Sensory-Friendly Showings: Employee Guide

SENSORY-FRIENDLY SHOWINGS
Creating a welcoming movie experience for every guest

WHAT IS A SENSORY-FRIENDLY SHOWING?
Sensory-Friendly showings are specially designated movie presentations designed to create a more comfortable and welcoming environment for guests who may benefit from sensory accommodations.

These showings may be especially helpful for individuals with autism, sensory processing differences, ADHD, developmental disabilities, anxiety, or other sensory needs—but everyone is welcome.

During a Sensory-Friendly showing:

The lights remain dimmed, rather than completely dark.
Movie and pre-show volume is reduced.
Guests are welcome to move around, stand, talk, make sounds, or take breaks as needed.
There is a more relaxed expectation around traditional movie theatre behavior.

Our goal is simple: make the movies feel accessible, comfortable and fun for families who may not otherwise feel able to enjoy a traditional theatrical experience.

SENSORY-FRIENDLY SUNDAYS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Sensory-Friendly Sundays are R/C Theatres' recurring Sensory-Friendly program, featuring a family-friendly movie on the first Sunday of each month.

We also offer Sensory-Friendly presentations at select events and programs throughout the year, such as our Summer Movie Series, Holiday Movie Event and other special programming.

No matter when a Sensory-Friendly showing takes place, the same commitment applies: creating a welcoming, flexible and understanding environment for our guests.

WHY WE DO IT
For some guests, a traditional movie theatre can be overwhelming. Loud sounds, darkness, crowds, unfamiliar environments and expectations to remain quiet and seated can make going to the movies difficult.

Sensory-Friendly showings give families an opportunity to experience the magic of seeing a movie on the big screen in an environment designed with their needs in mind.

For some families, this may even be their child's first successful trip to a movie theatre.

How we welcome and support them matters.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Lead with patience and kindness.

Guests may communicate, behave or respond to their surroundings differently than you expect. Be welcoming and give families the time and space they need.

Expect movement and noise.

During these showings, a child or adult may:

Walk around the auditorium
Change seats
Stand during the movie
Talk or make sounds
Cover their ears
Rock, flap their hands or make repetitive movements
Enter and exit the auditorium multiple times

These can be ways someone communicates or regulates themselves.

Do not ask a guest to stop simply because the behavior is different from what you would expect during a traditional showing.

Safety rules still apply, and a manager should assist if a situation creates a genuine safety concern.

Don't assume a guest needs help.
A guest who is moving, making sounds or behaving differently isn't necessarily upset or in distress.

If someone appears to need assistance, a simple:

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

is often the best place to start.

Allow the guest, parent or caregiver to tell you what they need and ask for assistance of a manager if needed.

Give families flexibility.

Guests may need to leave the auditorium for a break and return later. They may need extra time at concessions, assistance finding a quieter area, or help navigating the theatre.

Whenever possible, look for ways to say yes and make their visit easier.

Communicate calmly and clearly.
If you need to speak with a guest or caregiver:

Use a calm, friendly tone.
Keep instructions simple and clear.
Give them time to respond.
Avoid unnecessary physical contact.
Don't draw additional attention to the situation.
Ask a manager for assistance when needed.

BEFORE EVERY SENSORY-FRIENDLY SHOWING
Our guests are counting on us to provide the experience we advertised.

Employees and managers should confirm:

The auditorium lighting is set appropriately for a Sensory-Friendly showing.
The movie and pre-show volume are at the designated reduced level.
Team members working that day know a
Sensory-Friendly showing is taking place.
Employees understand that movement and noise are expected and welcome.
Guests know who they can approach if they need assistance.
Any available sensory accommodations or quiet areas at your location are ready for guests.

If something doesn't seem right, tell a manager immediately.

IF A GUEST BECOMES OVERWHELMED
Every guest is different. Don't assume you know what someone needs or attempt to intervene unless necessary.

Instead:

Remain calm and patient.
Give the guest and their caregiver space.
Reduce unnecessary conversation, questions or attention.
Ask the caregiver if there is anything you can do to help.
Help identify a quieter area if one is available and requested.
Allow extra time for the guest to respond or transition.
Involve a manager if additional assistance is needed.

Most importantly, follow the lead of the guest or their caregiver whenever possible.

REMEMBER,
DIFFERENT DOESN'T MEAN DISRUPTIVE.
Sensory-Friendly showings are intentionally different from traditional movie presentations.

Movement, sounds and other self-regulating behaviors that might normally be considered disruptive may be completely appropriate during a Sensory-Friendly showing.

A little patience, flexibility and kindness from our team can make an enormous difference to a guest or family.

We want every guest who walks through our doors to feel:

WELCOME. COMFORTABLE. INCLUDED.
Thank you for helping make R/C Theatres a place where more families can experience the magic of the movies.