7:30pm / Theater

What begins as a writer’s mentorship evolves into friendship and then something darker in the Los Angeles premiere of Donald Margulies’ drama “Collected Stories.” Linda Lavin and Samantha Mathis play the two writers. Gilbert Cates directs.

* “Collected Stories,” Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, Tuesdays through Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 4 and 8:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2 and 7 p.m. Also June 2, 2 p.m. Ends June 13. $30 to $40; June 2 matinee, mezzanine seats, $25. (310) 208-5454.

10am / Children

The Japanese American National Museum’s new “Storytime at the Museum” series for ages 3 to 5 presents its inaugural show with John Miyasaki, storyteller and artistic director of hereandnow theatre co., who will perform Asian American folk tales in honor of Asian Pacific Heritage Month.

* “Storytime at the Museum,” Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, 10 a.m. Regular schedule: third Thursday of each month. Free. Reservations required for today’s show only. (213) 625-0414.

10am / Photography

It’s swell to be on the outside looking in--but even better to be on the inside looking in. Photographer Louis Goldman did just that on the set of more than 80 films, capturing actors, directors and writers behind the scenes of such films as “Tom Jones,” “Klute,” “All the President’s Men” and “A League of Their Own.” His efforts are represented in the exhibition “Louis Goldman: Photographic Insider” opening today at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The exhibition includes images of a visibly charmed Gregory Peck visiting school children in China, John Huston going over a script with his daughter Anjelica on the set of 1968’s “A Walk With Love and Death” and a young Steven Spielberg clowning with the mechanical star of “Jaws.”

* “Louis Goldman: Photographic Insider.” Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 8949 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon-6 p.m. Ends Aug. 1. Free. (310) 247-3600.

Freebie: AFI Short Film Night, featuring student films at the Bookstar Beverly Connection, 100 N. La Cienega Blvd.. Short student films. 7:30 p.m. (310) 289-1734.