Recommended by Julie Zaffarano

An epic scope, but so beautifully personal, engaging with musical dialogue. L Feldman’s “Thrive , Or What You Will” is a wind-tossed journey of of desires and conflicts. A story for today, against a historic background. Brilliant.

Oh, my heart. Philip Middleton Williams’ “A Tree Grows in Longmont” is a beautiful story of love and regret. An honest telling that does not over-analyze, but leaves the audience knowing that love may not be perfect, but it is forever.

"An Abundance of Caution" is gem in the face of quarantine and lack oh physical and social closeness. The characters are dealing with more than they can handle, which causes them to be unable to connect. Zoom is not the "next best thing to being there." This playwright is rightfully known for her snappy dialogue and humorous imagery. Perfect addition to any short play festival, especially in the current time.

A beautiful and haunting play. Lisa VilliaMil provides a glimpse into the souls of her characters -- what they long for. Heartbreaking and lovely with a dialogue as rhythmic as the sea, "Siren" takes us through a journey of loss, guilt, and forgiveness. Beautifully written,

In a “Child of Lions,” a reporter seeks to find the truth about a fantastical story. He discovers he reasons for searching the truth have more to do with what he himself has lost. Well done.

Robynne Graffam's play "A Rising Tide (Lifts All Boats)" depicts a world where climate change effects have become an immediate problem. As we witness each character deal with the problem in their own way, we see how we all deal with our issues -- ignoring, planning, and, perhaps, taking a leap of faith. Well done.

Anne Marie Cammarato’s “A Scar” is a devastating story of two families trapped in a cycle of pain from a private and public trauma. Cammarato weaves this “one step forward, two steps back” play through gripping and heartfelt dialogue, as each character reveals their pain, anger, and helplessness. Brilliant and, as stated above, devastating.

Jared Delaney’s engaging dialogue and wit shine through in “Pontiff Blues or, the Smoke Break.” A well constructed play with surprising twists. I laughed out loud. This play would be a great addition to a short play festival.

Once again, Asher Wyndham creates an authentic dialogue that grabs us by the middle of the first phase and holds us to the last word. Granny Lola is real — we have seen her in stores, restaurants, and in our own homes. Great monologue with teeth.

Asher Wyndham has created a thoughtful springboard for devised theater with a million possibilities. “Life|Death: Open Text (#1) can be used by those new to or experienced in devised theater. Well done.