GQT Movies at Pittsburgh Mills to offer sensory friendly setting

GQT Movies at the Pittsburgh Mills is offering an alternative for people who might be overwhelmed sitting in a dark, loud theater.

Sensory friendly movies will be offered the last Wednesday of the month through April in an effort to give everyone a chance to enjoy the theater.

“If you’ve ever been to a movie, you might have noticed it is really loud,” said Gary Swanson, a child and adolescent psychiatrist with Allegheny Health Network. “There is also a social rule that you’re not supposed to talk. For people on the autism spectrum, the rule is something they might not get.”

The new GQT offerings kick off Wednesday. The cost is $5 per ticket.

Matt McSparin, GQT Movies chief operating officer, said the lights will be up, the volume will be down and talking won’t be frowned upon.

“We heard from a cross-section of our guests that this type of show was a want and need, so we listened,” McSparin said.

The setting increases accessibility, Swanson said.

It will potentially alleviate some of the discomforts for people with sensory issues, he said.

“For some, loud sound is a problem, you might see them wearing noise-canceling headphones, so turning down the volume will be helpful,” he said.

“Obviously, leaving the lights on might ease some fears for kids who don’t like the dark.”

McSparin said the sensory friendly events are being implemented in response to a request from customers.

The series will feature family-friendly films such as “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile,” “Strange World” and “The Bad Guys.”

“We are very excited to offer this special showing to our moviegoers with sensory needs,” he said.

Swanson said the people with sensory reactions aren’t the only ones who could benefit from the showings.

It’s important for parents and caregivers to have the chance to socialize and attend “typical” events without concern, he said.

“Many parents would like to take kids with sensory issues to a movie but know that the child may be uncomfortable so they end up not going,” Swanson said. “When you go to an event like this, you don’t have to worry that others are going to look at you funny if your child speaks up during the film, and it’s important for kids on the spectrum to be able to socialize.

“This is a huge opportunity for parents to get out of the house and do things everyone else might do.”