Recommended by Shaun Leisher

  • Shaun Leisher: Woman Have Teeth Tongue Eyes Too by emma joy hill
    “

    There is a mythical component to this play. The story being told feels both very current and ancient. The pacing of this play beautifully builds the danger and creates tension in the audience. Love the eye motif. Can’t wait to see this performed.

    There is a mythical component to this play. The story being told feels both very current and ancient. The pacing of this play beautifully builds the danger and creates tension in the audience. Love the eye motif. Can’t wait to see this performed.

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: Trudy Tries To Say I Love You But Runs Out Of Breath by emma joy hill
    “

    I really loved reading this short play. These characters are true oddballs in a bizarre scenario but there is so much truth in it. Love the imagery being painted with all the trash bags and description of the location. The playwright has a gift for lulling audiences into false comfort and throwing wacky curveballs at them.

    I really loved reading this short play. These characters are true oddballs in a bizarre scenario but there is so much truth in it. Love the imagery being painted with all the trash bags and description of the location. The playwright has a gift for lulling audiences into false comfort and throwing wacky curveballs at them.

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: The G.O.A.T., or Who Is Ximone? by Paul Michael Thomson
    “

    Young women in sports seems to have become a big genre of new work in the past couple years so it was nice to read such a fresh take on it. This play is about betrayal and ambition but also about the kindness and love that can be found between people on a team. These characters are so fleshed out and I can’t wait to see actors take them on.

    Young women in sports seems to have become a big genre of new work in the past couple years so it was nice to read such a fresh take on it. This play is about betrayal and ambition but also about the kindness and love that can be found between people on a team. These characters are so fleshed out and I can’t wait to see actors take them on.

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: Leave Me Alone! by Paul Michael Thomson
    “

    Really fresh take on Chekhov. Stays true to the heart of the original while completely modernizing and subverting it. Brilliant use of the Chekhov’s Gun motif!!

    Really fresh take on Chekhov. Stays true to the heart of the original while completely modernizing and subverting it. Brilliant use of the Chekhov’s Gun motif!!

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: Artemis Books & the Well-Meaning Man by Paul Michael Thomson
    “

    A true ensemble piece that goes places you really don’t see coming. I’m a big fan of workplace narratives and the relationships made between co-workers. Really enjoyed spending time in this bookstore with these complicated characters and really hope this play gets many productions.

    A true ensemble piece that goes places you really don’t see coming. I’m a big fan of workplace narratives and the relationships made between co-workers. Really enjoyed spending time in this bookstore with these complicated characters and really hope this play gets many productions.

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: Fremont Junior High Is NOT Doing Oklahoma! by Paul Michael Thomson
    “

    I love this play sooo much!! These are the conversations happening in theatre that I am deeply passionate and to have them come out of the mouths of 14 year olds is brilliant!! Love how complicated and fully formed these characters are and how none of them feel like stereotypes. This play also has one of the best lines I’ve read in a script recently: “ We need to de-stigmatize menstruation. And that starts in musical theatre.”

    I love this play sooo much!! These are the conversations happening in theatre that I am deeply passionate and to have them come out of the mouths of 14 year olds is brilliant!! Love how complicated and fully formed these characters are and how none of them feel like stereotypes. This play also has one of the best lines I’ve read in a script recently: “ We need to de-stigmatize menstruation. And that starts in musical theatre.”

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: (and i feel fine) by Paul Michael Thomson
    “

    Such a unique post-apocalyptic play. Can’t say that what will happen to NY and LA acting communities was a big concern of mine when it comes to the looming threat of climate change but I’m glad this play is here to help me see what that could look like and more importantly what Chicago will be doing as the future theatre capital of the nation. This play oozes with anxiety for the future as well as frustration with the present.

    Such a unique post-apocalyptic play. Can’t say that what will happen to NY and LA acting communities was a big concern of mine when it comes to the looming threat of climate change but I’m glad this play is here to help me see what that could look like and more importantly what Chicago will be doing as the future theatre capital of the nation. This play oozes with anxiety for the future as well as frustration with the present.

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: SAME SECTS! by Paul Michael Thomson
    “

    Wow!!! This 2-hander knocked my socks off!! Lucas’ misguided advocacy is hilarious because of how true it feels. People like this exist and I’m glad this play exists to put a spotlight on what happens when liberal ideals and white guilt goes very wrong.

    Wow!!! This 2-hander knocked my socks off!! Lucas’ misguided advocacy is hilarious because of how true it feels. People like this exist and I’m glad this play exists to put a spotlight on what happens when liberal ideals and white guilt goes very wrong.

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: Clock by Gaby Labotka
    “

    A short play set in a futuristic world with new technology but problems that are definitely not new. These characters feel so truthful as they express their fears and insecurities in the face of such an important decision in this dystopian world.

    A short play set in a futuristic world with new technology but problems that are definitely not new. These characters feel so truthful as they express their fears and insecurities in the face of such an important decision in this dystopian world.

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: Death. Battery. Rogue. by Gaby Labotka
    “

    On the page this play seems like it would be impossible to stage and the playwright is very up front about that. They throw out the challenge and I hope someone accepts. Labotka has crafted an incredible dystopian world with its own rules and language. It’s full of action and adventure and says some really interesting things about the exploitation of artists. SOMEBODY PRODUCE THIS PLAY!!!

    On the page this play seems like it would be impossible to stage and the playwright is very up front about that. They throw out the challenge and I hope someone accepts. Labotka has crafted an incredible dystopian world with its own rules and language. It’s full of action and adventure and says some really interesting things about the exploitation of artists. SOMEBODY PRODUCE THIS PLAY!!!

    ”