Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the Theater at Woodshill

Senate Resolution No. 2168

BY: Senator GRIFFO

        COMMEMORATING  the 10th Anniversary of the Theater
        at Woodshill

  WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor  and  pay
tribute   to   those   cultural  institutions  and  organizations  whose
commitment to promoting the richness  and  diversity  of  the  arts  and
entertainment  has  contributed  to the strength, vitality, and cultural
enrichment of their communities and the great State of New York; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing  traditions,  this  Legislative  Body  is  justly proud to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Theater at Woodshill; and

  WHEREAS, The Theater at Woodshill  is  Central  New  York's  premier
non-profit  organization  dedicated  to  bringing first-rate theater and
arts education opportunities to local  audiences  and  students  of  all
backgrounds; and

  WHEREAS, With a deep-rooted belief that one's geography, wealth, and
background  should  not  pose  a barrier to exceptional theater and arts
education opportunities, Allen and Andrew Wilcox envisioned a  new  type
of  cultural institution for Central New York and founded the Theater at
Woodshill in 2016; and

  WHEREAS, Housed on a beautiful farm in upstate New York, The Theater
at Woodshill is dedicated primarily to bringing to  life  the  works  of
William  Shakespeare;  the company focuses on returning to the basics of
theatrical production, an inclusive approach to casting, and an emphasis
on leveraging  its  programming  to  contextualize  plays  in  order  to
reinvigorate Shakespeare in our time; and

  WHEREAS,   The   Theater   at  Woodshill  is  focused  on  providing
educational opportunities for its community through workshops in acting,
design, production, and dramaturgy; and

  WHEREAS, Renowned for its educational opportunities, the Theater  at
Woodshill  hosts  a first-class film series known as "Will Power," which
is shot by professional cinematographers and features a diverse cast  of
local  CNY high school actors performing high-octane speeches by William
Shakespeare; and

  WHEREAS, The Theater  at  Woodshill  boasts  a  valuable  internship
program  open  to  CNY-based  high  school students and recent graduates
interested  in  obtaining  experience  in  professional  theater;   this
exciting   program   offers  aspiring  theater  professionals  a  unique
opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Shakespearean  theater
and gain hands-on experience in a vibrant artistic community; and

  WHEREAS, Guided by a distinguished board of directors, a hospitality
and  volunteering department, and an inspired creative team, the Theater
at Woodshill has served as  a  testament  to  the  important  connection
between  the arts and community, proving the undeniable impact that that

relationship offers residents and  visitors  of  Central  New  York  and
beyond; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Theater at Woodshill; and be  it
further

  RESOLVED,  That  copies  of  this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Allen and Andrew  Wilcox,  founders  of  the  Theater  at
Woodshill.