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Rachael Carnes

Recommended by Rachael Carnes

  • The Care and Feeding of Small Animals by Brooke-Erin Smith
    3 Nov. 2021
    “ How can those entrusted with the future have a hope to lead, if their worlds only know limitations? The magnetic language cadence and multi-faceted characterization - the way the world of the play slowly builds - feels so theatrical. Deeply imagistic one moment, then hinging steeply to embrace the nuances and subtleties of connection, underscore the writer's keen facility for the dynamics of size and scale. A terrifying, breathtaking, and - human - play. ”
  • The Morning After (Ten Minute) by Paul Donnelly
    15 Oct. 2021
    “ This play crackles and hums, deftly embracing a masterwork and turning it on its ear. Donnelly's cool hand, clever dialogue and brilliant set-up would make this one a delight to engage with for any creative team, and a favorite for audiences. Simply delicious writing. ”
  • WYWH by Tom Moran
    12 Oct. 2021
    “ What a delightful play! Creative premise, sparkling dialogue, timeless theme. The characters feel so real, and would give any creative team plenty to explore, in this richly-detailed comic world. Moran finds wonderful connections between 1881 sepia and contemporary Teenagers. Just lovely! ”
  • To Change a Tampon: How It Is, and How It Should Be by Emily Hageman
    7 Oct. 2021
    “ A chorus of angels cries HALLELUJAH! that Emily Hageman has written this play.

    Richly-detailed setting, fabulous language play that would be a thrill to perform and so fun to watch — And a super-important *message*? What more does someone want? Well, what a lot of us want is embedded in the pages of this play! Read it, produce it. Share it with your school admin and office HR Directors. Seriously. ”
  • Namesake by Brianna Barrett
    6 Oct. 2021
    “ History springs to life in Barrett's period piece, that feels timeless in its thematic exploration. As an Oregonian, I had a HUGE smile on my face as the writer grounds the work in our locality, finding humor and heart and bringing women into the foreground. ”
  • The Cardinal by DC Cathro
    29 Sep. 2021
    “ This play feels so alive. Cathro drops us into a moment that hangs with meaning - And we're off, rollicking through clapping dialogue, two crystal clear characters endearing themselves to us. But the slow burn, the deeper reveal, what this play is saying, its heart, comes on as gently as the rain - at first - and then builds to a thundering heartbeat, asking whether we will carry our societal burdens and normative trappings through this life and into the beyond, or adapt, evolve, and be free? A perfect little play. Bravo, DC. ”
  • My (Diagnosed) Self by Dave Osmundsen
    28 Sep. 2021
    “ Bright, bouncy, compelling dialogue pulls us immediately into this friendship world that's about to turn a corner. With a central conflict that's relatable, characters that leap off the page and an exploration of powerful, important themes, Osmundsen's accessibility, humor and charm as a writer is a gift, helping audiences to navigate a new understanding. ”
  • h*llo k*tty syndrome by Brian Dang
    13 Sep. 2021
    “ I heard a zoom reading of this glorious play sometime in the early pandemic times, and it's still with me. Rereading it just reveals more brilliance. First of all, let's talk about Dang's voice - and how creative and spacious the structures and forms the writer's exploring are. There's courage in the threads this play pulls taut - it's commenting and careening on so many levels, but Dang makes it *feel* effortless. (This is me gently shaking my fist in a "how did they DO that?!" way) It's no surprise that this play's garnering awards and accolades. It's going places! ”
  • The Adventures of Chatty by Emma Goldman-Sherman
    10 Sep. 2021
    “ What a welcome retreat this play is, immediately inviting us into the world of the Green Forest, populated with richly-detailed characters and a dynamic, lively plot. There are precious few plays for youth actors that balance exploring the all-too real issues they're confronting in their everyday lives while giving young actors chewy roles with comedy, drama and emotional range. This play does - and more. It's an exquisite story, rendered with the heart and mind I just adore about all of Goldman-Sherman's work. Give yourself a treat: Read and produce this beautiful play. ”
  • The Duke and His Visitor by Ky Weeks
    7 Sep. 2021
    “ I've been working my way through Weeks' plays and so enjoy the writer's exploration of Old/New, and the occlusion of eras and history with the present. The dialogue in this piece snaps, and the set up's unique. A creative team would have such fun building out the costume choices! ”

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