蜜桃传媒

A celebration of life will be held Aug. 4 at Shea’s Performing Arts Center for Saul Elkin, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus and founder of Shakespeare in Delaware Park, who died July 14.

A shared on behalf of his family noted Elkin was surrounded by their love as he peacefully passed away. He was 93.

Elkin’s career at UB spanned decades, as he first joined the university in 1969. Over the course of his time teaching at the university, he served as chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance numerous times: from 1976-85, 1988-91 and as interim chair in 2004. His leadership helped shape the department into a vibrant center for theatrical and dance innovation and education.

Elkin’s Shakespeare lecture courses captivated and educated generations of students across the university, while his brilliant direction of campus productions created countless opportunities for emerging artists to hone their craft. Elkin was the first UB recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1973, and was named a SUNY Distinguished Service Professor in 1996.

In 1976, Elkin founded Shakespeare in Delaware Park, one of the nation’s most prominent free Shakespeare festivals and a cherished Buffalo tradition. Originally established as a summer apprenticeship program for UB theater students to work alongside professional actors, Shakespeare in Delaware Park has since grown into a beloved cultural institution.

Elkin also co-founded the Jewish Repertory Theatre of Western New York. His many accolades include induction into the Western New York Theatre Hall of Fame in 1995 and being named “Outstanding Individual Artist of the Year” by the Arts Council in 1998.

A Buffalo News article noted that Elkin was a former child actor from New York City who worked on more than 250 stage and screen productions, including on and off Broadway, in films, summer and regional theater, and even on the soap opera “Edge of Night.”

Elkin was more than an actor, teacher and director — he was also a mentor, visionary and champion of the arts. He created space for others to thrive — on stage, behind the scenes and in the classroom. His legacy lives on in the vibrant theater community he helped build and in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Shakespeare in Delaware Park will host a night in Elkin’s honor on Aug. 4, beginning at 5 p.m. at Shea’s, 646 Main St., Buffalo. A ceremony celebrating his life will take place at 6 p.m. All are welcome; no RSVPs required. In lieu of flowers, donations be made to and/or .