Recommended by Rachael Carnes

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.

What a beautiful play! Sickles writes here with his usual penchant for clear, compelling dialogue, sharp rhythm and strong dynamic flow and pacing. We've got all that structure, perfectly dialed. But then there are these two characters, richly-detailed, fully-realized - it's masterful to see them wrought from just a few lines, a few phrases back and forth. This play offers actors a playground of emotion, on the most weighty of holidays. A truly transcendent piece of theatre.

I couldn't wait for the Rolling World Premiere at Oregon Contemporary Theatre this season. I had to read this play - now. And what a play! Cefaly dives into grief and its aftereffects with unflinching insight and rewards us throughout with belly-laugh humor. It's breathtaking, heartbreaking, an instant classic. Read it before it disappears from NPX, which I'm sure it will be, snapped up for publication and/or more prizes. This play is an absolute stunner, and a showcase for women actors. Brava!

A devastating dystopia - with laughs! Lewis's vision of L.A. in 2025 (The day of the Pence Inauguration — eep) is so complete, built with a language play and setting that's palpably strange, yet frighteningly familiar. In just a few short pages, the writer creates layers of meaning that any creative team would have a field day unpacking. Bracing rhythm, bright physicality - and a head-on attack on current politics. This play's a gem.

Oh my gosh! Love this. First of all, we need more roles for mature women! Yay! And Rice's play is so theatrical, so delightfully surprising - No spoilers, but the ending's a genuine treat. Read and produce this yesterday.

Another delightful monologue from Goldman-Sherman, full of the excitement (and misspent energy?) of the Holiday season. So much is unpacked in these tight two-pages, inner and external conflicts laid bare. A terrific audition vehicle for any woman - Or a highlight at next year's holiday short-play festival.

I know O'Grady writes with insight and empathy — And this one shows her humorous chops, too! Hilarious! I'd love to see the character FRIDGE onstage. So many possibilities for staging, with dialogue that just sparkles. Someone should produce a whole evening of plays about major appliances ASAP!

A beautiful, poignant piece that dances between poetry and vernacular — inviting questions about life, loss, our fragile bodies and the infinite heavens. I rarely come across a play that plays with the dynamics between head and heart, between ideas and earth-bound viscera, quite as well as this one does. It's stunning.

So much is left to delicious subtext in this wonderful two-hander. Moughon's world-building feels rich and complete, I fell headlong into Murphy and Jones' moment, and so enjoy the switches and turns they go on. This piece beautifully demonstrates that even in a short play, a talented writer can create wonderfully dynamic, multi-dimensional characters. What fun this would be onstage! Highly recommended.

Throw a prompt at Matthew Weaver and unlock the mind of a mad genius. I love this Bigfoot play! Hilarious and physically so darn fun - because *Bigfoot* and *Ballet* -- And the actors are kids! Skip the tiresome winter family concert fare and do this wacky play instead!