Sewickley's Tull Family Theater plans 2 free, autism-friendly events

The Tull Family Theater in Sewickley will host two events for people with autism and other special needs next weekend, including a sensory-friendly movie screening and an open mic session. Both are free.

A sensory-friendly version of the PG-rated animated movie “Sing 2” will be screened at 10 a.m. March 19, without trailers. An autism-friendly open mic session is planned for 2-5 p.m. March 20, with attendees invited to participate or just enjoy.

The nonprofit theater regularly provides entertainment opportunities for people with autism, sensory issues and other special needs, according to CEO Carolina Pais-Barreto Thor.

“Sensory-friendly activities are not always available outside the city core. We provide more access for families who live outside the city,” she said, with such programs regularly drawing people from Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Westmoreland and Washington counties.

“The feedback we receive most often is that it gives families an increased comfort level in being able to share their joys and challenges with others,” she said.

Both events are being presented in partnership with Band Together Pittsburgh, a Blawnox-based nonprofit that engages young people with autism using music. The Autism Society of Pittsburgh is partnering with the open mic session only.

The opportunity to perform can open new vistas for people with autism, said Ellen Allen of Allison Park, a Band Together board member.

“What we’ve found with these young people is that their talents often go unrecognized because of their diagnosis,” she said. “This gives them an opportunity to shine.”

She’s seen it happen with her 20-year-old son, Xavier, who has autism.

“He’s been participating (in open mic events) for a couple of years,” she said. “We’ve seen him grow socially and begin to have more confidence. We see that with all the kids.”

Pittsburgh musician and Band Together co-founder John Vento and other members of the organization will facilitate the open mic. The organization partnered with the theater on its first Autism Friendly Open Mic in November. More than 70 people attended.

Attendees can sing, do karaoke, play an instrument, tell jokes, do impressions, get up and say hello or even offer a prayer.

Autism Society president/CEO Jesse Torisky watched his brother, Eddie, do that at another open mic a few years ago.

“He got up, and I said, ‘What are you doing?’ ” Torisky said. “He said, ‘I’m gonna say the Our Father,’ and he did.”

The open mic atmosphere is welcoming and nonjudgmental, he added. “Everyone gets cheered.”

While the open mic is free, reservations are requested at bandtogetherpgh.org, so that adequate snacks can be provided to attendees.

Reservations for the movie are recommended on the theater’s website, thetullfamilytheater.org.

The theater is located at 418 Walnut St. Sunday parking is free in Sewickley, both in the municipal lot next to the theater and on the streets. Ramps offer easy accessibility to the theater.