Recommended by Rachael Carnes

What a moment! Why this day, why now? Well, it hardly gets more 'real' than a baby choosing to the born on the Cross Bronx Expressway. Daly's snappy dialogue sings throughout this hilarious two-hander, offering terrific physical comedy, and layers of warmth and depth, for two actors. I'd love to see this one on its feet!

Oh, I love this play. Inventive and fresh, and totally relatable, too. There's a cartoony quality to the aesthetic, in the best way, a Pop-Art pretending, like we've jumped into a new world, a world of make-believe, a past idea of the future. There's a lot to mine her, about caregiving, and remembering that underneath the valiant work of looking after others, we have to try to care for ourselves. A charming, relevant piece, great fun for performers and audience alike.

This monologue takes on a deeply challenging story, and infuses it with warmth, relatability. Barbot strips away the horror to reveal a contemporary relationship, between father and son, and person and higher power. Through vernacular language choices, we’re drawn into a new understanding of this character, and through this smart, sharply-drawn lens, we might see ourselves, and our place in the cosmos, in a different light. It’s a remarkable piece, and would offer everything to an actor.

And just like that, I became riveted by another Malakhow full-length! DAMN this dialogue is so readable. It just pulls you along at a gallop, and then at perfect junctures, the writer places these epistolary moments, revealing, delicate, inward. The structure casts us across time elegantly, and ultimately, it's about these two lovable, rich characters, peeling back a curtain on their experience, and breaking our hearts. Amazing opportunities here, for older teens and younger adults. Taut, clever, full of heart. This play's my new favorite.

Pain and humor course through this short play in equal measures, as they often do in life, especially in our most painful moments. Seinuk takes us up close on a common, but rarely discussed event, and draws us even closer to the experience through these finely-drawn characters, asking unknowable questions. Nods of understanding will wash over any audience when this play's produced.

What a sharply-drawn piece of theatre! Hageman never disappoints with her creativity and wit, and this horror show is no exception. I love the unwitting audience cast as characters, their complicit plants jeers would be absolutely spine-tingling! Whether performed in the dark, or under the bright light of day, the concept here is so scary, almost too-real scary, as it forces us to ask where we're already complicit? Brilliant, challenging and funny?? What more could you ask for. Read, produce and enjoy this uniquely menacing play!

Okay, and now I'm bawling my face off. This play! I am so impressed with the dialogue — Readable, funny, insightful without ever crossing the line to feel too pretty or contrived. Malakhow has created such an exquisite portrait of a friendship across the lifespan. The way this play explores the element of time is just fascinating. Boldly theatrical and GORGEOUS. I could see it in my mind's eye, so clearly. Read, share and produce this beautiful work, that's both timely and timeless. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet Pete/Peter and Markey/Marcus. Incredible.

This play is a beauty, rich and real, and grounded in history. Malakhow takes us to a hot Los Angeles, where psychologist Evelyn Hooker's conducting an important study. Sometimes historical plays fall victim to facts and Wiki info, but not this — The writer's careful research transforms into exquisite dialogue that lifts off the page, into a moment ripe with subtext, with subtleties and meaning. This play would offer tremendous range for two actors: From bright humor to genuine, heartfelt depth.

A scientist grapples with balancing her important field research with an unplanned pregnancy in this timely play about environmental collapse and the relevant intertwining web of women’s rights and racial and economic equality. Campbell paints an incredible portrait of the global threat, and the local community, facing first-hand changes to their sustainability, as a result of climate change. The playwright’s approach to world-building is thoughtful and thorough, without feeling overdone. It’s sharp, astute – the levity creating a continual well of emotional connection. This play is brilliant - and its ending is both necessary and crushing. Produce this!

Awwwwww this is wonderful. A charming moment in the tech booth, as two High Schoolers find their way in the present. Minigan has crafted multidimensional, contemporary roles for teen actors, offering moments of emotional candor and lovely humor to explore. Drama and debate coaches, take note: Here's a terrific scene for your next thespian or forensics competition.