COM 631 Final Writing Portfolio
Email Pitch:
Subject: PITCH: The Little Theater hosts graduating student film screening event
Body:
Hi Mr. Battaglia,
To celebrate the work of filmmakers, The Little Theater is set to host a special screening featuring the work of graduating seniors from local colleges including RIT, MCC, St John Fisher, and University of Rochester.
Students have been given the opportunity to submit a film and the theater will select a handful of films from those submitted to showcase. Audience members will be able to vote on their favorite film and the winner will be awarded a cash prize as well as a voucher for a free movie ticket to a show at The Little Theater.
Our executive director would be happy to sit down with you to discuss the event further and provide additional details about the value of celebrating local young artists’ work.
Sincerely,
Gaelynn Petry
Public Relations Coordinator
(585) 333-7777
Media Advisory
**For Immediate Release on March 24, 2025**
The Little Theater Announces Inaugural Rochester Film Festival
What: The Little Theater will hold a press conference to announce the launch of the Rochester Film Festival. Details will be provided about festival dates, the submission process, eligibility requirements and other specifics about the festival.
When: Wednesday March 28 at 1 p.m.
Where: 240 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14604; Press conference will be held inside the theater in Theater 1.
Who: The Little CEO Christ Hastings and Artistic Director Matt DeTurk will both be present to speak on the festival. Rochester mayor Malik Evans will also be speaking during the press conference.
Why: The Little Theater is launching a film festival to generate interest in the theater as well as showcase the local talent in the Rochester and Wester New York region.
Contact: Gaelynn Petry; petryg01@buffalostate.edu; (585) 333-7777
Media List
- Local media outlets
o WROC (CBS)
o WHAM (ABC)
o WHEC (NBC)
o WXXI (tv)/NPR (radio) (PBS)
o Democrat & Chronicle (Newspaper)
- Online/Nationwide sites
o IndieWire
o Film Independent
New Release
Media Contact:
The Little Theater
Gaelynn Petry
(585) 333-7777
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE; April 14, 2025**
The Little Theater Announces STAR WARS Marathon to Celebrate “Star Wars Day” With Special Guests
Rochester, N.Y. – The Little Theater announces a special marathon of all “Star Wars” films to be played at The Little over the course of the weekend of May 2 – 4.
“We are excited to announce this special event screening of the “Star Wars” films for the May the Fourth weekend,” said The Little Theater Executive Director Ayette Jordan, “While these films are not part of our usual repertoire, they are films we know many in our community will enjoy seeing on the big screen. In addition, we are pleased to announce, “Star Wars” actors Mark Hamil, Hayden Christensen and Daisy Ridley will be attending as well to give post-movie discussions.”
Each day will feature one of the three trilogies with special events in between each movie. Friday will feature the prequel trilogy with a discussion with Hayden Christensen following “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith”. Saturday will feature the original trilogy with a discussion with Mark Hamil following “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.” Finally, Sunday will feature the sequel trilogy, with a discussion with Daisy Ridley follow “Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker”. Sunday will also feature an additional meet-and-greet opportunity with all three actors.
Other events that will occur include costume contests for both children and adults, “Star Wars” trivia games, as well as a fan art display. The Little Café will also be feature “Star Wars” themed food and drinks for the duration of the marathon.
More information can be found at www.thelittle.org/starwars. Tickets will be on sale starting April 14, 2025.
About The Little Theater
The Little Theater was founded in 1929 as part of The Little Cinema Movement. An effort across New York State to create a chain of local independent movie theaters that would showcase independent and experimental movies that were not shown in the mainstream movie theaters.
The Little Theater in Rochester, NY is the sole remaining theater from The Little Cinema Movement. In 2012 the theater merged with local public broadcasting affiliate WXXI in a parent-subsidiary relationship ensuring the theaters’ continued survival. The theater has endured almost ten centuries thanks to the continued support of local movie goers. To learn more visit
www.thelittle.org
