Summary

Act 1, Scene 1 – Sam comes into the movie theater, blocking the door open with a large garbage can. He starts to sweep between the rows of seats. Avery, an African-American, comes in shortly afterward and begins sweeping, too. Stage directions and conversation indicate that Avery is new at the job. Consequently, Sam must instruct him on how to do things, like make sure bits of lettuce from discarded sandwiches are picked up by hand. Their conversation includes other tricks of the theater trade such as ignoring lingering patrons, cleaning the soda dispensers, and getting soda spills up at the end of the evening. Other employees are mentioned, including Roberto (who left to join the Marines) and Brian (who works Sundays and Mondays). Sam says Avery will never work on those days. After their sweeping is finished, Sam and Avery leave. As they go...