Recommended by Rachael Carnes

A couple explores the external pressures of their community and the world at large, and how it bears down on their sense of peace, in this touching, relatable play. Lewis gets at the heart of intersecting conflicts - The pandemic, politics, and the omnipresence of violence against BIPOC people in this country - and finds a way forward in the strength that these two characters bring to their loving relationship. I recently heard a podcast of this, through the Open Door Playhouse, and it works so well as an audio drama. Like being right in the room. Brava!

This is what's at stake, as collective misinformation and downright sensationalism veering on total insanity obfuscate science -- real lives, and many real *young* lives -- upended, and cut short. Burdick's empathetic approach allows us to look at a moment through the eyes of someone with everything to look forward to, who thought she had nothing to lose. How will we make our way out of this? I don't know... But theatre like this invites a conversation that can be a starting place.

Hageman: I'm gutted! Few writers can do in so little real estate - just a few pages - what this writer accomplishes, in craft, cognition, in *compassion* for self, and others. Subtleties of gentle wit shine within a firmament of emotion, reminding us that even when things feel dark, scattered, raw, there's always light to be found within.

What an exquisite piece of writing. A dark, scary tale - nestled within a genuinely romantic, deeply-felt, and darkly comic monologue. Partain makes it look (or sound) easy - But this is crafted expertly, with subtleties of imagination that create familiarity and a visceral connection to the moment. Brava.

What an inventive and hilarious piece! When all our societal support systems seem to be breaking down around us, Busser leans in hard on the 'customer care' experience - Creating this audio spectacle that's as funny and is it is a creepy Halloween delight. It's gonna take me a while to expunge some of these images from my mind... What fun. While theatres are shuttered - the audio drama lives on, and this is a GREAT one to consider for your next festival.

Another winner from Scott Mullen. I heard this as a radio play, produced by Open-Door Playhouse, and the clever set-up and sharp dialogue sing in that format, offering tons for two actors to work with. Why not give it a listen? https://www.opendoorplayhouse.org/episodes/theater2

Ohhhhh shivers! Plenty of zigzags and Halloween fun. I loved listening to this as a podcast with Cone Man Running productions. Boo!

So richly-detailed and evocative, I can't believe how much Cathro does with five pages. This would be an amazing study for an actor - who speaks no lines and says *everything* - creating a perfect little world that we watch unravel. Not written for Zoom - but I could see it adapt to that platform beautifully. Stunningly well-crafted.

Awww parenting is hard, as this lovely monologue underscores. What if that monster under your kid's bed reveals your own challenges and insecurities? Richter's rich world here is as theatrical as it is down-to-earth, a new spin on a familiar moment, that would be a great addition to a 10-minute play festival, and a wonderful audition piece, or scene study, too.

What a gem! Funny AND scary - Bavoso delivers a Halloween fright-fest with deeply-felt satirical subtext. Richly-drawn characters shine, with clever dialogue creating boundless opportunities for dynamics and fun. No spoilers - That ending. Holy cow!