Recommended by Karen Saari

This play is a riveting mystery with plenty of twists and turns and a beautifully theatrical setting. The story looks at the power of memory and the tricks it can play on us. With richly drawn characters and vivid world-building, this play deserves every accolade. Gorgeous piece of work!

I was fortunate enough to read and respond to this play at the 2024 Mid-America Theater Conference. This piece captures the complexity of emotions that come with losing an estranged loved one ... the moments when good memories resurface ... and the recurring pain of remembering time lost. David Lipschutz uses language beautifully to underscore the story. Highly recommend.

This is an intriguing story about the complexities of friendship, letting go and acceptance. The use of bear and outdoors imagery is put to brilliant use by Anna Tatelman. The relationship here is relatable for most of us who have been in a friendship that may or may not have the strength to evolve. It's funny and heartbreaking at various turns. Definitely recommend, after seeing this play read at the 2024 Mid-America Theater Conference.

This comedy is full of surprises and a good deal of heart. Mikki Gillette sends us on a captivating journey in a short amount of time, challenging any expectations we may develop and entertaining us along the way. It goes from sweet to uncomfortable to funny to darn right charming. I saw a reading at the 2024 Mid-America Theater Conference and hope to see it fully produced one day. Highly recommend!

This delightful play allows us to see a distant future that feels oh so possible though still far away. The Moonies and their connection to earth force us to ponder how future generations will remember us. Elle Thoni blends an air of slaptick with a thought-provoking undertone. This play was well-received at the 2024 Mid-America Theater Conference and rightfully so. I highly recommend!

The stakes are high and pulled increasingly tighter throughout this sharp, taut workplace drama. The characters feel both familiar yet wholly original. This play would be an excellent piece to include in any one-act festival. The audience at the Mid-America Theater Conference was at the edge of their seat during a reading. Highly recommend!

This is a moving and powerful piece that deals with a special type of grief. Lizzy Santana beautifully shows the dad's perspective without ever letting his overshadow the woman's experience. Beautiful use of language and storytelling. I read and responded to this play at the 2024 Mid-America Theater Conference and it captured the entire room. I highly recommend this play!

I had the good fortune of reading and responding to this piece as part of the 2024 Mid-America Theater Conference. This powerful piece manages to captivate, startle and provide hope in a remarkably short period of time. The moments of subtle comedy make the drama of the piece all the more impactful. It feels like a reminder to abuse survivors that they are not alone, while never belaboring the point. Beautiful, powerul play.

A lovely play that looks at the complexities of memory and grieving a parent. This piece also poses questions about the wonders and weirdness of technology while staying true to the story at hand. John Mabey works in humor in just the right ways. I would love to see this play on stage.

This was a fun read and a colorful look at the impact of constant societal pressure on women to have a perfect body. This play is super funny with a touch of poignancy. This would make a great addition to any one act play festival!