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This Saturday’s screenings of the new Cat in the Hat film will be the official introduction for a new experience at Renfrew’s O’Brien Theatre.
Whenever possible, the theatre will schedule a sensory-friendly screening of its youth-centred movies to allow viewers living with sensory challenges and their families a dedicated time slot to enjoy watching movies on the big screen without fear of judgement.
Manager Chris Kyte says the idea came after speaking with a few parents of special needs children who have not always felt comfortable bringing their kids to watch the latest releases.
Screenings will be open to the general public with the understanding that it is geared towards neurodivergent viewers who may need accommodations, such as adjustments to volume and lighting inside the theatre. The only expectations are that people respect personal space, safety, and the theatre itself.
It’s not the first time the O’Brien Theatre has sought out ways to improve accessibility for viewers; their Wednesday screenings are presented with subtitles when available, and the staff have been open to moving movies to their accessible main floor screen for people with mobility issues.
Kyte says each option allows more people to enjoy the movie-going experience, and she’s hoping the sensory-friendly screenings will prove to be a popular addition.
The sensory-friendly screenings will run in their own timeslot, with Saturday’s Cat and the Hat viewing available at 10:00 am. Admission will also come at a discounted rate of $8 per ticket.
(written by Kasey Egan)
