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.