Recommended by Rachael Carnes

This play explores the passage of time, the paths not taken, and the way for some, emotional self-protection can endure the worst, but in that momentary response, might impede growth. Brantley brings a hopeful message within a play with increasing extremes – there’s a sense of connection between and among the characters, that’s ultimately about self-acceptance. This play grabbed me and kept me right with it, start to finish.

Malakhow's plays are so exciting, for the dialogue, which never pulls punches and always lands, magnetic characters like Carina and Ale - and for form itself. I've read a number of Nick's full-lengths now, and I so admire the way they're exploring the theatre form itself, each in their own way. That experimentation yields tremendous results in The Defectors, a piece that plumbs the depths of recovery, and the murky world of cyberspace.

A beautiful play - exploring past traumas, and the ghosts of war. And dogs! No spoilers, but no wonder this piece has done so well. It would be a joy to perform, and a four-Kleenex experience for any audience. Just great work.

With characters that are full of heart and dialogue that made me smile and laugh and go "awwwww" throughout, Bavoso's tender new play explores the realm of development I see in my own child's Middle School world, a kind of hardening off, a masking, of true feelings and self-expression in boys. It's tragic, really, the masculinization of "manhood", and this lovely fantasia serves as an antidote. There's a forest of Arden vibe — and like in "As You Like It" — real world grief, fear and pain are never far away. This thought-provoking, clever piece will go far.

Paris in La Belle Époque! Rubin's remarkable biographical play trains a fascinating light on titans of the art and writing world at the time, imbuing heavyweights like Picasso, Stein and Matisse with such finely-drawn characterization, within the framework of consistently cracking dialogue, makes for a moment in history that feels very timely, and prescient. This multi-award winner would be dazzling on its feet.

Trudy! This is such a charming piece, opening with a relatable, yet inventive monologue that would be a terrific showcase in itself for any woman, and then building to a duet between two likable, interesting characters. Hill's dialogue sparkles, the rhythm and pace of the piece so easy to read and digest. It's an example of how the 10-minute play form can be so complete, so satisfying. Looking forward to reading more of this playwright's work soon!

Lovely and poignant, a work that pierces the literary realms, poetic and yet visceral, theatrical. Osmundsen creates a prismatic array of angles between and among the characters, as they enter in and out of the past, present and future. This would be breathtaking on its feet.

A beautiful monologue, imagistic, lyrical, yet earthbound and rooted in terrific rhythm and humor. This would give any woman a vehicle to share a range of emotion and any fan of history a chance to peek into the past through a lens at once prescient and present.

Well shoot, Matthew Weaver, one page, and I'm crying. As the human lucky enough to be looking after a 14-year-old doggo friend, this sweet play is an instant heart connection. I don't really think it's impossible to produce, either. Light, sound - choreography. Magic! This play reaches to celestial heights and finds us right inside one of the most universally relatable moments we all share: Loss of a beloved furry friend. Sigh. Time to hug my dog!!!

Such a charming two-hander. Costa's dialogue sparkles, and Holly and Olive are two of the warmest, most relatable characters I've read in a long, long time. I love the way the plot unfolds, never maudlin or ham-fisted, but delicately, and with great humor and strength. A wonderful showcase for two women.