UNITED THEATRE

The United Theatre is a vibrant regional center for the performing and visual arts housed in a beautifully restored historic building in downtown Westerly. Originally opened on January 18, 1926, as a vaudeville performance venue, the theatre has been reimagined as a $17 million, state-of-the-art facility that now serves as a cultural hub blending classic charm with modern amenities. The space features three cinema screens, a 500-seat black box theater with a balcony, an art gallery and reception area, and a dedicated music school operated in partnership with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School.

The United Theatre offers a diverse and dynamic experience across multiple formats. Cinema screens a carefully curated mix of first-run Hollywood releases and independent films nightly. The 500-capacity black box venue hosts live music, theatrical performances, comedy, and special events. The restored Art Deco architecture preserves the glamour of the original 1920s building while the modern renovations provide contemporary comfort and state-of-the-art technical capabilities.

The theatre originally opened on January 18, 1926, as a vaudeville performance center, with its opening night featuring the Seven Rainbow Girls and other acts. In its heyday, the venue hosted prestigious acts, including the Will Mastin Trio featuring a young Sammy Davis Jr. The theatre closed in 1986 and sat dormant until 2003 when the Westerly Land Trust acquired the building. Following a comprehensive $17 million renovation, it reopened in July 2021 as a modern arts facility.