Recommended by Lisa Kenner Grissom

Cubria brilliantly skewers the theatre industrial complex in this biting, sharp, hilarious satire, yet he does so with such heart. At once a love letter to theatre (and clown plays), as well as a commentary on cultural stereotyping, Cubria makes you simultaneously laugh and think. I LOVE this play and can’t wait to see it come to life on stage.

Jami Brandli has a knack for delving deeply into challenging subject matter and making it both true and entertaining. With equal doses of theatricality, pathos, and humor, we get a glimpse into all sides of a family dealing with one member's early onset Alzheimer's diagnosis, and its impact on each of them. With rich characters and sparkling dialogue, Brandli shows us how a tragic situation can be transformed into an opportunity for healing.

In Three Women in a Wildfire, Julianne Jigour gives us a complex story that expertly interweaves the narratives of the three main characters, creating a complex dynamic of this family of women who, each in her own way, must navigate her relationship to herself, to the men in her life, and to the world. Rich in theatricality and set against the backdrop of a landscape literally on fire, I look forward to seeing this ambitious play realized on stage.

In GONE, Lolly Ward gives us a sparkling fresh take on the family drama infusing it with biting humor, exquisite depth, and searing truth. The characters are so well-drawn, you feel like you're truly eavesdropping on all the discomfort that comes with siblings navigating a future when their parents are....gone. Ward beautifully mines this subject for all of its dramatic potential. I look forward to seeing this play produced!

In All The Good in the World, Hinkle infuses the family drama with humor and complexity as he explores the role faith plays in a small town religious family whose world has been interrupted by a stranger in need of "saving." This play asks, can we save ourselves by saving another? Or do we need to save ourselves first? Whether or not you are religious minded, this play offers thought-provoking questions that stay with you.

With crackling dialogue and complex characters that you want to spend time with, Barrett gives us a highly theatrical piece that comes to life against the backdrop of a fascinating time in history. It's a highly entertaining ride, and one that also makes you think, as Barrett doesn't shy away from delving into gender and workplace issues that resonate today. I'd love to see it staged!

In Muthaland, Minita Ghandi takes us on one woman's journey as she discovers her own power and womanhood in relation to her family and her culture--and in the face of a life-changing event. Ghandi does so with vivid imagery, captivating language, laugh-out-loud humor, and fierce truth. I was engaged by this story from beginning to end, rooting for her all the way. I can't wait to see this play come to life on stage in its next production.

In "This Will Be Our Year," Ali MacLean gives us a devastating portrait of unrequited love replete with beauty, pain, humanity, and humor. With wickedly funny, rapid-fire dialogue, Ali creates a star-crossed pair who are destined to love each other as fiercely as they push each other away--and yet we root for them from start to finish. This play draws you in like a romantic comedy, then punches you in the gut like the tragedy it ultimately is. And yet, we are still holding out hope for Hugo and Gen...even after 'end of play.'

In The Giant Void In My Soul, Bernardo Cubria explores the big, existential questions-- how do we find meaning in this thing called life? How can we be happy? Cubria's characters undertake an epic journey in search of meaning that is at once relatable, profound, hilarious--and truthful. When was the last time you read a play that made you feel all the feels? The Giant Void In My Soul is is a brilliant piece of theatre, and I hope it gets produced widely.

With acerbic wit and rapid-fire dialogue, Farr explores the complicated and often hilarious entanglements of family dynamics set against the backdrop of a gay couple's desire to adopt a baby from a young 18 year old. This play explores the complexities of what it means both to "make" a family and to "be" a family, especially when it matters most. This play has humor and heart in equal measure. A wonderful read, with great roles for actors.