Recommended by Rachael Carnes

Writer’s block is the worst, but Robert has a plan - Sort of? Bultrowicz gives long-overdue voice to the long-suffering *partner* of the writer, as Kate reassures, encourages and something more, in this funny, lighthearted romp that offers lots of room for actors to explore physical comedy.

This charming piece reads like literature, so it’s not surprising it was selected for publication. It’s an ode to home, to place, to environment, and to theater, with the playwright cast in his own work, observer and participant in the world around him. I so admire Weaver’s rhythmic pacing and the deft way he builds story structure, characters and engaging community. Spokane Forever!

Ahhhh of course! I thought those cute little islands in Puget Sound were hiding something. They are! Murderous Quilting Bees! Curry sets up a fun romp and gives her fun characters plenty of room to — craft.

Three cheers for NOLAN who has had it with his dad's toxic masculinity. Wyndham finds such humor and life inside this anthem for discovering what it is that makes us excited, instead of fulfilling someone else's football fantasies. I admire so much how the writer touches on salient societal issues, without ever being maudlin or ham-fisted. This monologue is funny! And in that humor there's this accessible realm in which Wyndham allows us to ask important questions. Questions we should be asking —

Heartbreakingly lyrical, a community conversation that should be shared far and wide. In this succinct, powerful play, Hageman evokes warmth and grace — Her irrepressible words springing up like precious wildflowers that somehow grow in the midst of the darkest depths that we humans are capable of.

Whoa - big chemistry builds out of easy, fluid dialogue, with just enough suggestion of history and context. The structure in Aakhu’s work here feels almost effortless, with two multidimensional characters and dynamic story.

Boyle takes us on a journey, as a teacher tries, in vain, to engage Dakota’s parents at a parent-teacher conference. I hear and relate to the moment so clearly, and love the surprise shift. This piece offers great range for an actor, physically and emotionally.

Engaging and heartfelt meets wry and smart in this one act... at the edge of extinction. Partain's world treats us to a 'what if' future world, populated with just enough details to make it all-too real. I find myself laughing and leaning in and then - feeling grateful. This playwright so exquisitely captures the mood of our collective anxiety. This play is a goldmine for a creative team.

Walking my dogs, listening to a podcast on women and playwriting, I heard a wonderful interview with this writer. And I thought, who is this person? She's awesome!! Thanks, NPX, for the instant gratification of downloading and reading this magnificent work. While it might not approximate how stunning this would be in production, I can see in the work Kapil's deep intelligence and fearless artistry. I'm just awestruck. I will watch for any opportunity to see this artist's work onstage.

You had me at 415 BCE! I love this — Goofy, ribald humor, big EPIC characters — Lots of Classics jokes. Goldman-Sherman has a wry way with satire here, and clearly delights in the language play of this gem that would be both physically fun and linguistically exciting to produce! Best closing stage direction ever recorded.