Westerly’s United Theatre Included in Rhode Island’s $30 Million Cultural Arts and the Economy Grant

WESTERLY, RI – The United Theatre in Westerly, Rhode Island is part of a $30 million Cultural Arts and the Economy Grant Program that will be placed before Rhode Island voters this November. Of the $30 million grant, the theatre is eligible to receive $2,369,440 towards its mission of becoming a center for performing arts, cinema and arts education in southern Rhode Island. Included in the grant alongside the United Theatre are nine other arts organizations from across the state including the Trinity Repertory Company, Rhode Island Philharmonic, Newport Performing Arts Center, Stadium Theater, 2nd Story Theater, AS220, WaterFire Providence and another Westerly arts organization, the Chorus of Westerly. The bond will appear under Budget Article 5, Question 2 on the Rhode Island ballot this November.

The United Theatre was downtown Westerly’s go to destination for the arts from 1926 through1986. Originally opened as a vaudeville theater, the space hosted live music, opera and film until the 1950’s, after which it was used exclusively for cinema. The Westerly Land Trust purchased the theatre on February 3, 2006 as part of their Urban Initiative, focused on the redevelopment and enhancement of historic commercial properties in Downtown Westerly. Today, the building and adjoining space are about to undergo extensive renovations designed to transform the property into a multi-use arts complex. As currently envisioned, the restored United Theatre will include a 336-seat main theatre with a fully rigged proscenium stage, a 50-seat, “storefront” theatre and a separate cinema on the second floor. Offices, rehearsal space, studios, dressing rooms, and a ground floor café will also be included.

“The vision of the United Theatre is not only to become a premier host of artistic programming in the region but also, and more importantly, to position ourselves as leaders in arts education across our wider community,” explains Simon Holt, United Theatre Executive Director. “Our aim is to create a synergy between local business and the arts that will position the town of Westerly as a northeast arts and culture destination.”

Currently, the United Theatre is able to host small events before it undergoes its total renovations in the near future. Throughout this summer, from May through September the United Theatre has been hosting a series of events to spotlight the kinds of programming people can expect once the theatre officially opens. Programming for the theatre will include everything from live music, opera, live theater, repertory cinema, fine art shows, educational workshops, lectures and more, not to mention a steady stream of first-run independent film programming. With a concert curated by Jazz at Lincoln Center this past May, piano recital in June, upcoming Vaudeville show in July and a silent film with live accompaniment in August, the theatre is already generating a lot of buzz and excitement in the community.

The new Cultural Arts and the Economy Grant program is part of the state’s Creative and Cultural Economy bond. Funds are to be administered by Commerce RI in consultation with the State Council on the Arts.

ABOUT THE UNITED THEATRE

From 1926 through 1986 the United Theatre was downtown Westerly’s go to destination for area film lovers. The Westerly Land Trust purchased the theatre on February 3, 2006. Today, the building and adjoining space are about to undergo extensive renovations designed to transform the property into a multi-use arts complex. As currently envisioned, the restored United Theatre will include a 336-seat main theatre with a fully rigged proscenium stage; a 50-seat, “storefront” theatre; and a separate cinema on the second floor. Offices, rehearsal space, studios, dressing rooms, and a ground floor café will also be included. The United Theatre has applied for its 501(c)(3) status. For more, visit The United Theatre onFacebook.

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