Simon Holt Shares His Vision for the United Theatre With Our Rotary Club

Simon Holt spoke about the history of the United Theater and its function as a hub of activity. Films, theater and dance events were held there dating back to the 1920’s. He sees it returning to its former glory in the coming months and years.

The group is renovating both the theater and the adjoining building. They will be creating a grand staircase and a new foyer on the first floor. There is going to be a legacy theater that will feature classic movies. It is going to be beautiful. By the time they are finished the whole building will be able to be used. At this time they are making arrangements for the Rhode Island Philharmonic to hold classes there for students.

The town said that they could host events in the theater if certain conditions were met back in 2014. They met the requirements and they held four events in 2014 and had 7 events in 2015. In 2016 they had 26 events. Some of those were held in the park as well. The most successful event featured Tony Horton, the P 90X trainer. 400 people came together for the workout.

The project will be completed in two phases. Phase 1 will cost 12 million, which includes the 3 million already spent to get the building up and running. They have quietly raised another 5.5 million and will soon be going public with the Capital Campaign soon. They hope that by the Fall of 2018 they will be open and phase one completed. They will then move ahead with Phase 2 as they feel it is financially feasible.

President Steve thanked Simon and presented him with a book to sign for the Children’s Library.