A Magical Movie Day Thanks to Madison4Kids

Magical things happen when we come together!

At GiGi’s Playhouse Madison, we are always looking for ways to bring our community together in meaningful and inclusive ways. That’s why when Madison4Kids reached out with a desire to give back, we jumped at the opportunity to collaborate. Their generosity, paired with the support of Marcus Theaters on Big Sky Drive, allowed us to create a truly unforgettable event for our Playhouse families: a special, sensory-friendly movie day on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

For many families in our community, outings like a trip to the movies can be challenging due to sensory sensitivities and accessibility concerns. But on this special day, those barriers were removed, and every individual was able to enjoy the magic of the movies in a way that was comfortable, welcoming, and joyful.

A Sensory-Friendly Experience

Madison4Kids and Marcus Theaters went above and beyond to make this event a success. Our families were treated to a free screening of Moana 2, a movie filled with adventure, heart, and an inspiring message of courage and perseverance. To enhance the experience, the theater made thoughtful adjustments, including lowering the volume to accommodate sensory sensitivities and ensuring the environment was relaxed and welcoming for all.

One of the most thoughtful touches was the way the theater staff personally delivered popcorn to each seat, making it easier for families to settle in without the stress of navigating crowded concession lines. Every guest received a popcorn and a fountain drink along with their movie ticket, making the day even more special. These small details made a big difference, allowing families to focus on what truly mattered—enjoying time together.

Bringing the Community Together

The response to the event was incredible. We had 140 people in attendance, which was enough to rent out two entire theaters just for our families! Seeing so many smiling faces, hearing the excited chatter before the movie started, and witnessing the pure joy of our participants as they immersed themselves in the story on screen was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.

This event exemplified what Generation G is all about—being accepting, generous, and kind. It was more than just a movie day; it was a space where everyone belonged, where families could relax without worry, and where the community came together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

We are beyond grateful to Madison4Kids for their generosity and to Marcus Theaters for their partnership in making this event possible. It’s inspiring to see organizations step up to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all, and we hope this is just the beginning of more community-driven collaborations.

At GiGi’s Playhouse Madison, we are committed to continuing to provide opportunities like this—experiences that celebrate every individual, create lasting connections, and reinforce the importance of inclusion. We can’t wait for more moments like this in the future!

If you’d like to support events like our sensory-friendly movie day or get involved in other ways, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can continue to build a world that embraces and celebrates every person for who they are.