LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Shakespeare in Delaware Park upon the
occasion of celebrating its 40th Anniversary season

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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality of
life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by its
exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Shakespeare in Delaware Park upon the occasion of celebrating its 40th
Anniversary season; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1976, Shakespeare in Delaware Park began as a
summer apprenticeship program for students from SUNY Buffalo wanting to
work alongside professional actors; its high quality productions were so
well received by the public that the program expanded and grew into the
beloved Western New York summer tradition it is today; and
WHEREAS, The mission of this remarkable theatre company is to provide
free, high-quality public theatre to the widest possible audience; its
members continually strive to enrich, inspire and entertain diverse
groups of people through performance and educational programming, with a
focus on the works of William Shakespeare; and
WHEREAS, Each summer, Shakespeare in Delaware Park presents two works
of William Shakespeare, one tragedy or history and one comedy; these
performances run six nights per week for three and a half weeks for a
total of 44 performances; and
WHEREAS, Over the past four decades, Shakespeare in Delaware Park has
mounted over 80 productions, with approximately 3,000 presentations
which have entertained over 1.5 million guests; and
WHEREAS, Today, Shakespeare in Delaware Park is one of the largest
outdoor Shakespeare festivals in the country, playing each year to over
40,000 people from across the state, nation, and beyond; it continues to
uphold a tradition of high quality programming and outstanding artistry
which has resonated with audiences year after year; and
WHEREAS, In addition to its summer productions, Shakespeare in Dela-
ware Park offers education and outreach programs to schools and public
venues throughout the Buffalo/Niagara region; these programs seek to
both inspire and enrich students, while helping them to express them-
selves in positive ways; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and honors, Shakespeare in
Delaware Park has been nominated as a "Best Cultural Asset" by readers
of ARTVOICE, named the No. 2 "must do summer event" by the BUFFALO NEWS,
and was one of only seven New York State theatres listed in the NEW YORK
TIMES "Summer Stages" article; and
WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, Shakespeare in
Delaware Park 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 40 years;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Shakespeare in Delaware Park upon the occasion of celebrating
its 40th Anniversary season; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Shakespeare in Delaware Park.