The DAW Foundation
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  • Behind the Curtain
    • History of The DAW
    • Mission, Vision, Goal
    • FAQs
  • Lights, Camera, Action!
    • Lights, Camera, Action!
    • Talkies
    • Photos and Videos
    • News & Press Releases
  • Donate
    • Ways to Give
    • Our Town, Our Theatre
    • Personalized Ways to Give
    • Annual Fund
    • Partnership & Sponsorship
    • Donor Information
  • The Cast & Crew
    • About The DAW Foundation
    • Volunteer
  • Contact Us
  • More
    • HOME
    • Behind the Curtain
      • History of The DAW
      • Mission, Vision, Goal
      • FAQs
    • Lights, Camera, Action!
      • Lights, Camera, Action!
      • Talkies
      • Photos and Videos
      • News & Press Releases
    • Donate
      • Ways to Give
      • Our Town, Our Theatre
      • Personalized Ways to Give
      • Annual Fund
      • Partnership & Sponsorship
      • Donor Information
    • The Cast & Crew
      • About The DAW Foundation
      • Volunteer
    • Contact Us
The DAW Foundation
  • HOME
  • Behind the Curtain
    • History of The DAW
    • Mission, Vision, Goal
    • FAQs
  • Lights, Camera, Action!
    • Lights, Camera, Action!
    • Talkies
    • Photos and Videos
    • News & Press Releases
  • Donate
    • Ways to Give
    • Our Town, Our Theatre
    • Personalized Ways to Give
    • Annual Fund
    • Partnership & Sponsorship
    • Donor Information
  • The Cast & Crew
    • About The DAW Foundation
    • Volunteer
  • Contact Us

Our Town, Our Theatre

Warm memories help, but success takes more than nostalgia.

We believe live theatre and the arts are a crucial part of a rich and vibrant culture. 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.


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. 

DONATE TODAY!

Reviving a Landmark

Nestled in the Heart of Tappahannock, Virginia

Nestled in the heart of Tappahannock’s historic Prince Street, The DAW Theatre has stood as a cultural cornerstone since its grand opening in February 1939. Named after its founders—E.M. Doar, H.S. Atkinson, and R.B. Wallace—this 500-seat Art Deco gem once drew crowds from across the Tidewater region, offering not just the latest films, but a vibrant mix of live performances and community events.


A brief History of The DAW Theatre & The DAW Foundation

  • February 1939 - Grand Opening: The DAW Theatre originally opened. The opening film was “Kentucky.” The Theatre was named for its owners E.M. Doar, H.S. Atkinson, and R.B. Wallace. 
  • 1940s - A Stage for More Than Movies: While programming in a small-town theater was never easy, The DAW went above and beyond. It brought in the latest films soon after release, hosted live performances, and served the community with events like fashion shows, health screenings, and women’s club meetings. In the 1940s, stage shows, and vaudeville acts were especially popular, adding to the theater’s vibrant offerings.
  • August 27, 1949 - Fire, Resilience, and Renewal: Tragedy struck on August 27, 1949, when a fire—believed to have started during a live radio performance—nearly destroyed the theater. 
  • November 16, 1949: But the community rallied, and The DAW was rebuilt and reopened in just under three months, welcoming audiences back.
  • 1950s - Cool Comfort: In the 1950s, air conditioning was added—a luxury at the time—and proudly advertised in local newspapers. 
  • 1970s - Big Premieres: The DAW continued to evolve, and in the 1970s, it made history again as the first small-town theater in Virginia to screen "The Godfather" and "Jaws."
  • 1982: After a full renovation in 1982, The DAW served as Tappahannock’s go-to movie theater until the late 1990s.
  • 1990s: The DAW's doors were shut permanently following the showing of “Titanic.”
  • Today: The DAW Foundation is breathing new life into this beloved landmark. With community support and a vision for the future, the theater is being restored—not just as a building, but as a beacon of culture, creativity, and connection for generations to come.


The DAW has remained a hollow shell of steel and concrete...until now!

The DAW Theatre is a fully certified 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that will provide Essex County and surrounding areas a professional theatre and preserves its historic building.

We believe live theatre and the arts are a crucial part of a rich and vibrant culture. 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.

The curtain is rising once more at The DAW Theatre—where history meets possibility.

Help Us Light Up the Stage Again

We’re not just restoring a 1930s-era theatre — we’re reigniting the cultural heartbeat of Tappahannock, the Middle Peninsula, and the Northern Neck.


This is more than a renovation. 

It’s a revival.

We’re creating a space where lifetime memories will be made — where children will take their first bows, where families will gather for unforgettable performances, and where our community will come together to celebrate the arts. We’re opening doors — for local businesses, for downtown Tappahannock, and for the next generation of artists and dreamers. With your support, we’re cultivating a love for the arts that will echo for generations.


Join us. Be part of the story. Help us bring The DAW back to its former glory.  

DONATE TODAY

The DAW Theatre Historical Photos

 Help Us Preserve the Legacy of The DAW Theatre! 

 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. 


 Contact us if you have any photos you would like to share with The DAW! 


View Photos

Copyright © 2025 The DAW Theatre Foundation - All Rights Reserved.

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