Recommended by Andrew Martineau

The deep friendship between two high school and college BFFs begins to unravel in the first scene when we realize that one of them seems unequipped for adulthood and makes a rash decision that drives a wedge between them. The play is smartly structured to show the ripple effect of one irresponsible action that was well-intentioned. It is a story that ultimately is about love, and it is heartbreaking real and poignant. A wonderful drama for two young actors!

This is the kind of “buddy” play that once was very popular and the type that I think we could use more of these days, regardless of whether it’s sports-related or not. It has rapid, comedic dialogue with a satisfying ending, and it never feels forced for the sake of laughs. I saw a reading of this at the Midwest Dramatists’ Conference, and I remember what a crowd pleaser it was. Wonderfully fresh and fun!

This short parody of a dystopian, post-apocalyptic narrative involving aging former rockers shining a glimmer of hope on the decaying rubble is exhilarating. Pandemonium Thorpe is a dynamic character for a teen actor to be play, heroic yet still a little vulnerable in this uncertain, too quiet world. The ending was surprising and perfect. I would love to see and hear this performed live onstage!

There is a profound sense of melancholy in FIX, as well as hope for the new year as we sit on the precipice of these addicts’ bleak futures. The title suggests that the “fix” is not only about the drugs but also about the future of the country, which in hindsight could be considered anything but that. The sadness of an obligatory New Year’s kiss in this scenario is painful and raw. This is stunningly good.

I really enjoyed the naturalistic pre-teen dialogue in this fun play. It has an important anti-bullying message that should resonate with adolescent kids and also make them laugh. I love the Peanuts-like quality of absent adults who clearly need to be supervising this lunch room. I would love to see this performed!

In ALL-STAR ATTITUDE, Baughfman uses humor to set up a conflict between two fathers with radically different views about the value of sports, competition and toughness at a very young age. The play is hysterical from the start, and it leads to a climax that is quite realistic and a little disturbing. It reveals so much about parental expectations that seem proactive but could be considered potentially damaging on an emotional level. Well done!

As Miranda is trying to make it to the next module in the script, I feel her frustration and disappointment after the feedback she is given about her verbal exchange with the “barista.” While this play certainly educates audiences about autism, I love that Miranda is relatable to anyone who has been in an awkward social situation and feels they have passed the test. We know in our hearts that she has passed it with flying colors. Wonderful!

This is a bold, thought-provoking play on rituals and beliefs and community. A child gives her truth in a simple, rational explanation of the dark side that is persuasive enough to sway some followers. The entire piece is fresh and riveting, and highly topical. An astonishing piece in its theatrical audacity. Recommended!

From the extremely clever title to the confusion that ensues for these penguin couples, this is what I would call a smart comedy. It is very funny, and it is also insightful and fascinating, considering humans don’t really act like penguins. However, in comparison, we can see parallels due to the skillful writing, and it is comedy gold!

It is true that our lives can change instantaneously by a single irresponsible act, and this powerful play of monologues shows the horrific ripple effect of devastation on a family and their friends. Lamedman creates layer after layer of remorse, confusion and anger through these intersecting reflections, each told in a unique and authentic voice. I was heartbroken by the end but deeply moved.