If you have driven by the Longo’s parking lot or walked past the entrance to The United Theatre in the last few months, you might have seen the sign: United Theatre Construction Deliveries-  a positive indication that renovation is well underway. Demolition inside the theater started this past summer.

The $12-million-dollar goal is in sight for a committed and engaged Board with close to $11 million generated (thus far) from private philanthropic donations and from state grants.

Photo Credit: United Theatre

Tony Nunes, who has been involved with running the theater’s programming and marketing is now the theater’s first official hire; in just his first week as Artistic Director.

“Things are moving along swiftly at the United, it’s all very exciting.” Tony is responsible for the creative direction of the event and educational programming. He will be working with other partners to produce and present such events as cinema, live concerts, theater productions, film, music festivals, dance, lectures, and arts education for kids and adults. “There are so many exciting things in the works, I can’t wait to dive in,” says Tony enthusiastically.

The United is also hiring an Executive Director and hopes to have that person in place soon. The United Theatre is planning a soft opening in the fall of 2020, and the community is excited to welcome it to the neighborhood.

Photo Credit: United Theatre

“The community response to the project has been tremendous. The support of local businesses, members of the community, educators, and others has been resounding,” says Tony. “And things are really only just beginning.”

Events in support of The United Theatre this Winter

  • December 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m – The Elf Experience. Join The United Theatre for their third annual interactive holiday screening of Elf complete with props, an indoor snowball fight, and free cocoa and treats from some of the four main food groups (candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup). Quote along. Sing along. Have a blast!

    And guess what?… SANTA’S COMING! I KNOW HIM! I KNOW HIM! That’s right, they’ll even have a photo meet and greet with the big guy himself after the movie. The movie will begin at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) in the large gym at the Ocean Community YMCA and Santa will be arriving after the movie (8 – 8:30 p.m.) to take photos and Christmas wishes. Tickets are $8 per child (13 and under) and $11 per adult and available online and at the door.