Recommended by Shaun Leisher

What a powerful piece of theatre. This play runs on so many levels. It's a family comedy, a meditation on race relations and a piece of apocalyptic horror. I loved the way that Vee uses a horror movie as a way to escape from the horrific aspects of her personal life and what is happening in the world. There is so much pressure put on Black women to keep the peace with white people and turn the other cheek when they experience microagressions. This play handles this with such care.

A great short play that looks at the world of mental health. I loved how McIntosh keeps the specifics of this procedure a mystery for the first bit of the play. It's a bizarre operation but it doesn't seem too far from where we are. I loved what this play has to say about the pressure put on women to just feel and act healthy all the time. I loved the intimate moments in this play as these two strangers open up to each other. I'd love to see this produced and what conversation it sparks.

A really dark play with an ending I definitely did not see coming. A look at whether or not it's possible for someone to heal from the trauma they have experienced in life. Hersant does a great job at carefully depicting hot button issues like matricide and eating disorders. You follow Katerina on her journey and hope she gets better. Loved the direct address moment at the end.

This play has such a delightful and silly premise yet still managed to move me. Tull does not shy away from the serious stuff here. She is able to tackle suicide with such care. I loved the journey that Nicole goes on here. This is a great opporunity for actors to have fun while also taking part in a piece of theatre that actually has something to say.

A mesmerizing look at a part of world history that does not get discussed often. I appreciated how this play looks a the not so glamorous aspects of the immigration issue. This really looks into what seemingly ordinary people can do to help people coming to this country for refuge. I also appreciated how this play looks at how faith communities can play a part in this issue. I'd love to see religious leaders look at this play and see how they can help migrants today. A very relevant play.

A ghost story about letting go of the past and trying to do good in the present. This is a play about how sick our secrets make us. Carreon is such a compelling character. He wants so badly to be a good husband and a good citizen that helps others. This is a play that explores the impact of the war in Afghanistan while also looking at the current state of the US-Mexico border. This play is so relevant to the current state of the world and it needs to be produced.

As a sober person myself, I am so glad that plays like this exist. This play is a love letter to the creation of art. Specifically, the creation of art without the crutch of drugs and alcohol. Every artist in recovery know how scary it is to make art for the first time sober. It can be fucking terrifying and this play perfectly captures that. I love the moments where Saint MonicAA experiments with being vulnerable. I loved the banter between the two characters. I just love this play

I was not familiar with the play that this piece is based on but I found this to be a moving adaptation. This is a play that deserves to be in conversations with the great plays about families going after the American Dream. These characters want so much for themselves. They want to show they are more than how society views them. These characters are constantly on the move for something better. I loved getting to spend time with this ensemble. Would love to see this produced.

I really adored this play. It starts off with such a light and humorous tone and then expertly shifts to something more dark and real. This is a play that tackles big themes like death, what it means to give up on one's dreams and the power of art. McIntosh does a great job at handling all the dark themes while also finding the places of humor. Loved the decision to set this piece solely in a theatre and in real time. I would love to see this produced very soon.

This is a play about belonging and what it feels like to be outsider. I loved the relationship between Solis and Peter. These two characters get to know each other and witness their strongly held prejudices fall away. I like imagining a world where a bar and a clock shop are important parts of society. Garcia does a great job at making Mark such a complex character and not just a mustache-twirling villain. This play feels so relevant. I'd love to see this produced everywhere.