Every Thursday, we round up Pay-Whats and other cheap seats at local theaters. Just so’s your weekend is a little easier.

Before we start, remember the general rules: (A) Reservations for these? Not so much. (B) They’re offered on a space-available basis, so have a backup plan. (C) Click each theater name for details and contact info. Oh, and you might tell ‘em City Paper sent you.

Just the two Pay-Whats this week, but here’s a sexy little development: Josh Lefkowitz (right) is bringing his Fringe festival hit back for eight shows in that rehearsal hall off the main lobby at Woolly Mammoth—and tix are only $15 each.

The title is Help Wanted: A Personal Search for Meaningful Employment at the Start of the 21st Century, which sounds dreadful—unless you can hear Lefkowitz’s dryly funny voice delivering it. And really, you should hear this fledgling monologist: His timing’s precise, his writing’s witty and sharp, and his technique is really impressive. (Plus there’s a fairly funny joke at Michael Kahn‘s expense.)

Help Wanted was easily one of my favorite Capital Fringe outings—and while I’d be glad to see any festival show get a post-Fringe booking, I’m doubly pleased to see this talented sprout get another shot at a D.C. audience. (He’s worked at Woolly and Signature, in case you’re thinking he looks familiar, but he’s based in New York these days.) Plus, it’s nice to see Woolly using the rehearsal space as a public performance venue. (Howard Shalwitz says they’re in it for the long run, too; theyr’e talking about hanging a lighting grid in there.)

Lefkowitz’ run starts tonight, Thursday, at 8:15 and goes through next Sunday, Sept. 24—full schedule is here. Get yer $15 tickets online (there’s a fee) or just get yerself to Woolly Mammoth, at 7th and D NW. Seriously: Don’t miss it.

Aside from Lefkowitz, here’s what I know about:

• Spinning Into Butter, Journeymen Theater. Hate mail sparks an uproar (and some painful self-examination) on a supposedly liberal college campus. Jeff Keenan directs; Mondello likes Maura McGinn‘s “attractive, forthright and utterly persuasive” performance as a conflicted academic. Pay-What performances every Wednesday (until it closes) at 7:30 p.m. At Clark Street Playhouse, 601 South Clark St. in Crystal City.
• A Prayer for Owen Meany, Round House Theatre. John Irving‘s sprawling novel (about a boy who may or may not be a latter-day messiah, but certainly is an accidental killer) gets the stage treatment. Critics raved in London, but your humble locals don’t see it until the 18th. Pay-What performance this Saturday, Sept. 16, at 3 p.m. At Round House, 4545 East-West Highway in Bethesda.