Visit & Learn
The UNITED 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 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.
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
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.
Thank you to our sponsors Beltone, Chelsea Groton, Grey Sail Brewing and South County Distillery, Parsons Kellogg, Rhode Island Foundation and the Wine Store.
Movie-goers at The UNITED can now enjoy enhanced audio accessibility thanks to Beltone New England! With their support, we’re offering open captions for all mid-day Monday movies and audio equipment for all screenings.
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.
We are proud to collaborate with a diverse network of organizations across arts, education, culture, and community. Thank you to
Almost Home
Ballet RI
Bike Stonington
Chorus of Westerly
Country Music Hall of Fame
Eating with the Ecosystem
Friends of Westerly Animal Shelter
Granite Theatre
Irish Coastal Club
Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut
Literacy Volunteers
Living Sharks Museum
Martin House Books
Michelle’s L’ecole de danse
Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Chamber of Commerce
Mystic Film Festival
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Next Up Music Festival
Newport Festivals
Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce
Parlando
Rhode Island State Council for the Arts
Saint Michaels
Salt Marsh Opera
South County Tourism Council
Southwest Airlines
The Bluebird Cafe
The Dante Society
The Stonington Community Center (COMO)
The Stonington Education Fund
The Town of Westerly
The Westerly Library and Wilcox Park
Washington County Coalition for Children
Westerly Anti Racism Coalition
Westerly Museum of American Impressionism
Westerly Music Hall of Fame
Westerly Public Schools
Yellow Farmhouse
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.
INFORMATION AND HOUSE POLICIES
Location & Contact Information:
The UNITED Theatre
5 Canal Street
Westerly RI 02891
401-388-8208
Parking:
Street parking is available on Canal Street, and a parking lot is located behind the UNITED. A large, well-lit municipal lot is also about one block away on Canal Street, across from the Hilltop Café. ADA parking spaces are available on Canal Street and in the lot behind the UNITED.
The United Theatre’s main entrance is at 5 Canal Street. Off-street parking is available on Canal Street and High Street, as well as in the rear lot at 84 High Street, the Canal Street lot past the train bridge at 14–18 Canal Street, and for overflow evening parking in the YMCA lot across the street from the YMCA at 95 High Street.
Accessibility:
ADA seating is available in all cinemas and a lift is available for balcony access. Caption readers and audio amplification headsets are also available for film screenings. For live events with reserved seating, ADA seats may be purchased online or by contacting the Box Office.
Seating:
All film screenings are general admission. Live events may be general admission, reserved seating or standing room only. Seating arrangements vary based on the event and information is available on the event’s page on the UNITED website.
Ticketing:
Tickets are available for purchase on the UNITED website and at the Box Office. All attendees of films and/or events, must have a ticket, regardless of age. Tickets (printed, mobile or screenshot of QR code) must be presented at check in for all film screenings and events. All tickets are non-refundable and the UNITED is not liable for any tickets purchased from a third party seller.
Food & Beverage:
Popcorn, candy, soft drinks, beer and wine are available at our concessions area. For live events held in the Black Box, a full bar is typically available from the time the event doors open until 30 minutes prior to the conclusion of the performance. Proper ID is required. The UNITED reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who appears to be adversely affected by alcohol or who serves alcohol to minors. Outside food & beverage, including leftovers, is not allowed.
Safety:
All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Tickets for movies with an R rating will not be sold to any individuals under the age of 17.
Once you have checked in for an event, re-entry is not allowed.
All bags may be subject to a non-invasive search. For live events, all bags should be clear and/or the size of a small clutch.
Prohibited Items:
- Firearms/weapons of any kind
- Illegal drugs
- Backpacks, oversized bags or luggage
- Recording devices/flash photography
- Outside food & beverage
- Non-service animals
- Folding chairs/stools
- Bikes/scooters (a bike rack is available behind the UNITED)
- Tambourine(s)
