About Us

Since 1950, the Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS) has held a unique place in the cultural life of Rhode Island as a performance venue for legendary artists, local performers and community traditions. The theater at The VETS has hosted a wide range of performers in recent years including Chris Botti, Mavis Staples, Wynton Marsalis, Savion Glover, Amy Schumer and Bryan Adams.

Furthering its commitment to arts and culture in Rhode Island, The VETS is home to visual and performing arts companies like FirstWorks, the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, and Festival Ballet Providence.

On the National Register of Historic Places, The VETS is located on the revitalized Avenue of the Arts across from the Rhode Island State House. With just over 2,000 seats, it is acclaimed for its unique combination of size and intimacy. The theater celebrates flawless acoustics, a breathtaking proscenium stage and exquisite interior with a one-of-a-kind ceiling featuring the shields of Rhode Island’s original 39 communities.

In 2015 The VETS completed a multi-million dollar renovation that turned the theater into a state of the art performance facility and created multipurpose event spaces throughout the building that can be used for pre-show or post-show gatherings, business functions, and a variety of special events. 

The VETS is managed by Professional Facilities Management, the company that manages the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC). Under the guidance of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority and PPAC/PFM team, The VETS is proud to serve the people of Rhode Island and strives to bring the highest quality experience to all of its valued guests.