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.