Theater festivals are the tapas of the stage world, giving patrons a chance to sample lots of little tidbits without fear of a major commitment. For its new Nexus Project (through Sept. 7), Hugo House residents and all-around cool dudes Next Stage have asked a dozen local playwrights to donate 10-minute vignettes inspired by (and benefiting) their favorite local charity or nonprofit. The result is a smorgasbord of local talent, all for a good cause. One night, try out never-before-seen work from the likes of Marya Sea Kaminski and SW columnist John Longenbaugh; the next, nibble on new plays from Mike Daisey, Scot Augustson, and others. And if youre feeling particularly gluttonous, feast on all 12 vignettes in a row on Fridays and Saturdays. Whos hungry? ANNA ROTH [See review here.] Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., 322-7030, www.nextstage.org, www.brownpapertickets.com. $10$15. 7:30 p.m. Thurs. & Sun. and 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Fri. & Sat. Ends Sept. 7.
Sat., Aug. 16, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 17, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.; Thursdays, Sundays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Starts: Aug. 16. Continues through Sept. 7, 2008
