Schools Out Cinema

At  The Lyric Theater, we believe everyone deserves the chance to enjoy the magic of movies and live events in a welcoming, comfortable environment. That’s why we proudly offer  two unique inclusive theatrical experiences designed to meet the needs of guests with sensory sensitivities and invisible disabilities.

Sensory Friendly Screenings

Our  Sensory Friendly experiences create a gentler, more flexible environment for guests who may benefit from reduced sensory stimulation.

During these screenings:

• Lights are  dimmed but not fully off

• Sound is  lowered

• Open captions are shown on screen when available

• Guests have the  freedom to stim (move, vocalize, or express themselves as needed)

• Special dietary snacks are permitted

These screenings are designed to reduce anxiety and create a space where guests can fully enjoy the film without pressure to remain quiet or still.

Relaxed Screenings

Our  Relaxed experiences offer a more traditional theater setting while maintaining a welcoming environment for guests with sensory needs.

During these screenings:

• Lights are  fully down

• Sound is at a  regular theater level

• Open captions appear on screen when available

• Guests have the  freedom to stim (move and vocalize)

• Special dietary snacks are permitted

Relaxed screenings allow guests to experience the full cinematic atmosphere while still feeling comfortable expressing themselves.

The Lyric Theater is proud to be  KultureCity Sensory Inclusive™ Certified, helping us provide an accommodating and positive experience for all guests with sensory needs.

According to the latest U.S. Census data,  one in six people live with a sensory need or invisible disability, such as autism, dementia, PTSD, hearing loss, or vision loss. Individuals with invisible disabilities often experience the world differently and may become overwhelmed by sensory input more easily than neurotypical individuals.

To better serve our community,  The Lyric Theater partnered with KultureCity to implement tools, training, and resources that support guests with sensory processing needs.

What We Offer

To help create a comfortable environment for everyone, The Lyric provides:

• Sensory bags available for free checkout on the day of your visit

• Noise-reducing headphones and  fidget tools to help lessen sensory overload

• Clear signage throughout the theater identifying quiet and louder areas

• Staff training on how to respectfully assist guests with invisible disabilities

Sensory bags are designed for  both adults and children and can make a vital difference during moments of sensory overload.

Accessibility Tools

Additional accommodations are also available for guests with hearing or visual needs, including:

• Assistive listening headphones for enhanced audio

• Descriptive narration for visually impaired guests

• Personal caption devices

• Open Captions on all movies every Sunday (when available)

At  The Lyric Theater, we are proud to be  trained and trusted advocates for accessibility and inclusion, ensuring every guest can relax, feel supported, and enjoy the show.