Recommended by Rachael Carnes

When an openly gay newcomer appears on the scene, an Indian Ugandan's world is turned upside down. Snider's lyrical lilt, his brash poetry — the three characters draw you in. Layered subtext and complexities, with great dialogue — I appreciate what Will is doing. It's a fascinating deep dive, well done. With heartbreaking moments and graceful humor, he asks us to consider the darkness and the light in each of us.

Calandrino rips into family tensions, with a terrific prospect: Can I overcome my issues with you long enough to take a piece of your bodily organs? Fresh and quirky, this three-hander offers plenty of inventory for more mature actors.

This stunning short play reminds us that the victims of gun violence are people, actual human beings, not numbers, not the sound byte on TV. Bates lifts a resounding chorus in honor of the dead, pulling them back from extinction, back to life and joy and the simplicity of dancing together. A beautiful, poignant play.

A funny one-pager about death. When I die, I hope someone reads something as irreverent and charming at my funeral. This is just great.

I feel so grateful to have seen the world premiere of this work at Artists Rep in Portland. Astute, unflinching and yet humane and approachable, Jung's beautiful play dances on the edge between reality and magic, drawing us into deep layers of perspective, narrowly focusing the aperture, and then widening the lens, to take in the whole firmament. Not surprised to see theatres lining up to produce this bold, innovative and genuinely unique new play. Run, don't walk, to see it where you live.

There's something about hotel rooms that invite full disclosure. In Whitehorn's hilarious short play, the answer to the age-old question, "How do I love thee?" gets a zany response. Snappy and farcical, this three-hander has so much for a creative team to play with, the script loaded with slings and arrows. I'd love to see this onstage!

I feel fortunate to have seen the West Coast premiere of this remarkable play at Oregon Contemporary Theatre. With unflinching power, and plenty of laughs, too, Fisher takes us into the heart of the fear and ignorance that drives our current national climate, developing a desperate portrait, and within that seemingly relentless, racing panic, Fisher nudges us towards our own humanity, towards solace, towards the evergreen choice we have to forgive. This thriller, with steep twists and turns, should be read and staged everywhere. HASSAN is an unforgettable character, and this is a timely, and timeless, piece of theatre. Bravo!

Sharply written, with finely-turned characters and a series of moments that unravel like a coiled spring, spilling out tension and tragedy, with Gonzalez's powerful, humane approach to relationships onstage. This piece would be a playground for a creative team, stocked with opportunity to develop rich, real emotion.

I am always here for a play about meetings. It's the only way that meetings can possibly make any sense! And this one's a treat: Of course Neanderthals would squabble about who's going to take minutes. This short by Calandrino is funny, snappy and has a lot of heart.

A stunning monologue, taut and relentless, that opens up into a cadence so clear and poetic. Costa finds a taproot of grief in this remarkable moment.