Honor Theatre Guild’s 75th

Senate Resolution No. 2947 BY: Senator DEFRANCISCO COMMEMORATING the 75th Anniversary of Baldwinsville Theatre Guild WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form, are central to human expression; they are truly a universal language and their contribution to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples cannot be underestimated; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those artistic organizations which have brought outstanding entertainment and cultural enrichment to the citizens of 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 75th Anniversary of Baldwinsville Theatre Guild; the company kicked off its 75th Anniversary season with the highly successful musical The Music Man on January 20, 2017; and WHEREAS, Baldwinsville Theatre Guild has and will continue the celebration of its 75th Anniversary season with Peter and the Starcatcher (May 5-May 20), its summer youth musical The Wiz (July

28-August 5), and will finish the season with the fall show Noises Off (September 22-October 7); the productions of Baldwinsville Theatre Guild are presented on the stage of the Education Center in the First Presbyterian Church of Baldwinsville; and WHEREAS, Baldwinsville Theatre Guild was founded in 1942, by the late SUNY Oswego Drama Professor Rosemary Sinnett Nesbitt who graduated from Baldwinsville High School and Union Free Academy that same year; she went on to graduate from Syracuse University in 1947, and earned a master's degree in 1952, before going to England to study the works of William Shakespeare; and WHEREAS, For the past 75 years, Baldwinsville Theatre Guild has been presenting quality theater to the Central New York area; it is the oldest continually-performing non-professional community theater group in New York State; and WHEREAS, Since 1942, Baldwinsville Theatre Guild has staged live-action entertainment and enriched the community through its outreach efforts; and WHEREAS, Baldwinsville Theatre Guild, while offering family-oriented entertainment, gives opportunities to local individuals and allows them to showcase their talents; alumni that have started their musical and theatrical careers at Baldwinsville Theatre Guild include "America's Got Talent" contestant Julia Goodwin, opera singer Julia Ebner, and artistic director Garrett Heater; and WHEREAS, Baldwinsville Theatre Guild has most notably given back to the community over the years by presenting an annual scholarship to area high school graduates since 1969; and WHEREAS, Additionally, Baldwinsville Theatre Guild has one of the largest costume collections in the State; and WHEREAS, Baldwinsville Theatre Guild's growth has secured a theatre presence in Central New York; and WHEREAS, A vibrant arts community encourages collaboration, instills local pride, draws people together, and is essential to a community's vitality; over the past 75 years, Baldwinsville Theatre Guild has contributed to the richness of Central New York's cultural palette; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when artistic societies of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Baldwinsville Theatre Guild; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitable engrossed, be transmitted to Korrie Taylor, Production Chair of Baldwinsville Theatre Guild.