Recommended by Rachael Carnes

In a few short pages, Femia builds a frame for grief and the explosion of memory that comes from moving through the belongings of a loved one -- before they're really gone. This remarkable play wades through the gray area of loss: Past, present and future. Kirkegard writes, "The most painful state of being is remembering the future, particularly the one you'll never have.” And it's in these borderlands that Femia's thoughtfully-constructed characters reside, finding solace and meaning in the mundane, as if this distraction is a little life raft that might carry them through rough waters. Simply brilliant.

In this short play, writer Villanueva breathes life into two put-upon mothers - from different backgrounds - who share universalities, hopes, frustrations. The writer sets up an exquisite contrast between these families, exploring the artifice between them, and ultimately, what can dissolve it. A beautiful, evocative play, with grand imagery, where graceful elephants represent both the literal and the figurative. An incredible literary effort that would be beautiful onstage. Produce this show!

In a couple of pages Bublitz sheds light on subsumed history and terror — Touching on the space that current atrocities will haunt future generations. This work is visceral, relatable, artfully crafted. I wish a monologue like this could be read on the steps of public libraries everywhere. In it, the writer builds relatability, understanding and even hope — Balanced and humane, this piece resonates with honesty and conviction. This is what theater is for.

I had the good fortune to see a staged reading of Skillman's remarkable play at Oregon Contemporary Theatre. Bringing together humor, grace and a strong, driving pulse — As powerful as that urge you get when you're young and you head off headlong on your first devil-may-care road trip — this story intertwines different perspectives on activism, letting (teenage) Zoe's intention shine through. It's a story about hope, deftly cached in a world that feels, like this one, confusing and raw sometimes. Zoe and Rain really DO save the world. A lovely tribute to community and friendship.

Pittenger writes about New York with clarity and heart — Whether you live in the city, or the city lives in your imagination, you'll find a universality, and a deep appeal in this lovely piece of writing, intersecting two women and two dreams. This charming piece offers interesting surprises and fun challenges for its actors.

Okay, I love this. Not only do we have a dynamite monologue, passionate and compelling, with an immediate need and huge action and pulsing tension -- we have playwright Wyndham interjecting with drawings and comments on the drawings, creating the kind of intimacy with the reader, a sort of vulnerability, an esprit de corps -- a brilliant move, engaging our senses so we want to take action. Wow. Great stuff.

Hageman's voice is so clear — This little gem (a one-minute play!) underscores her ability to distill set-up and not only verbal, but physical and visual humor, too, into a tight little package, without losing heart and connection. We are all Teddy.

A playwright with tremendous emotional range and structural capacity, O'Grady tackles the monumental Brontë sisters. This play's a wonder — Exquisitely researched, architecturally rendered, yet with this organic substrate —— this loudly beating heart that quickens throughout the compelling story. The play's well-recognized, with numerous accolades and awards — But this play should be produced. O'Grady brings this 19th century family into the present in a stunning piece of writing. Brava!

What a delight! Imaginative and zippy — Hageman gets at the heart of this embroiled (and iconic) work relationship between a Magician and his... rabbit! Of course! Such a fun idea, so thoughtfully crafted. Humor, energy, even a tinge of vulnerability — This little gem has it all. It's appropriate for kids, but what I really love is that it doesn't pander or look down on them — Instead, it would engage through its quirkiness and commitment, telling a story that can ONLY exist in a theater. This would be perfect for all audiences.

A delight from start to finish — We need a full-length play with COWBOY! This is why I enjoy NPX so much -- Oh, just a casual Wednesday -- read a little ditty that Relentless Award winner Gracie Gardner put up. This monologue is fresh and inviting, funny as hell, and has Gardner's terrific feel for the possibilities of spectacle. Can't wait to see where Gardner's work leads her. A unique voice with a mastery over the craft. Wowzers.