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Daniel Prillaman

Recommended by Daniel Prillaman

  • The Girl in the Mirror by Rachel Feeny-Williams
    1 Jan. 2022
    “ To go too into detail on the brilliance of Feeny-Williams' horror short would be to give it away. Rest assured, however, that it treats us (and leaves us) with the lessons of any classic story with an old, mysterious mirror: don't take for granted what you have, and be careful what you wish for. A great treat for some younger actors to really let loose and play, this is a piece that would be a hit at any spooky festival. Definitely check it out. ”
  • Forgotten by Christopher Plumridge
    30 Dec. 2021
    “ With delightful silliness and cigarettes aplomb, Plumridge's short play provides a disturbingly accurate peek into what I'm sure is everyone's process. How much do our characters help when we're up against those deadlines? Not at all, really. Like, not at all. Upon consultation, they make things so much worse. And yet, every once in a while, it feels like they have a brilliance in them even we didn't conceive. Sometimes, they come up with the twists or endings all by themselves, and that's where the charisma is. The pure magic of creation. Lovely work. ”
  • Fish Tank by Aly Kantor
    28 Dec. 2021
    “ Thank "God" for Aly Kantor, because now when talking about what makes an excellent zoom play, I can just point to "Fish Tank." The use of the medium/given circumstances for the format aren't just brilliantly executed, they work hand in hand with the world-building, deftly instructing us on the rules of the universe, while leaving just enough for our imaginations to also do some leg work. In between, some killer dialogue musing on everything from immortality, human nature, to Orwellian surveillance? You may not have as much time on your hands as Maddy, but find some to read this. ”
  • A Good Year by Philip Middleton Williams
    21 Dec. 2021
    “ We experience growth every day, but there are weightier moments, moments we can point to, where the things we encounter instill a resolve in us. These tests remind us not only of the people we are, but the people we hope to be. "A Good Year" is an unflinching example of what remaining true to your morals (whatever they may be) can cost. Money, friendship, dreams, in some cases...everything. But that resolve is something that never goes away. And that matters. Williams has a powerhouse piece of writing on his hands, and I eagerly await where it may go. ”
  • BOXING DAY, 1835 by Monica Cross
    18 Dec. 2021
    “ A beautifully realized portrait of Victorian England, Cross' play is a touching scene of familial love and loss, and how much the rest of the world gets in the way. Eerily reminiscent of the workplace struggles so many of us face today, it's a treat to watch the argument between the sisters slowly peel away their history. How far have we come? And how far haven't we? ”
  • The Last Pub in Burtonsville, NY by DC Cathro
    18 Dec. 2021
    “ We give gifts on Christmas to spread joy and put more kindness into the world. And while Helen's gift is remarkably unorthodox in every way, if it gives her joy, what's the harm? Who is it hurting? What about General's? Cathro's remarkable Christmas story gives us so much food for thought on the nature of humanity, memory, closure, and more. A powerful, brilliant reminder how many memories and experiences (good and bad) that our bars or the places close to us hold. When all that history is suddenly gone, or different, what do we do now? ”
  • Sisyphus and Prometheus by Ross Tedford Kendall
    17 Dec. 2021
    “ We've all been Charlotte. Perhaps not in terms of tutoring, but in terms of financial stretching, we've all had the moment where we've had to choose between food and bills. What we may not have had is a sudden moment where we have the power over others. What we do with that power (even if it's just power in a Zoom meeting), says more about us than anything else. A fantastic, layered virtual short for young actors about pride, entitlement, fear, growth, and everything in-between. ”
  • Drinking Shiraz With Strangers by Emily McClain
    16 Dec. 2021
    “ The amount of money one is willing to spend on wine is probably about as psychologically telling as one's favorite episode of "Black Mirror" (Fifteen Million Merits, ftw). McClain takes a sledgehammer to the old "I know my partner, right? I haven't wasted my life, have I?" scenario, giving us a delightful rumination on class, ambitions in relationships, and everything in between. Perfect for any short festival, whether it's geared for the holidays or not. Also...some wine labels are really pretty, and that's all I have to say about that. ”
  • YOU DON'T OWN MY SOUL ANYMORE by Adam Richter
    16 Dec. 2021
    “ Richter deftly tackles a heavy subject that we will never be able to talk about too much. Bullying and abuse has lasting consequences for everyone. More people than we could ever imagine. Our actions and energies don't just affect those close to us, they affect who those close to us interact with, who they interact with, spreading outward until you encompass...well, the future of humanity. Kids don't know better. But they learn from their parents. And parents should. Heartfelt, funny, and set in the most isolated of places, this is a wonderful short. ”
  • Renegade Mountain by Hilary Bluestein-Lyons
    15 Dec. 2021
    “ Why do we push ourselves to do the things we do? To follow through with the decisions we make? What happens when mother nature gets in the way? Other people? Bluestein-Lyons' short play is a thought-provoking slice-of-life for people of all ages struggling against prejudices and preconceived biases. A healthy reminder that mostly everyone is more complex than we think, and it will do us good to remember it. ”

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