Where: The Paramount Theater, 215 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
When: Saturday, March 5
Time: 11:30A.M.
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour, 21 minutes
Reserve tickets here. – Note: Tickets for this performance are $5 for children, $7 for adults.
What is a sensory-friendly performance?
The Paramount Theater presents: Toy Story, March 5, 11:30am
The Paramount Theater is partnering with the Autism Theatre Project to offer a sensory-friendly presentation of “Toy Story”. Sensory-friendly performances aim to provide a positive viewing experience for children with autism or other sensory-related disabilities and their families. While the video will be shown as produced, special accommodations will account for potential sensory challenges such as jarring sounds or lights. A quiet area will be available during the show for anyone who needs to take a break. Specially trained volunteers will be present to support you and your family’s experience. A “Coming to the Theater” video will be provided to help families prepare for this outing to the theater.
Please visit the The Paramount Theater website for other showings in the Charlottesville area in Spring 2017.
Resources such as a plot synopsis and FAQs are provided below to help you decide if this is the right show for you and your family to attend. The full list of services is provided below in the FAQs. Children must attend the sensory-friendly performance with a parent or responsible adult.
Resources
Plot Synopsis
Character Breakdown
“Coming to the Theater” video social story
FAQs
Q: Is this performance only for those with autism or other sensory issues, or can anyone attend?
A: Sensory-friendly Performances are intended primarily for families with members on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory issues. In addition to altering the theater environment to cater to those with sensory issues, a main goal of this program is to provide a safe, judgement-free, and comfortable experience for the entire audience. We achieve this by recommending this performance for those families bringing loved ones who have a developmental disability.
Q: What accommodations will there be? How is it different from other performances?
A: The sensory-friendly accommodations include:
- A quiet area will be provided for those audience members who may want to remove an overstimulated person from the theater and have a place to relax. Chairs and tables will be provided, as well as a variety of coloring activities and fidgets. This area will be staffed by our volunteers.
- Resources such as a plot synopsis and “Coming to the Theater” video social story can help families prepare for this outing to the theater.
Q: Who are the volunteers?
A:Volunteers for Toy Story will be Paramount volunteers and staff. ATP has provided resources and guidance to support you and your family’s experience.
Q: Will the show on stage be any different from other showings that are not sensory-friendly?
A: Toy Story will not have altered content for this performance – please refer to the plot synopsis to determine the appropriateness for your audience member. Sensory effects will also be slightly altered.
Q: Will it be noisy during the show?
A: It’s very possible – expect there to be more than the usual ambient sounds from the audience.
Q: How can I prepare my audience member for this outing to the theater?
A: Resources such as a plot synopsis, character guide, and “Coming to the Theater” video social story can help families prepare for this outing to the theater.
Q: My attendee uses a wheelchair. What is the best access to the theater?
A: Our theater is located at the Paramount Theater in Downtown Charlottesville. There is nearby parking with handicapped spaces available, and handicap access to the theater. Parking behind Wells Fargo has handicapped spots. There is also handicapped parking on Market Street behind the theater, as well as in the Water St. Parking Garage.
Q: Are snacks and drinks allowed in the theater?
A:A variety of food and beverage items will be available in The Paramount’s lobby areas prior to and during the movie. Refreshments may be enjoyed inside the auditorium during the movie.
Q: Can my family attend one of the other Paramount Theater performances?
A: Yes! We provide an autism-friendly performance in hopes of creating a comfortable theater-going environment for families with sensory needs. Our ultimate goal is to make theater a more inclusive space. Please attend whichever shows are most convenient and comfortable for you and your family, but also note that the content of the other films may be slightly more mature and will be shown without sensory accommodations. Click here for showing times and ticket information.
Q: I have a question not addressed here. Who may I speak with to get more information?
A: Email us at autismtheatreproject@gmail.com.
Accessible Theatre Project 