Have you ever been frustrated at the price of movie tickets? Taking a date to a movie can seen expensive, especially after you add in snacks, popcorn and drinks. A great way to save money for admission is to accept assignments at your local theater. There are several different types of assignments the shoppers can be involved with. Some are undercover and some are not.

Movies: Almost every city has movie assignments. There are several types of assignments that will allow you into a theater:

Trailer checks: You will be assigned a specific movie and check all of the trailers and ads that are shown before the movie begins. You will keep track of each ad in the order that it was shown. This is normally not an "undercover" assignment. You will take a letter from the studio with you in order to introduce yourself to the theater manager. If you are assigned a new release film, it will probably be shown on more than one screen. If you need help with your project, you can normally take someone with you. This is a perfect way to take a date and not have the expense of the tickets. After your trailer check has been completed, most managers allow the checkers to remain in the theater and see the film. There are rare instances when the film has been sold out and the checker may not have a seat. That doesn’t happen often.

It is useful to have a pen that writes in the dark since most trailers are shown after the movie has started. A notepad is ideal for taking notes in the theater. If you find that you really enjoy theater assignments, you may want to invest in a device that allows you to count by clicking numbers on a small metal object. You can purchase counters at an office supply store for $6 - $8. A lighted pen may cost $5 - $10.

Audience Reaction checks: Some studios want to know how affective their marketing department is with movie trailers. You will keep track of each movie trailer and the reaction of the audience. This type of assignment usually requires counting all patrons and keeping track of those over and under the age of 25. It is possible to have a trailer check with an audience reaction check.

Seating capacity checks: Distributors or studio heads may want to have an independent count of patrons visiting the theater for any given day. This assignment is normally more extensive than a trailer check. Shoppers may be assigned a certain theater or movie for that day. Shoppers may be paid per hour or per movie screen, depending on the company. It is useful to have someone helping you with capacity checks.

Other types of assignments may involve purchasing tickets and an item at the concession counter. Most assignments reimburse for 2 tickets. Occasionally the assignment may only pay for one ticket. When you are being reimbursed for a ticket, you will not be identifying yourself to the manager. You may be asked to observe the types of posters that are hanging in the theater and if there are advertisements for non-movie related material.

Movie assignments are a fun way to earn extra money and save the cost of admission.