←Recommendations of The Gift - 10 Minute Play

There is something troubling when a figure of such civic stature as a judge begins to abuse their power; especially if you live in their household and are the object of their abusive attentions. This is exactly the trap that our lead character finds herself ensnared it at the top of Ryan Kaminski’s “The Gift”. Until a mysterious box arrives. But does it contain her salvation or will it deliver even further depths of doom. A gripping short horror thriller about the choices we make when there are no good choices.

Thrilling short that starts with a simmer and builds to a full boil. I wasn’t sure what type of tale was being told until the end, but I was in for the ride the whole way. Excellent story-telling. Sure to bring chills to any audience lucky enough to see this staged.

As an unashamed teratophile, I loved everything about this unconventional horror short and its enlightening central metaphor about what we consider monstrosity. The reversal was exciting, and the conclusion couldn't be more satisfying! It's packed with palpable tension from the very first image, with so many tiny details to track - keys and wallets and suitcases and more! There wasn't a moment when I wasn't engaged in actively putting the pieces together!

This was... unexpected. And thrilling at the same time. It definitely makes you think in terms of our usual definition of "monsters." Not every vampire story makes me think. This one does, and it's incredibly effective for that reason. Excellent, chilling, and subversive horror.

Vampires can be a symbol for nigh limitless things, but an oft one is power. If you're without it, life can be, as Kaminski's character so eloquently puts it, "unkind." If you've the opportunity to escape someone causing that unkindness? I must say...I understand the allure. A delicious short horror, evocative of the classiest corners of the genre.

The tension... the monster flip... this southern gothic-feeling short play is truly wonderful and audiences will be on the edge of their seats.

"Light can come from the most unexpected places"--it certainly does in this piece. The measured pacing builds perfectly, wrapping you in a cloak of mystery, real-life domestic horror and tantalizing vampire lore.

11.04.25 - What a creepy vampire tale, made even more impressive when you consider the vampire isn't the monster in the play. That role goes to the all-too-human Judge who we soon learn is about to get some judgement levied his way. And we are eager for it. Props to Ryan Kaminski here for giving us a battered wife, who handles the Judge's comeuppance as well. Perfect for a night of horror.

This short spooky monster play turns the expectation of who will be the monster on its head and also ends in a more empowering place than I was expecting! I love that the elements of reality are scarier than the elements of horror in this one.

A moody piece about monsters both real and supernatural. The atmosphere is tense and the audience will be praying for the poor wife character.