Recommended by Erin Osgood

As a National Committee Reader for the BAPF 2022, ARAB SPRING was a delight to experience! Ibrahim has deftly woven a story about loss and discovery with humor and heart. When a career-driven daughter and her recovering addict brother meet to plan their father’s funeral, each must come to grips with conflicting beliefs, relationships, and loss. ARAB SPRING proves Ibrahim is not only a force on stage, but also very talented with a pen. With wonderful dialogue for actors to sink their teeth into, I highly recommend this gem. #BAPF2022

As a National Committee Reader for the BAPF 2022, Dirty Laundry was a delight to experience! Dratwa has deftly woven a story about loss and moving on. A daughter not only is helping her father navigate life without her mother (there is a delightful scene where she is trying to explain how to do laundry over the phone), but also dealing with the revelation of her father's longtime affair. A chorus effortlessly strings the story together with lush, sometimes cringeworthy, descriptions, and humor. With wonderful dialogue for actors to sink their teeth into, I highly recommend this gem. #BAPF2022

Mike Solomonson's WHEN THE WHEELS CAME OFF THE MEAL is a delightful story of two struggling souls looking for a connection to the world. Despite the age difference, the two women find that their brief weekly encounters have more meaning than either realized. Connections are made when you least expect it.

Wonderfully written interaction between a couple who are dealing with the possibility of loss. This piece highlights that no two people react the same to an obstacle. DC Cathro's STUCK will definitely stick in your head for a while after the last word is read.

This is a devilishly funny script full of wonderful dialogue! It has just the right amount of truth and surreal humor. John Busser's STIFF COMPETITION explores the danger of aggressive competition with surprises galore.

Life is all about choices, opportunities, and unpredictability. Martin's piece describes this well with the story of two friends after their high school graduation. What is said, and most importantly what is not said, between these characters is intriguing.

At first read, it would be easy to say this piece is a story about companionship and the need to have connections in one's life. However, Cross' story made me think about rigidity and how people get accustomed to their ways. It can be frustrating to try and reason with someone who only sees his or her own side. A wonderful piece of writing is thought-provoking, and Monica Cross' ON ROBOTS AND RAINDROPS does just that. And I am a sucker for sci-fi!