ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Little Theatre on East Avenue is celebrating its 96th anniversary.
“96 years is incredible. The Little has always had to go through adversity,” said Scott Pukos, director of communications at The Little Theatre. “So we opened in 1929 right before the stock market crash. It was pretty much the worst time to open.”
The art house cinema has faced numerous challenges over the years, including a 13-month closure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite challenges, the theatre has remained a beloved institution in Rochester, thanks to the support of the local film community.
“This film community Rochester has spent the most passionate, some of the most smart film fans out there,” Pukos said. “Their support means so much to us. And it’s helped keep the Little around for nine plus decades going strong to 100.”
The Little Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. It was founded to preserve cinema as an art form, showcasing films that are not typically shown in mainstream theaters.
“Being a house movie theater, we don’t want to just show big blockbusters,” Pukos said. “We want to show the films that you can’t see anywhere else. And films from all over the world, too, is important.”
It is still always evolving and trying new things.
“We’ve done craft nights, so we team up with Little Bit in the South Wedge. And we invite people to come bring their crafts, and we leave the lights on and people can talk and craft as they watch a movie,” said Pukos. “So we’re always evolving and finding new ways that people can come here and enjoy movies in different ways and in ways that you can’t anywhere else.”
The theatre has been a significant part of many people’s lives, creating memories for generations.
“There’s history, there’s people who come here. People have gotten engaged and married in the theater,” Pukos said. “They’ve fallen in love. They came here since they were a little child. And all throughout their life, right up into their 80s or 90s.”
To celebrate its 96th year, The Little hosted two free screenings for members. Although fully booked, members were encouraged to attend in case any last-minute spots became available.
“Membership fuels everything we do at The Little,” said Scott Pukos, director of communications at The Little Theatre. “We wouldn’t be able to do these special spooky season screenings without the support of our members, our sponsors, our donors.” Pukos said the theater aims to provide many perks to its members as a way of showing appreciation for their support.
Click here for more information about how to become a member.
The Little’s anniversary coincides with the Halloween season, and it is celebrating by showing recent releases like “Good Boy” and “Sinners,” as well as the 2002 horror classic “The Ring.” The full schedule is available on WHEC.com.
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