The annual Moisture Festival, now in its sixth year, has proven to be a tremendously popular series. This is mainly because it promotes the reemerging art of varietè and burlesque with fabulous local and national performers, but the affordable tickets—as low as $7.50 for some shows—sure help. (Other venues should follow suit during our current recession; I’m looking at you Paramount.) Bigger than ever, the fest begins tonight at ACT with a gala where roving performers will be mingling with the crowd in the lobby. The following family-friendly Grande Varietè show features magic, acrobatics, juggling, clowns, and lots of bubbles. If you’re hoping for something a little saucier and kiddie-free, the Libertease burlesque performances begin Thursday with Evilyn Sin Claire, Indigo Blue, Kevin Joyce of the Seattle Channel’s Big Night Out, and others. After the ACT run (through Sunday), the comedy/varietè show moves to Hale’s Palladium (March 19-April 5). Also note that selected Moisture Festival performers will appear live before screenings at a companion film series (SIFF Cinema, March 20-25), with titles including Gypsy and The Blue Angel. SUZIE RUGH

March 11-April 5, 7:30 p.m., 2009