Spotlight 2025: Center Stage for Discovery
Join us in raising $2.7 million to improve our auditorium into next-generation theater for students today and to come
Powhatan School: A Special Place
About Our School
Founded in 1948 by a dedicated, forward- thinking group of parents and grandparents who wanted an independent school option in their community, Powhatan School is a thriving Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth Grade independent day school that serves over 250 students.
Building on the vision of our founders and underpinned by our five pillars: Excellence, Civility, Integrity, Respect, and Service, Powhatan’s approach to education focuses on educating the entire child. This philosophy includes character development; social and emotional growth; and the intentional inclusion of an enriching array of fine art, music, drama, outdoor education, world language, and more. We seek to do all of this in a nurturing, yet challenging, small- classroom environment that gets children excited about learning.
As we approach the next chapter in Powhatan’s history, we have an opportunity to invest in our school to enhance both our indoor and outdoor learning spaces. With your help, we will be able to renovate and upgrade our auditorium into a state-of- the-art theater and thoughtfully increase access and use of the outdoor spaces on our beautiful 90-acre campus.
The Auditorium: Heartbeat of Our Performing Arts Program
The Auditorium
Current Condition of the Auditorium
Current Condition of the Auditorium
The auditorium provides a dedicated space for developing communication and presentation skills, learning to work as a team member, exploring student creativity, and developing a life-long passion for learning and the performing arts. Indeed, the auditorium is where many students first encounter passions like theater, stagecraft, debate, storytelling, and music, interests that engage them throughout their lives. Offering space for these opportunities early and often aligns closely with Powhatan's long-time philosophy of educating the whole child.
Current Condition of the Auditorium
Current Condition of the Auditorium
Current Condition of the Auditorium
Today, the auditorium is a shadow of the prized theater it once was, resulting in challenging conditions for teaching, presenting, and performing. In 2022, we identified unsafe conditions that required the deconstruction of the auditorium and the creation of a temporary gathering and performance space. While it still offers minimal lighting, sound, and a basic stage, everything else is gone. Seating consists of folding chairs, soundproofing was removed, and the stage is now unusable and has been replaced by a makeshift platform. Further, during the remediation process, we identified the significant need for electrical, plumbing, and accessibility upgrades for the safety and comfort of students and the community.
The Auditorium Reimagined
Recent Conditions of the Auditorium
Recent Conditions of the Auditorium
Recent Conditions of the Auditorium
In 2022, we identified unsafe conditions that required the deconstruction of the auditorium and the creation of a temporary gathering and performance space. The auditorium became a shadow of the prized theater it once was, resulting in challenging conditions for teaching, presenting, and performing. Seating consisted of folding chairs, s
In 2022, we identified unsafe conditions that required the deconstruction of the auditorium and the creation of a temporary gathering and performance space. The auditorium became a shadow of the prized theater it once was, resulting in challenging conditions for teaching, presenting, and performing. Seating consisted of folding chairs, soundproofing was removed, and the stage was unusable and replaced by a makeshift platform. We used the space, but our students were unable to truly thrive in the auditorium.
Enhancements
Recent Conditions of the Auditorium
Recent Conditions of the Auditorium
Funds raised will allow us to transform our auditorium into a state-of-the-art theater that will meet the needs of our students. The remaining funds needed will allow us the opportunity to equip the new theater with advanced technology, including sound and lighting, increased seating capacity, flexible spaces, an additional restroom, upgraded dressing rooms, and so much more!
Construction Timeline
Recent Conditions of the Auditorium
Construction Timeline
With over 80% of our funds raised, we broke ground on June 9, 2025 and began construction. After a thorough bid selection process, we are excited to be partnering with Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc. for the renovation, which has an anticipated completion date of early Spring 2026. Please check out our weekly blog for updates on the progress being made!
Join Us
Support Our Theater Fundraising Efforts
Join us in bringing a state-of-the-art theater to Powhatan School! Your generous donations will help us reach our goal of $2.7 million. We have raised $2.2 million so far, and with your support, we can achieve the remaining $500,000. Every contribution counts!