Re: sitting during trailer checks—
Ideally, if you’re only there for the trailer check, it’s best practice not to sit (MovieMEASURE, and I’m sure other ethically-minded companies in the same business, advise the same). I think there are a couple of reasons behind this: a.) with the increasing number of methods in which one can buy tickets to the movies, you never truly know whether you’re sitting in someone else’s seat, and you want to avoid inconveniencing anyone, and b.) the corollary to that is those patrons have *paid* to sit in those seats for the trailers, the movie, and the credits. As a trailer checker, I’ve paid nothing; indeed, I’m being compensated.
That said, I think it’s a matter of judgment. As a previous poster mentioned, there are times when it’s okay (or even better) to sit. Say, like, when a theater attendant asks you to do so, LOL.
Additionally, I’ve frequently found that earlier shows often equal deserted theaters (although this week and The Lion King seems to be a totally different story). But most 10:30 AM shows for most movies aren’t even half full. Also, in NYC we have the Alamo movie theater, which is one of those where you order food and drinks to your seat; in general, standing during that trailer check is a nightmare for the servers and yourself.