I read the webcomic Multiplex. One of its reoccurring bits is the employees of the theatre wearing costumes themed to current movies. (Examples here here here here here)
Now maybe I’m just going to the wrong theatres but I’ve never seen any actual multiplex employees doing this. Is this something McAlpin made up for the webcomic or are there places where the employees do this?
When I saw Star Wars Episode 1 at the release showing, all the theater’s crew was dressed up as Star Wars characters.
I think some crew was dressed up still by the time I got around to seeing the latest Star Trek, the next afternoon.
It absolutely is not a made-up thing.
When I worked at a theater, it was encouraged but optional. We could wear the employee uniform, or we could wear a costume for certain releases. We were also strongly encouraged to wear Halloween costumes, but nothing stronger than PG rated (nothing too sexy or too scary). So yeah, it’s definitely a real life thing.
This was at General Cinema, which was a large chain. I think it still is.
I’d guess it depends on how into the job the employees are. The characters in Multiplex are all big movie nerds and love working the theater, while when I worked at one many years ago it was just a bunch of teenagers looking for a paycheck. Some dressed up for occasions, but most of us just didn’t care enough.