Cineplex and Autism Speaks to offer Sensory Friendly Screenings

Cineplex and Autism Speaks
to offer Sensory Friendly Screenings

(February 9, 2015 – Toronto, ON) Cineplex Entertainment has announced plans to offer a schedule of Sensory Friendly Screenings at select theatres across Canada. What this means, basically, is 2D projection, increased auditorium lighting, lower sound volume and smaller crowds. The program was developed in concert with Autism Speaks Canada and will provide an opportunity for individuals and families living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to enjoy new releases in a relaxed environment.

“Our goal is to make movie-going accessible to as many Canadians as possible,” said Pat Marshall, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations, Cineplex Entertainment. “This partnership with Autism Speaks Canada ;The SpongeBob Movie, poster; provides an opportunity to see the latest family movies in a comfortable environment, at a reduced price.”

In addition to showing films in 2D, with increased house lighting and lower speaker volumes, theatres will provide a nearby calm zone for families who want a break from the screening. These screenings will take place during off-peak times, before theatres open to the general public. Families will also be able to bring outside food into auditoriums to accommodate dietary restrictions.

The first Sensory Friendly Screening takes place next Saturday, February 14, 2015, with The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water. Sensory Friendly Screenings will run on select Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Titles and booking information will be announced on Cineplex.com up to two weeks in advance of each screening.

“We are proud to partner with Cineplex on the Sensory Friendly Screening program,” said Jill Farber, Executive Director, Autism Speaks Canada. “We congratulate Cineplex for its awareness of the unique needs of the ASD community and for providing families an opportunity to enjoy a movie together in an especially welcoming environment.”

Ticket prices for guests of all ages attending Sensory Friendly Screenings will be the current child ticket price at the participating theatre.

Participating theatres include:

Cineplex Cinemas Langley (Langley, BC)
Cineplex Odeon Sunridge Spectrum Cinemas (Calgary, AB)
Cineplex Odeon North Edmonton Cinemas (Edmonton, AB)
Cineplex Odeon Centre Cinemas (Saskatoon, SK)
SilverCity St. Vital Cinemas and XSCAPE Entertainment Centre (Winnipeg, MB)
SilverCity London Cinemas (London, ON)
Galaxy Cinemas Waterloo (Waterloo, ON)
Cineplex Cinemas Mississauga (Mississauga, ON)
Cineplex Cinemas Vaughan (Vaughan, ON)
Cineplex Odeon Morningside Cinemas (Scarborough, ON)
Cineplex Odeon South Keys Cinemas (Ottawa, ON)
Scotiabank Theatre Halifax (Halifax, NS)

For more information on Sensory Friendly Screenings, visit Cineplex.com/SensoryFriendly.