June 13 marks the kickoff of Peoples Bank Theatre’s Sensory Friendly Film Series. The series, which is made possible through the generous support of the Marietta Welfare League and the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities, features family films shown in an environment designed to accommodate neurodivergent children and their families.
The sound, lighting levels, and other aspects of traditional movie theaters can be overwhelming for those with autism and sensory processing issues. For Sensory Friendly Film Series events, Peoples Bank Theatre will make the following accommodations:
- House lights left on low (25% to 50%)
- Sound turned down (so it is not overstimulating)
- No advertisements or trailers at the beginning of the movie
- Disabled access to the theatre
- Audience capacity is limited to 300 patrons
- Audience members are free to stand, dance, and sing along as long as there are no safety concerns
- A chill-out zone located in The Stage Door will be available for attendees who need to take a break
- Staff and volunteers have been trained in autism and SPD understanding
We hope these adjusted cinematic experiences will help foster improved inclusiveness both within our venue and the community at large.
There are three Sensory Friendly Film Series events scheduled at this time, which are:
Lilo & Stitch
Tuesday, June 13, at 6:00 PM
Runtime 85 minutes. Rated PG. Released June 2002.
Order Lilo & Stitch TicketsSonic the Hedgehog
Tuesday, July 11, at 6:00 PM
Runtime 99 minutes. Rated PG. Released January 2020.
Order Sonic the Hedgehog TicketsPuss in Boots: The Last Wish
Tuesday, August 8, at 6:00 PM
Runtime 102 minutes. Rated PG. Released December 2022.
Order Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Tickets
Each Sensory Friendly Film Series event is free to attend, with general admission seating available to allow audience members to sit where they are comfortable within the theatre auditorium. Tickets are required for entry and are available on the Peoples Bank Theatre website and by calling the Box Office at 740-371-5152.
Print-at-home tickets are available for these events to simplify obtaining tickets and attending the film showings. Attendees may also pick up their tickets at the Box Office inside the Stage Door at 224 Putnam Street in Marietta. The Box Office hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, as well as two hours before showtime. It is closed at lunch daily from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.
