Recommended by Lainie Vansant

This play makes you feel like you're gathered around a campfire listening to an age-old tale. It takes its audience on a fantastically imaginative adventure with the potential to just use its actors talents to do so. It's perfect for touring (or actually producing at a campfire, I would watch that), and the story really sticks.

Hageman's signature theatricality and talent for writing young voices shine through in this chilling play. The chorus of voices cuts to the soul, and imagining Joan's pain is heartbreaking, making the twists and turns of normal high school life seem insignificant. Through it all, the moments of high school normalcy and humor really hit the spot. It's quite the experience - check it out and put it up!

The premise of this play is a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, which is fantastic and beautifully done. On top of that, Bavoso adds nuance by forcing his characters to make choices and letting them take control of their own stories, and he does it all with such charming humor. This play has super fun roles for two comedic actors - put it on its feet!

History is written by the victors, but Carnes takes the opportunity to give a voice to the voiceless in this haunting play. She shares these characters' fight and spirit even through this difficult situation and creates an ambiance of confusion and helplessness that fits what Sally must have felt her whole life. As much as this play shouldn't be relevant today, it still is, so read it, produce it, and share it!

Sklenar's language is always nuanced and delightful and this premise gives him many chances to showcase that prowess. A fascinating headcanon about the Bard and his biggest rival - check it out!

So many great things are explored in this piece - women in STEM, complex and current issues, and a killer open ending included. I'd like to think that this is dystopian, but it's also incredibly reminiscent of US-sponsored "disappearances" in Argentina and Chile, adding layers of complexity to an already layered and remarkably theatrical piece. Read it, produce it, and listen on The Parsnip Ship!

What a fun origin story perfect for any theatre's fall line-up. I love the way Escobar uses the entire theatre space to make the audience feel like part of the story. Choreographers, puppeteers, and designers of all stripes are sure to be inspired by this script, and its performances are sure to enchant audiences of all ages.

This play captures such a range of emotions: grief, hope, nostalgia, lust, and the list goes on. It would be a great vehicle for old high schoolers or young college students looking for scene work with heart, poetry, and complex feelings. Viterbi layers in exposition beautifully and keeps her audience engaged in figuring it all out as it goes. Great work overall - read and produce this play!

This play captures an important "ten minute moment" in the lives of these characters with a big dose of heart and just enough visual humor to keep you smiling.

The wacky plot and delightful language of this play are a ton of fun, and the way that Hardy and Leahy have subverted and played on both Shakespeare's work and the horror genre is fascinating. It's light and quick - give it a read!