Recommended by Andrew Martineau

I love how this short play builds slowly, with a clear examination of how identity, attraction and, in at least instance, fear become entwined for a group of young people in college learning from each other and navigating a wide range of feelings. The dialogue is natural, and the dramatic tension is strong. Very well written!

Vampire comedies are few and far between, and after reading this delightful short by Cole Hunter Dzubak, I realized how well it works to take vampire folklore and give it a zany plot line and witty dialogue. I think this would fit in well in any short play festival that is intended for solid laughs. Nicely executed!

There is a serious undertone of how women are objectified in this very funny short play, and what I love about it is how the humor reveals a deeper message in such a light-hearted, entertaining way. The mention of Trump from the pre-escalator days of 2015 are hysterical and hold up so well! A great vehicle for two female-identifying actors to let their comedy skills shine.

I was thoroughly engrossed by Cade’s monologues that all deal with his complicated relationship with his father in various ways. I love the story of the first time Cade plays baseball and the different reactions that his father and mother had to him running around the bases in the wrong direction! Very well-written, giving us a myriad of emotional journeys that are a gift for a strong actor.

What a powerful monologue about a young White boy’s first experience in the Jim Crow era South. I was struck by how candid it was, and the details about such things as the fold-out map and the places suburban White families would visit in Florida in the mid twentieth century brought back memories for me, having grown up in Mississippi in the seventies. Vivid and evocative storytelling. Excellent work, Donald Baker!

There is a light comic touch to this short play, and yet there are serious, sad undertones about how American culture and our entertainment industry treats women who are not allowed to age gracefully. Bruce Karp has crafted an enjoyable, very funny play that would be a great addition to any ten-minute play festival. Well done!

Oh, the existential madness of a zoom call that never ends! Lee Lawing has such a wonderful comic mind, and he had me at the title, yet I must admit I was a little scared that reading this would mean I would be stuck on NPX without a break! This is a topic that we can all relate to, and it's great the Lawing's play exists to deal with both our fatigue and exhaustion with the help of a little levity. Thanks for the laughs, Lee!

There is strong dramatic action in this empowering monologue by Karen Fix Curry. Despite being told to us in past tense, we get a feeling that this has just happened and is a moment of revelation for this young mother. She moves on even when the future is fraught with uncertainty and anxiety, and we root for her all the way. Beautifully told!

I really think “Go swipe yourself” should become a common expression. Siri is the true star of this gem of a short, hilarious play, but I am sure any actor would love to play Reggie, just to relish in all the comedic abuse he takes! I would love to see this and, of course, hear Siri in action. So funny from beginning to end!

If all my scam calls were this hilarious I would never have a need to screen them! Ah, one can dream. At least we have John Busser’s brilliant comic mind to occupy our time between obnoxious telemarketers. C’Thulhu is an inspired otherworldly creature, and I want more of these calls. I also love a little possible romance amid the absurdity!