Recommended by Quinn Xavier Hernandez

At first glance EXCEPTION TO THE RULE appears relatively straightforward: kids gathered in a room for detention waiting for release. But as time drags on, fights erupt, and the authoritarian voice over the intercom drones on about consequences and zero tolerance, Dave Harris’ world becomes something far greater than itself. It’s an epic in a deceivingly small package; a story of identity, circumstance, and sacrifice. #PlaywrightPlug

Dana Lynn Formby uses silence masterfully to fully flesh out the relationship between a father and daughter. JOHNNY 10 BEERS’ DAUGHTER is equal parts ceremony, rage, love, missed communication, and legacy that make for a compelling and heartbreaking story. #PlaywrightPlug

What do you do when there’s a timer ticking down to the end of life as you know it? Caity-Shea Violette answers this question by putting a mirror up to the fears and dreams that motivate us when our time is reaching its end. With four strong roles for women and a powerful family dynamic, REAP THE GROVE is a tearjerker and a delight. #PlaywrightPlug

“What does a snapshot of your life look like? Could it ever capture the entirety of your life? Your dimensions? Your senses, affections - your passions? It’s a ludicrous question.” Jaymes Sanchez drives his points on duty, necessary force, prejudice, and the consequences of our actions with every line. SODA FROM WATER CUPS delivers a harsh truth and doesn’t allow its audience to shy away from the reality of today’s society. #PlaywrightPlug

Most pieces of American Realism can only handle one major family secret, but Michael J. Mejia uses each of his characters to pile secret on top of secret until the play is bursting at the seams. FELIZ is straight up, head-banging, gut-punching conflict that keeps you hooked until the final moment. #PlaywrightPlug

Jarring, bloody, poised, and delightful! Cristina Florencia Castro’s rich visual tapestry overwhelms the senses while her dialogue creates a magnificent theatrical experience. HOW THE COLDS WERE RAZED presents ideas of mercy, duty, honor, sacrifice, and consequences with an exhilarating forcefulness that will leave you on the edge of your seat. #PlaywrightPlug

NATURAL SHOCKS is a marathon and a sprint wrapped up into one twisting, unpredictable, ever-evolving story. Lauren Gunderson masterfully lays out a framework for her single performer and deftly brings back most, if not everything we’ve heard throughout this powerful and moving piece to force her audience to pause and see our world and society for what they are. #PlaywrightPlug

Writing for high schoolers is incredibly difficult, but Emily Hageman succeeds in knowing her audience almost intimately. THE CAGES WE BUILD confronts themes of being outcast, blame, and the consequences of actions while not being preachy or overdramatic. #PlaywrightPlug

Inspiring and honest, MERMAID gives us a peek into the emotional struggles of accepting one’s self and how life isn’t always what you originally thought it might be. Andrew Rosendorf’s characters are truthful to the bone and hide none of their insecurities, emotional distance, and flaws. #PlaywrightPlug

QUEEN OF SAD MISCHANCE is delightfully dizzying. What starts as a collision of personalities and intellect transforms into a heartbreaking tale of struggle, decline, and acceptance. John Minigan really breathes life into his characters so that all of their nuances and backstory seeps into each word as their relationships develop and devolve. #PlaywrightPlug