Overstocked: Thanksgiving at the Big Box

Overstocked: Thanksgiving at the Big Box cover art

One-act comedy

Overstocked: Thanksgiving at the Big Box

It’s the night before Thanksgiving at MegaMart, and a weary crew of employees is stuck working the late shift to prepare the store for the chaos of Black Friday.

Running time45 min
Cast13 or more actorsGenders can be changed
SetSimple locationsSuggest each place with a few pieces
CompetitionYes, with a trimTrim to fit your time limit
ForHigh school
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The story

It’s the night before Thanksgiving at MegaMart, and a weary crew of employees is stuck working the late shift to prepare the store for the chaos of Black Friday. Geoff, the overly optimistic general manager, tries to turn the night into a cheerful team-building experience—but with malfunctioning freezers, an impossible-to-assemble grill, a mountain of sarcastic talking dolls, and rumors of a corporate spy in their midst, the evening quickly spirals into absurdity. Meanwhile, an unlucky customer accidentally locked in the employee bathroom begins his own strange journey of survival. 

As the night unfolds, frustrations boil over, secrets are revealed, and the employees discover that beneath the fluorescent lights and corporate policies, they’ve formed an unlikely family. Blending sharp workplace comedy with moments of surprising heart, Overstocked is a fast-paced ensemble comedy about retail life, holiday stress, and the people who make it through the busiest shopping day of the year together.

Producing it

Cast13 actors, and the ensemble can grow as large as you like. As written, 9 female and 6 male roles. You can change lines, roles and genders to fit your students.
SetAbout ten store departments; one store unit set with signage changes works.
TechA unit store set with a restroom area. Plan a grill that gets built, toilet flush and PA sound cues, talking doll voice lines, food props and a costume progression.
For your scene-stealersStrong comic solos, including a wordless bathroom arc and a manager full of nervous tics, plus good two-person scenes and a store crew ensemble that scales up.

Quick answers

Can I change lines or genders?Yes. Change lines, roles and genders to fit your students. You never have to ask.
Can we take it to competition?Yes. Competition rights are in every plan, with no extra fee and no approval to request.
Can my school pay with a PO?Yes. Request an invoice at checkout. Your access is set up as soon as the PO arrives.
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