A New Season of Sensory Friendly Film Series Begins at the Carolina Theatre in August 2024

Tickets On Sale Now 

DURHAM, NC — August 12, 2024— The Carolina Theatre of Durham announces its second season of the Sensory Friendly Film Series. Screenings begin in August and end in December of 2024. Tickets are free and can be reserved in advance. 

The Sensory Friendly Film Series is a program dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming experience for individuals on the autism spectrum and others in need of sensory accommodations. The theater has created this series in partnership with the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development which imparts guidance on how to maintain a sensory-friendly experience for attendees. They educate theater staff and provide kits equipped with fidget toys, headphones, and more for patrons to use during the film. 

“It’s been a great opportunity for local families to have a fun outing with their children without having to worry if their autistic child will be welcome, or if they will make a scene. It’s a free activity for parents to bring their children to on a Saturday morning,” says Jordan Grapel, MS, a Duke Autism Center staff member who participated in the consultation.

The Carolina Theatre collaborates with an advisory committee comprised of individuals from organizations such as Arts Access NC, Autism Society of North Carolina, Autismazing, and more. The committee helps the theater select a wide range of films to appeal to children, teens, and adults. This year, seven films have been selected for the series including “Trolls,” “The Secret of NIMH,” “The Nutty Professor,” “Hocus Pocus,” “The Addams Family,” “The Sandlot,” and “Elf.” 

Shana Adams, Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement reflects on the importance of these collaborations stating, “We try to make it an environment where everybody feels comfortable.” 

During screenings, lights are dimmed, but not darkened, the volume is lowered, and seating capacity is reduced allowing guests to spread out, get up out of their seats, dance, walk, or sing. A quiet space with calming activities is available for anyone who may experience overstimulation during the films. 

Kid-friendly booster seats, earplugs, and audio descriptions or closed captioning devices are available for attendees at the box office. Families can bring snacks from home, and concessions are available for purchase. 

Read more about the series and showtimes, and reserve tickets at carolinatheatre.org. 

The Sensory Friendly Film Series is sponsored by the North Carolina Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Duke Energy, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, and Phoenix Wealth Advisors. 

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About The Carolina Theatre of Durham: 

Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which manages the city-owned Carolina Theatre at 309 W. Morgan Street, Durham, NC 27701. Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. is dedicated to presenting vibrant, thought-provoking film and live performances that contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of downtown Durham and the Triangle Region. More information at carolinatheatre.org. 

Contact: Hanna Mercer
Senior Director of Marketing, Carolina Theatre of Durham
hanna@carolinatheatre.org