Recommended by Julie Zaffarano

We had the privilege of hosting a reading of "The Cure" by Alex Dremann through the Media Arts Council Reading Series. This play speaks to the need for personal connections, yet our fears to make them. As the play evolves, we are drawn into the mystery with a resolution I never saw coming.

We had the privilege of hosting a reading of "Celebrity Dream Date" by Keenya Jackson through the Media Arts Council Reading Series. An audience favorite! Keenya reveals the journey of sisters Leva and Sky with humor and tackles some topics rarely seen in plays. Well done.

We had the privilege of hosting a reading of "Ashes" by Shelli Pentimall Bookler through the Media Arts Council Reading Series. A stunning and hard hitting play that unabashedly tackles difficult feelings.

"Competitive Bingo" by Everett Robert brings a whole new level to coopetition. What starts out as a slow night in a sleepy town escalates to a creepy pitch. Very fun for actors and audience.

"Creation: A Frankenstein Story" by Monica Cross is a blend of the original book with a theatrical emphasis of character study. We feel strongly that the "monster" is not a monster -- and we are called to examine the "monster" inside of us.

Like so many of Asher Wyndham's characters, I want to bring Britney to my home -- feed her, give her a cool drink, and a hug. Britney is a fighter and she will be an awesome mom. But she needs a break! Much love to all the Britneys out there. Thank you, Asher, for reminding us who is behind the counter and behind the forced smile.

"The Witch Trial of Margery" shows that rumors and falsehoods can be conquered by reason. It is also a reminder that very often reason and facts are ignored and hysteria take their place. Adam Richter makes us care for Margery and breath a sigh of relief in her behalf. Well done.

"Here's Hoping" by Philip Middleton Williams is a powerful play that packs intense emotions in sixteen short pages. Although (thankfully) medical science has made advances since this play was written, the story of the human condition -- the fears and need for human connection -- are just as relevant today.

Steve G. Martin takes us into the world of the future through the lens of teenagers. I love seeing that, even far into the future, teens are still teens. A heartfelt play that gives us hope for humanity.

"Manes before Dames" is a beautifully layered play -- very funny and heartfelt. The struggles are real and human. Love that the characters are lions and lionesses (the pride community metaphor is fantastic). Well done.