Aug. 7–22. Emily Wilson-Tobin directs local actors in Anthony King and Scott Brown’s 2-man musical about a pair of aspiring playwrights who perform all the parts in a run-through for potential backers of their new, hilariously ill-advised project—a big, splashy musical about printing press inventor Johannes Gutenberg. Adult themes. 8 p.m. (Thurs., Fri., & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. Tickets $28 (seniors, $25 & students, $20) in advance at pennyseats.org & (if available) at the door.

Aug. 13–16. Readings of new full-length plays by Michigan playwrights followed by audience talkback sessions. Tonight: Ann E. Eskridge’s The Sanctuary, in which a young boy grieving his father’s death befriends an eccentric neighbor who has built a sanctuary from discarded objects. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $10 (festival pass, $30) in advance at theatrenova.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.

Both the lineup of stand-up comics and the location are not revealed until the day of the show. Age 21+. Drinks for sale. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. 8 p.m., Lowertown outdoor location. Tickets $30 in advance only at donttellcomedy.com/cities/ann-arbor.

Aug. 14 & 15. A 2-day exhibit and sale of works by local and visiting artists who have been painting outdoors throughout Dexter since Aug. 10. Also, art workshops for kids and adults (see paintdexter.com). Today’s special events: “Quick Draw Competition” (9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) among participating artists, an art sale (2–9 p.m.), a meet-the-artists beer & wine reception (2 p.m.), and an awards ceremony (5 p.m.). Also, live music by the Dexter Dulcimers (2 p.m.) and the Depot Town Big Band (7–9 p.m.). 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m. (Fri.) & 10 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sat.), Monument Park, Dexter. Free admission. (734) 580–2229,, [email protected], paintdexter.com.