Recommended by Rachael Carnes

Jennifer O'Grady's voice in her plays is so clear, and concise, her characters warm and immediately interesting - yet she writes with an enviable spareness, a quality that allows the silence and space around the characters to breathe, to occupy them. This play reverberates with meaning, and is so beautiful. And this title... O'Grady's poetry shining through.

An intimate moment, packed with emotion and gesture, Simon's short play ripples with a timely and timeless narrative.

A beautiful piece for an oft-neglected age group, this two-hander for older actors offers nuance and beauty, humor and warmth. It's a peek at the past and at the future, hopeful and poignant, lovely and touching. You'll see your grandparents, your parents, or maybe yourself, in this terrific play. Hoke's work here is just so perfect!

I loved the Little Women series when I was a kid, and Hoke does a terrific job bringing the March women to the Now. Snappy and relatable, this family feels as universally-accessible as the source material, but with a surprising freshness and modernity. Hoke's beautiful structure, compelling characters and intriguing updates will make this an instant classic for fans of the books, like me, and newcomers alike. All hail a play for mostly women! With meaty, multi-dimensional roles for two oft-neglected age groups onstage: Teens and women over 40. Theaters should give this play a look - it's a gem...

SHAZAM! I love this monologue. Irreverent and smart as hell. A wicked parody, delightfully funny and such important, evergreen, commentary on 45's "election". Salem has the goods! So glad to discover this writer today. Can't wait to read more, and this monologue belongs on every stage everywhere.

It's a wonderful device to drop into historical moments, to reexamine familiar and iconic characters from the past, through a new lens. Varga's snappy scene has a brusque sideshow vibe, fun and playful.

Oh, these words. This moment. Matthews' character development, her language and rhythm is so musical and engaging, I'm drawn in immediately. And then -- where we go. I can't, I won't say where. Read this monologue and see mastery of craft. Read this, and know a little better what it's like to walk the earth as a woman. A stunning piece. Read, produce, publish, please.

An anthem, rallying cry, a wry condemnation of stupid patriarchal b/s and one heckuva hilarious monologue all rolled into one! Partain invites us into the world of this terrific character, winds her up and lets her spin OUT -- saying all the internal musings that any woman anywhere can relate to. This monologue should be posted in the locker room of every gym in America.

This is simply delightful! Not only does Rinkel give us a unique setting (a barnyard) and point of view (hello: Chickens) but it's written in rhymed accentual verse. And if you don't know what that is, don't worry, the landing page explains it. I love how Rinkel stuffs this zany piece with classical music references, his learned mind shining through, and balanced by punchy Chaucer-inspired laughs. I love a story where one character can potentially murder and eat the other two. Bravo!

Oh, my heart. Such a lovely play. Minigan sets us down with two former partners and swans, yes, swans, and creatively develops such humor and warmth. This delightful piece would be an anchor in any festival. Treat yourself to reading or producing it!