Recommended by Shaun Leisher

I have read many plays that take a look at the effects of climate change but none in this way. I really don't think I've read a play that takes such an interesting look at over population. Ortiz proves to be masterful in world building without giving too much exposition. This play shows a world that feels fantastical and meant for science fiction but not too unbelievable. At its core, though, its the characters that drive this play and how they cope and dream for more in the dystopian future they have inherited.

A magical and moving play that explores the themes of race in the academic setting. A play reminds us how resistant people are to new ideas about classical history. Especially when those new ideas challenge white supremacy. Espinoza brilliantly crafts a work of fantasy that is so rooted in the real world and the honesty of these characters. This is a play filled with big ideas that need to be thought about and discussed.

A really interesting piece that feels very naturalistic until the world breaks apart in to moments of magical realism. This play explores police brutality and the idea of the model minority in such a unique way. It's a play that effectively packs a punch to audience's gut in such a short time.

With just an actor and a drummer, Espinoza has created a piece about storytelling that vibrantly engages all senses. It's a piece about contradicting ideas and how they are always interconnected. Past and present. Places that are foreign and yet so familiar. It's a piece about belonging and yet about the need for individuality. A piece that is needed today as we all try and find out what identity means to ourselves and society as a whole.

I loved this play and what it had to say about childhood and how violence is learned. The way the kids interacted and how so much was written in the stage directions was really effective. It's a piece that is innocent at times but the sense of immediate or future danger always seems to be looming. A play that will start conversations and present endless questions for audiences.

A thrilling short vampire play set against the back drop of slavery that introduces us to some interesting characters. I really enjoyed how there wasn't too much exposition and introduction to the world before just getting in to the conflict. I would actually be really interested in seeing this play expanded.

Prior to reading this script I was very curious to how this was going to justify it's self as a piece of theatre instead of just a film. This play is so clearly a piece of theatre with a wonderfully unique structure. I love the documentary framing device and how it allows for so many various points of view to come in and overlap. The complicated structure really speaks to the complicated subject of Blackness that is being discussed in this play in ways I've never really seen before.

A look at toxic masculinity and male bonding in a pretty deep and complex way. Really good 10-minute play.

A hysterical sci-fi play that deals with racism in really unique ways. A play with lots of fun to be had by directors, designers and actors.

I liked this one act a lot and the smart ways it tackles so many issues we need to be discussing about race on college campuses. The playwright does a great job giving complexity to characters that could easily be stereotypes. Very interested in following this play as it continues to be developed.