Sensory Friendly Films
Stadium 10 Theaters at Northgate showing monthly films for special needs students
Simple tasks, such as going to the movies, can be difficult for some families. That is why Joe Backus and Stadium 10 Theaters at Northgate have teamed up with the Durham Public Schools Office of Exceptional Children to make a monthly trip to the movies a wonderful experience for families with children possessing sensory sensitivities.
Puss in Boots was the November movie and it played to a packed house. On Saturday, December 17, Arthur Christmas will be shown in 2-D at 10 a.m. The lights will be lowered, but not turned off, and the sound will be lowered as well.
These movies provide a safe and accepting environment for families to enjoy a G- or PG-rated movie at a discount price without the apprehension that might otherwise be part of such an outing.
Here are a few other important details about the movies:
- Tickets for the movie/drink/popcorn are $5. A ticket without the drink and popcorn is $4. Payment is made by cash only. 3-D films will be $6 and $5.
- Students with dietary restrictions are permitted to bring their own snacks into the theater.
- In the event that an appropriate G- or PG-rated film is not currently available, the theater will show an older film.
- The film title and pricing will be available on the Monday before the showing.
The dates for the films at 10:00 am on the third Saturdays for the rest of the year are:
- December 17
- January 21
- February 18
- March 17
- April 21
- May 19
For more information, contact Karen Carr at 560-2881.
Alice Petersen – “My son, Jamie, is severely affected by autism. He is a sweet and loving young man, and he is non-verbal. He has difficulty expressing himself, especially to people who don’t know him. We went to the first Sensory Friendly Film offered at Northgate. There were quite a few people, including some of Jamie’s classmates with autism. Jamie was standing with me as I spoke to the father of one of Jamie’s classmates. He was standing with his older son, who also has autism. We had not met them previously. As the gentleman and I were talking, his son said “Hi” to Jamie and gave him a quick wave. Jamie immediately waved back. I burst out crying, just having witnessed the first totally appropriate social interaction involving Jamie. The Sensory Friendly Film event created the opportunity, and I will never forget the day!”
The Gurganus family – “We love the “Sensory Friendly” films! Zackary never really cared about going to the movies and now he does. At the movie “Dolphin Tale” he wore 3D glasses for 30 minutes before removing them – that’s a record. It’s great to be someplace where he can be himself and no one looks at him funny when he flaps his arms, squeals out loud and rocks in the movie seat at high speed. Thank you Karen Carr and Joe Backus for this wonderful and fun opportunity!”
