A sensory friendly screening offers the option for families, children and adults impacted by autism and other special needs, to watch films together by lowering film volume, keeping on dim house lights and having a door open to restrooms and the lobby throughout the film. Trailers are eliminated to reduce the necessary “sit time.” Staffing levels are increased to allow a personal, unhurried cinematic experience for everyone. To ensure the comfort of all guests, a sensory friendly screening is typically the only event scheduled at The Lindsay.

The Theater pioneered sensory friendly screenings in the region northwest of Pittsburgh days after its opening in 2017 and has expanded with other sensory friendly offerings. The Lindsay partners with Band Together Pittsburgh to regularly offer autism friendly Open Mic sessions in the Community Room. Participants can tell stories or jokes, sing or play (including karaoke), just say “hi,” or enjoy being part of the audience. While the Open Mics are free, Band Together Pittsburgh requests reservations to make sure enough snacks are available for everyone! 

Additionally, in partnership with Azure Pittsburgh, free sensory friendly family concerts are offered annually in the Community Room.

These events are examples of the Theater’s focus on accessibility and inclusivity as it fulfills its mission to strengthen the region’s cultural, educational and entertainment experiences. Organizations and individuals who wish to receive emails about sensory friendly events can be added to the Theater’s specific distribution list by emailing their information to hello@thelindsaytheater.org

The Theater is grateful for individual and foundation contributions that make sensory friendly events possible and for the audience participation that supports this effort. Through our donors, discount tickets are available by contacting hello@thelindsaytheater.org.