For those who need more youth theater (which is everybody, because theater kids, with their superior collaborative skills and otherworldly bravery, will save the world) make time to catch “Eat My Shorts,” an evening of 10-minute plays performed by Vashon High School theater students, at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 22 and 23, at VHS Theatre.

Directed by Stephen Floyd, VHS’s talented theater teacher, the evening is edgy at some times and comic at others as the students step eagerly into their varied roles. The biggest standout in the cast is senior Joel Wiegner, who completely commands the stage at every turn, but particularly in a scene where he movingly plays a victim of abuse, confronting his abuser in both deep anger and sadness. Alex Guthery shows a knack for exposing the dark side of seemingly mild-mannered characters and Bright Shannon exudes stage presence in all of her appearances. Spencer Hartley also makes the most of his roles, while more newbie thespians Keagan Edwards and Alex McDonald show great promise.

The show — clocking in at just an hour —has subject matter and language that some parents may find inappropriate for small children, but there are belly laughs and theatrical thrills for everyone else — including an appearance by one brave actor in a full wet-suit and flippers. Admission is by donation, from $1 to $100, with no one turned away for lack of funds. The students will also collect non-perishable food items for the Vashon Food Bank.

The final performance, on Saturday, Nov. 23, will include a silent auction of dessert items and student artwork, with proceeds raising funds for a group of VHS students to go on a theater and arts education tour of New York City in the spring.

— Elizabeth Shepherd