Recommended by Andrew Martineau

This monologue cries out to be performed, to be felt and lived in real time. The sadness and confusion of this character's pain is palpable. The images of a crucifix used for something other than prayer and the triggering sight of a hand on a shoulder are so powerfully raw and emotional. Bravo.

I have never been a barista but I could feel for Jordan's need for the job and confusion about how to properly get it. Harper Lee crafts a wonderfully concise play that has clear character development and very witty dialogue. Now I really want a grande latte!

I came for the title and stayed for the outrageously laugh-out-loud stipulations in Deb Cole's "guidelines" that leave her eager playwriting characters deflated and a little depressed. Below the comic surface, there is so much truth to critically unpack here, and it should be required viewing at playwriting seminars and forums. Thanks for the brilliant comedy, Deb!

Oh, wow, this was fun, especially since my morning caffeine is starting to wear off a little. This play was just the jolt of energy I needed! Rachel Feeny-Williams gives us one clever line after another, and just when you think it can't get any funnier, Smoothie walks in wearing a leotard and brings all the nutrients! Fantastic job. I would love to see this performed, maybe even in a coffee shop.

Striking a balance between comedy and drama is never an easy feat, but Morey Norkin does a fantastic job of using comedy to create funny characters who themselves use jokes as a bridge to deal with pain and heartbreak. There is so much smart dialogue here that blends humor and pathos, unexpectedly juxtaposing the acts of two generations of comics just trying to get a laugh. Wonderfully moving piece!

Wonderfully absurd short play that makes us think about the language we use these days when talking about relationships, consensual or not, and how we might not even know how to classify the relationship or the other party. The rapid fire dialogue is great and would be so much fun to see and hear onstage.

The title of Bill Savage’s gut-wrenching play reveals the frightening world of violence for both the victims and the perpetrator of the carnage. The dreamlike aspects of this drama are theatrical and unexpected, and the woman’s peaceful acceptance of possible death in a church, real or not, is quite moving. Savage does an amazing job of disorienting his audience and by providing no easy explanations for what we are witnessing. Simultaneously fascinating and chilling.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading John N. Frank’s very humorous and heartwarming play about a class of older aspiring actors in a park during the pandemic. I was struck by how an acting class for more mature adults is similar to a drama class for children. We all need to reach out to others and be seen and heard, so the objectives basically remain the same. There is a poignancy here, though, which can serve as a wonderful opportunity for older actors to show both their character’s’ vulnerabilities and their own comedic talents. Nice work!

I really think that this type of play, one that is highly theatrical but not preachy or trite, can open up helpful discussions for people who feel weighted down with depression and need someone to tell them it will get better, even if that someone is their own voice of reason. I can see this being a strong short play for college students in particular. These discussions are important, and Cole Hunter Dzubak has written a great vehicle to facilitate these much needed conversations.

I was just thinking that I haven’t read many holiday plays set between Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve. Vivian Lermond has dreamt up a wonderful story of new beginnings and shattering tired, old stereotypes, especially those surrounding elderly family members. A refreshing look at this time of year!