Recommended by Rachael Carnes

Consistently funny, and nuanced and engaging, Wyndham’s character monologues develop dynamic intensity, tackling big issues with emotional empathy and a strong, witty point of view. I’m appreciative of the writer’s ability to create contemporary roles, multidimensional, interesting roles, for young people. This piece is a perfect study for a younger performer or a showcase.

Wowza! I love it when in just ten short pages I am completely transported into a different realm of time and place. Writer Partain not only delivers a satisfyingly grim story arc, but carries it out with two sympathetic and multidimensional characters. This taut, remarkable play is imagistic and clever without veering too far from reality. Is this now? Is this the future? This is right where it needs to be. Can't wait to read more of this writer's work. What a treat.

Faith in humanity restored by this wonderful play. Thanks to some hardworking Playmobil figures, I feel better than ever about my voting rights and why they matter. A lovely and engaging work that has the potential to go viral by the midterm elections.

This play is a delight from beginning to end — Or, given it's clever construction, end to beginning? Barbot's wit is matched by his powerful sense of satire — Not easy to pull off! — But he does, slaying the Greeks and our own ineptitudes in one fell swoop. I love the idea of the all-woman cast. What fun this show would be to see onstage! A rollicking new work for the Classics SuperFan or just someone who's trying to figure out... Where we went wrong? Grab the cut-rate armor, bring on the tunics, and produce this gem!

It is ON. When a playwright can capture in just a few pixels the power imbalance and incongruities of modern work — you're in for a treat. The character "Her" is likely needed in almost every corporate environment. Or can she be hired out, as a temp? My only question — When is this idea going to be franchised for a three-movie series and its sequels? Viva 'Her'!

Oh my gosh, I love this play. Berry's language is crisp and clever, inviting her richly-detailed characters to share guffaws and stunning revelations in the same breath. The writer takes on big themes, and it's the current of rich humor that guides us through this journey. I can't believe a theater hasn't snapped this up yet! This play would be a crown jewel in any contemporary season.

In this finely-crafted meditation on the Veteran experience, Burdick trains a bright light on the elusive nature of healing, as his well-developed characters move backwards and forwards from the traumas of the past, towards an uncertain future. Featuring parts for mature actors, with powerful imagery and themes, this work feels both raw and yet totally accessible. Wouldn't it be amazing to see this performed for — or by — clients in V.A. or rehabilitative hospitals?

Empathetic, compelling and all-too timely, this short piece gets at the heart of the questions we're all asking ourselves right now. Hoke does an incredible job setting us up to peer into abject horror through the eyes of a small child. Without being ham-fisted or maudlin, she creates depth, warmth and resonance. This could be any kid anywhere, asking simple questions. This play underscores the writer's finely-tuned craft — serving at once as a beautiful eulogy and a call to action.

Writer Villanueva has a beautiful ability to create realistic, connected dialogue that centers on tremendous emotion — Without it feeling too pushy or preachy. This piece is artfully-crafted and all-too timely.

This lively play feels so real in its portrayal of siblings — The way they store these memories, for good and ill, and enjoy bantering, chiding, teasing. Writer Hageman's voice is clear and *hilarious* — With snappy dialogue, chockfull of zingers, and a humane, connected throughline. This would be a playground for performers, full of humor, emotion and charm.