LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Players of
Utica

WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form depicted, 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, The history, the heritage, and the lives of the people of all
countries and all cultures are portrayed in their music and dance; the
art and act of sharing them enriches us altogether; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of Players of Utica, to be celebrated on
Saturday, September 15, 2012; and
WHEREAS, The mission of Players of Utica is to afford the residents of
the Greater Utica Area the opportunity to enjoy, study, and actively
participate in live amateur theatre; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Players of Utica aims to stimulate interest and
foster the development of an appreciation of the dramatic arts, as well
as to promote the social and intellectual well-being of the community by
encouragement of the study and improvement of the arts as they relate to
the theatre; and
WHEREAS, Players of Utica is one of the oldest, continually producing
community theatres in the United States and the oldest in New York
State; and
WHEREAS, Players has always strived to provide entertainment that is
unmatched in quality and value in Central New York; with each new
season, it brings a mix of performances that range from timeless clas-
sics to the bold and inspiring, some never before or since seen in the
area; and
WHEREAS, Players of Utica had its beginnings as an amusement club,
organized for an evening of more or less extemporaneous performances,
nonprofessional, and intended only for casual pleasure; and
WHEREAS, From 1913-1948, Players of Utica had a period of serious
effort to present the dramatic arts as professionally as possible; this
was followed by the institution of a community theater; and
WHEREAS, Since its establishment, Players of Utica presented hundreds
of dramas, musicals, and original plays to more than one million resi-
dents of Central New York; and
WHEREAS, On May 5, 1999, Players of Utica suffered a devastating fire
in which everything was lost; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to the efforts of many, on October 31, 2003, Players
of Utica held a much anticipated ground-breaking ceremony on the site of
its new theatre complex located on the corner of State and Mandeville
Streets in Utica, New York; and
WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, Players of
Utica can look back with great pride upon its humble beginnings; taking
just satisfaction in its purposeful growth, it will continue its
mission, devoting its talent and unique services to enriching the
cultural spirit of the public it has served so faithfully for 100 years;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Players of Utica; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Players of Utica.