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 600-seat 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.

Original United Theatre marquee 1926
Original United Theatre marquee built for 1926 opening - which blew down during the infamous 1938 Hurricane
United Theatre opening gala Playbill - January 18, 1926
United Theatre opening gala Playbill - January 18, 1926
United Theatre auditorium with original fixed seating
United Theatre auditorium with original fixed seating - 1940's
United Theatre Marquee - 1950's
United Theatre Marquee - 1950's
United Theatre dressing rooms
United Theatre dressing rooms below the original stage.
United Theatre Marquee Installation
A crane places the new marquee, modeled after the 1926 original, in place during renovations in 2020.
United Theatre Ribbon Cutting
Board members, staff, community members, and leaders from across the region celebrate the official ribbon-cutting and opening of the new United Theatre on July 30, 2021.
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Staff/Team
Carly Callahan

Executive Director
carly@unitedtheatre.org

Margaret Corini

Community Director
margaret@unitedtheatre.org

Tim Cotter

Press & Media Manager
tim@unitedtheatre.org

Tom Foley

Music School Director
tom@unitedtheatre.org

Vickey L'Homme

Finance Director
vickey@unitedtheatre.org

Jason Lucas

Technical Director
jason@unitedtheatre.org

Lee Metzger

Brand & Content Manager
lee@unitedtheatre.org

Greg Moran

Front of House Director
greg@unitedtheatre.org

Kimberly Norcia

Office Assistant
kimberly@unitedtheatre.org

Tony Nunes

Artistic Director
tony@unitedtheatre.org

Nancy Urbonas

Music School Coordinator
music.school@unitedtheatre.org

Rentals

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.

For more information,
e-mail: events@unitedtheatre.org

Partners

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.

Sponsors

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.

View List

Get Involved

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.).

map of parking near the United Theatre