The term 'theater sweepings' refers to the discarded items left behind in a theater after a performance. This includes things like ticket stubs, popcorn boxes, and other debris. The crossword solution for this term is STUBS, which is an abbreviation for ticket stubs. Ticket stubs are the small pieces of paper that are given to theatergoers when they purchase tickets for a show. They serve as proof of purchase and are often kept as souvenirs.