
Located in Tappahannock’s historic district, The DAW Theatre opened in 1939 and quickly became a cultural hub, offering films, live performances, and community events. After surviving a major fire in 1949 and undergoing a full renovation in 1982, it served the community until closing in the late 1990s after showing Titanic. Though gutted for a planned revival, the theatre sat dormant—until now. A new vision is bringing The DAW back to life, blending its Art Deco charm with modern amenities.
This is more than a renovation. It’s a revival. The goal: to reopen as a vibrant venue for movies, live theatre, and entertainment, honoring its legacy while inspiring a new generation.
Launching in 2026 – stay tuned and follow us for updates!
Big things are happening in our small town! As the historic Tappahannock Theatre undergoes a renovation, we're thrilled to launch "Talkies" – a brand-new podcast that brings you behind the scenes of this exciting transformation.
Hosted by Beth Sharpe, "Talkies" will feature:
Whether you're a history buff, a theater lover, or just love seeing Tappahannock thrive, this podcast is for you!
The DAW Theatre is a fully certified 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that will provide a professional theatre and preserve a historic building. Through your tax-deductible donation, you can help contribute to that rich culture and help us write the next chapter in The DAW Theatre’s history.
Over the years, many cherished photos and artifacts of The DAW Theatre have been lost due to various circumstances. We're reaching out to our community to help us rebuild this visual history. If you have any old photos or memorabilia of The DAW Theatre, please consider sharing them with us. Every image helps keep the spirit of the theatre alive for future generations.
>> Email us if you have any photos you would like to share with the DAW Theatre! We would love to feature them on social media and in our gallery.
Maybe even feature your story on "Talkies" podcast.
Help us bring the arts to the people! We're raising $3.3M to fund the restoration of The DAW Theatre! Your support helps set the stage for The DAW and Tappahannock's revitalization!
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