Sensory Friendly Screenings

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected].

Upcoming and Past Sensory Friendly Events

Sensory Friendly Screening of The Grinch

PG | 1h 30m | Animated/Comedy/FamilyDirector: Scott Mosier/Yarrow CheneyStarring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Rashida Jones, Cameron Seely, Keenan Thompson & Pharell Williams The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center will host a sensory […]

Sensory Friendly Screening of Kung Fu Panda 4

PG | 1h 34m | Action/Animated/Comedy/FamilyDirectors: Mike Mitchell/Stephanie StineStarring: Awkwafina, Jack Black, Jackie Chan, Bryan Cranston, David Cross, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Ian McShane, and […]

Sensory Friendly Screening of IF

PG | 1h 44m | Live-Action/Animated/Comedy/FantasyDirector: John KrasinskiStarring: John Krasinski, Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, Steve Carell, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Maya Rudolph, Awkwafina, Bradley Cooper, […]

Sensory Friendly Screening of Inside Out 2

PG | 1h 36m | Animated/Adventure/ComedyDirector: Kelsey MannStarring: Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman, Phyllis Smith, Tony Hale, Liza Lapira, Lewis Black, Ayo Edebiri, Kyle MacLachlan, Ron Funches, Paula Poundstone […]

Sensory Friendly Screening of Despicable Me 4

PG | 1h 34m | Animated/ComedyDirector: Chris Renaud, Patrick DelageStarring (voices): Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Joey King, Will Ferrell, Sofia Vergara, and others A sensory friendly screening of Despicable […]

Sensory Friendly Screening of The Wild Robot

PG | 1h 43m | Animated/AdventureDirector: Chris SandersStarring (voices): Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu A sensory friendly screening of The Wild Robot is set for Saturday, October […]

Sensory Friendly Screening of Moana 2

PG | 1h 40min | Animation, Adventure, Musical Directors: David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller Stars: Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Tudyk A sensory friendly screening of Moana […]

Holiday Classics at The Lindsay

Season's greetings! Is it ever too early to start spreading holiday cheer? Get ready for two weeks of timeless stories about togetherness, generosity and keeping your tongue away from frozen […]