrance is located at 5 Canal Street. Off-street parking is available on Canal St. and High St. as well as in our rear parking lot (84 High St.), the Canal St. lot past the train bridge (14-18 Canal St.), and for overflow evening parking in the YMCA lot (located across the street from the YMCA at 95 High St.).
