Working at a movie theater seems like the perfect high school or college job right? Well, like any job, it's probably not going to be as hunky dory as you'd think. Sure your experience may differ, but these are some of the universal experiences every movie theater worker has:
1. Eau De Butter.
After a week your work uniform begins to smell like popcorn and butter. No matter how many times you wash it, the smell still permeates your clothes. You'll go home and your family or roommates will comment on your fragrance. You'll notice they start making popcorn at home more often or just ask you to bring some back with you. At least it doesn't smell of garbage, right? Nope, that begins to happen too.
2. Free Movies.
Most movie theaters allow employees to see movies for free either after a certain amount of time post-release or during slower times. Of course, that's if you want to go back into work on your time off to watch a movie. At first, you'll see loads of movies, and that will fade away as you realize that you don't want to spend yet another portion of a day in the same building.
3. Regulars.
There are certain guests that come to see a movie on a regular basis at any given theater. In my experience, the nicest of them will get to know you over time and genuinely care about how you're doing outside of work. When these people visit, they'll bring a smile to your face. Some of those regulars even order the same concessions items each time, so when you see them come through the door you'll automatically start making their order.
4. Questions About the Popcorn.
Not all movie theaters use real butter, and not every guest can have dairy products. Some people are convinced that popcorn is cooked in butter, which is not true for every theater. Coconut oil is also used to cook popcorn. If a guest is asking about certain ingredients, it may be because they have an allergy or sensitivity. Make sure you know what goes into making your popcorn so you can answer these questions right away.
5. Prices.
Whether you're working the concessions stand or box office, you will, without fail, experience guests drilling you about the prices of tickets or food items as if you were the one responsible for pricing. Take a deep breath, close your eyes if you have to, then exhale, smile, and offer to have your manager to come to speak with them if they'd like to do so. 95% of the guests will be startled you offered, mumble a "that's OK" or "no, thank you" of some sort and shuffle off.
Most of the people just want to vent their frustration right away and act as if you feel the responsibility to pass on the torch. By offering up the option to talk to a manager, you knock the guest's train of thought off course and they begin to realize that you are not responsible and they still paid the price anyway.
6. Scheduling.
Working nights and weekends is a given. Especially for big movie releases and events. If you want to work just in the mornings, this may not be the job for you. Sure, someone has to work in the morning but most people are competing to get those shifts so they can go hang out with friends at night. Plus like any other job, you have to request days off. Keyword in that last sentence is "request." Your time off can get denied if big events are coming up.
7. You Too.
When you tell a guest to enjoy their movie, and they say, "You too," and walk away...
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