SLO County theater launches sensory-friendly movie screenings
People looking for a more accessible moviegoing experience will soon have a new option in the North County.
Colony Cinemas in Atascadero is launching a sensory-friendly screening series beginning Sunday, May 24, with a showing of “The Sheep Detectives” at 1:45 p.m.
The screenings are designed for children and adults with autism, sensory sensitivities, ADHD, developmental disabilities, anxiety and others who may benefit from a modified theater environment.
Colony Cinemas General Manager Luke Phillips said auditorium lights will remain partially on during the screening, volume levels will be reduced to about half, and audience members will be free to move around and make noise during the film. Open captions will also appear on screen.
The effort grew out of conversations among local families who said traditional movie theater settings can often feel inaccessible or overwhelming.
“As a parent of two autistic children, I know firsthand how difficult traditional movie theater environments can sometimes be,” organizer Jessica Puccinelli told The Tribune. “The volume, darkness, expectations to sit still or stay quiet, and fear of judgment can make what should be a fun family outing feel stressful or inaccessible.”
Puccinelli said her daughter has never been able to attend a traditional movie screening because of her sensory needs.
“That reality was a huge part of what motivated me to pursue this,” she said. “Families like ours deserve opportunities to enjoy everyday experiences together in ways that are actually accessible and supportive.” Phillips said Colony Cinemas had also received similar requests from other community members and decided to move forward with the screenings after discussions with Puccinelli.
“We felt like this would be a great opportunity to give special needs individuals a chance to experience the cinema when they otherwise wouldn’t feel comfortable,” Phillips said.
The screenings are being organized in partnership with North County Inclusive Play and Friendship Group, a local community group focused on inclusive recreation and support opportunities for families navigating disabilities, neurodivergence and mental health challenges.
Puccinelli said the community response has been strong so far, particularly among North County families looking for more inclusive indoor recreation opportunities.
“We’ve had parents express how meaningful it is to finally have something like this available locally,” she said.
Phillips said Colony Cinemas plans to offer sensory-friendly screenings at least once per month, with the possibility of additional screenings depending on attendance. About 40 pre-sale tickets were sold within two days, Phillips added, with more walk-in attendance expected Sunday.
“It will be geared towards family-friendly and children’s movies,” Puccinelli said. Additional dates and movie titles have not yet been announced.
Sensory-friendly movie screenings have become increasingly common nationwide as theaters and community groups seek to create more accessible entertainment experiences for families with sensory sensitivities and developmental differences.
Colony Cinemas is located at 6917 El Camino Real in Atascadero. Tickets for Sunday’s 1:45 p.m. screening are currently available through the theater’s website.