As I ascended the escalator of Century Theater, I saw three lines: one manned by a manager looking lady, and then two other that appeared to be staffed with trainees, as a guy in a suit was standing behind them. I thought to myself “if I’m going to get away with this, I should head for the trainees,” and I did. When it was my turn in line, I politely said “I’d like three student tickets for the 7:05 Stepford.” Without batting an eye (or asking for ID), the trainee tapped at her computer. “That will be $28.50, please.”
I paid and walked away, and then looked at the tickets. I approached the counter again and waited for the customer being helped to leave. “These are full price—I’d like student please.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” She looked confused. “Uh, how do I do student tickets,” she asked to the guy in the suit. “Just do child,” he replied. “That will be $18—how much have you paid me?”
“$28.50.”
“So that’s uh…”
“$10.50.”
Then, something happened and she began tapping at her computer again. “That will be $16.50.”
“Is it $16.50 or $18?”
“$16.50.”
“Oh, ok, then it’s $12.50 in change. Here is the 50 cents you gave me before—can I get a dollar back?” (Yeah, I realize I screwed this up by 50 cents.)
“Here’s your $12.”
“Don’t forget the quarters.” She handed me a dollar.
So I head down the escalator, and take a look at the tickets. I have one full price for the 7:05 show, and two child’s tickets for the 2:20 show. Back up the escalator I go. “Hi, I know you’re sick of seeing me.”
“Dude, it’s ok.”
I explain my problem.
“Let’s just start from the beginning. Hi, how can I help you?”
“I’d like three students for the 7:05 Stepford.”
“That will be $18.”
“I’ve paid you $16.50.” And I hand her two dollars.
She hands me my tickets and change and cheerfully says “Thank you. I hope you still enjoy your show.”
So, the moral of this story is, always look for the trainee, and be patient. Tonight, we’re children and are going to the movies for $6 each, and I’m ahead 50 cents.
