Easterseals Rehabilitation Center will screen the holiday favorite movie musical, “The Muppets Christmas Carol,” in a sensory-friendly format at Oglebay Institute’s Towngate Theatre and Cinema at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16.
“Come out and see Kermit, Fozzy and all your favorite Muppets in their unique version of the Charles Dickens classic — all presented in an inclusive and accessible environment for people with all levels of developmental and sensory processing abilities,” Easterseals marketing director Betsy Bethel-McFarland said.
Admission and popcorn are free. Registration is requested.
“Sensory-friendly” means the theater house lights will be dimmed but not off, and the movie volume will be lowered. Guests are free to stand and move around, and they can bring their own food and drinks to accommodate food allergies and sensitivities.
The 166-seat Towngate Theatre and Cinema offers handicapped accessible parking and an elevator to access the second floor. Seating also will be available in the first-floor lobby, where there will be sensory activities and a TV simultaneously screening the movie.
Closed captioning will be on both screens.
“These inclusive measures are being taken to provide a welcoming environment for children and adults who may not feel comfortable in a traditional movie theater setting,” Bethel-McFarland said.
“There is something very special and exciting about watching a great movie like ‘A Muppet Christmas Carol’ in a theater with family and friends. At Towngate, inclusion and diversity are part of our mission, and we are proud to partner with Easterseals for this wonderful event,” Towngate Theatre director Tim Thompson said.
Easterseals provides outpatient pediatric speech, physical and occupational therapies and recently announced the hiring of Dr. David Mosman as director of its medical services with a focus on children with autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other developmental delays and disabilities.
The Nov. 16 event is the third in the Sensory-Friendly Sunday Matinee series. This screening is sponsored by Lynn Hetzel, a longtime Easterseals board member.
“The Muppets Christmas Carol,” released by Disney in 1992, is rated G and is one hour and 26 minutes long. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. The movie starts promptly at 2 p.m. There will be no previews or trailers.
Cash or nonperishable food donations will be accepted to help stock a food cupboard for Easterseals clients.
Registration is requested by filling out this Google Form.
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