Sensory-Friendly Event Cinema Screenings Begin With ‘The Nutcracker’ From the Bolshoi Ballet, for Those on Autism Spectrum

Fathom Events is partnering with the Autism Society of America to bring alternative content to audiences with special needs, starting with the Bolshoi Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” on big screens across the U.S. for a one-night, sensory-friendly event on December 19. In this relaxed presentation, the lights will be raised, the audio will be lowered and audiences will not be expected to stay quiet or in their seats, so those on the spectrum and their families can feel comfortable in the movie theater. This all-inclusive environment will allow patrons to dance along with the ballerinas on screen, shout, sing, move around the room and express themselves however they like.

Captured live from the Bolshoi stage in Moscow, Russia, “The Nutcracker” will be in select movie theaters for this one-night sensory-friendly event on Monday, December 19, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. local time. This content is provided by BY Experience and Pathé Live.

Tickets for this special screening of “The Nutcracker” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

The holiday season would not be complete without the enchanting tale of young Marie and her Nutcracker prince. Danced by the Bolshoi’s principals, E.T.A. Hoffmann’s fairytale staged by Russian ballet master Yuri Grigorovich will transport children and adults alike to a world of magic and wonder for the holiday season.

“Our hope is that families and children with all kinds of special needs can now go to the movie theater and feel comfortable being themselves,” Fathom Events Vice President of Programming Kymberli Frueh said. “We want to share the world of event cinema with everyone, and sensory-friendly screenings are another way we can provide access to a variety of audiences.”

“We are delighted to be able to partner with Fathom Events to bring the production of ‘The Nutcracker’ shown in sensory responsive theaters to families and individuals impacted by autism this holiday season,” said Scott Badesch, president, Autism Society of America.

For artwork/photos related to “The Nutcracker,” visit the Fathom Events press site.

About Fathom Events

Fathom Events is recognized as the leading domestic distributor of event cinema, and ranks as one of the largest overall distributors of content to movie theaters. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), Fathom Events offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events that include live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, dance and theatre productions such as the Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre Live’s Hamlet, sporting events like FS1 Presents USA v Mexico, concerts with Roger Waters and One Direction, the TCM Presents classic film series and faith-based events such as The Drop Box and Four Blood Moons. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes and offers unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 887 locations and 1,354 screens in 181 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

About The Autism Society of America

Founded in 1965, the Autism Society is the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, and exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the autism spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education and research. The Society maintains a strong nationwide network of affiliates to provide support and grassroots advocacy at local, state and federal levels. www.autism-society.org

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