Recommended by Rachael Carnes

Gorgeous short play. With an economic use of words, McMahon shapes a time and place that's redolent with gallows humor. This piece pulses with our current political moment -- in all its anxiety, frustration and dark humor.

I had the opportunity to read/hear this play through Playwright Center's Member Open Play. It reads aloud so easily — Warm and inviting — With big action that snowballs hysterically. At the center are Marge and Mavis — two delightful lead roles for women of an older generation. So refreshing! Writer Smith makes dialogue look easy in this lilting comedy stocked with compelling, sympathetic characters. Fun, too, to see a nostalgic small-town period piece set in recent era — The 1980's. This would be a fun show for a regional or community theater.

Diaz-Marcano's gorgeous dialogue and deep characterization creates a perfectly imperfect world. In this scene nestled inside the devastation brought on by hurricane Maria, the writer explores heavy themes without being ham-fisted or obvious. Love the way the language slips effortlessly between English and Spanish and the way the audience is gently invited into the warmth and heartbreak. Stunning, poetical monologues rise out of this work. What a gem.

A terrific play about the fragments and fractures left behind after disasters and tragedy — With a light touch, writer Tuft explores the kind of gallows humor that surviving instigates. Jordan and Alison exchange neighborly banter amidst the ruin of Alison's apartment — What will the future hold for them? And for us? Tuft's strong dialogue, pacing, dramaturgical thoughtfulness, character development and structure create a wonderful whole.

With sensitivity and sharp humor, Kaplan creates a fully-realized world — where two puppets are parents to a non-puppet kindergartener — in this play that explores the bounds of fitting in. Kaplan packs each character with terrific inventory and makes this fantastic voyage seem so real — And so relevant. Exquisite descriptions of puppet gesture and movement evoke a deep empathy — A brilliant choice. I long to see a production — With puppets baking, puppets doing dishes, puppets tangling with bureaucracy — The show also features a rare commodity: A contemporary, fully-developed character for a child actor. Bravo!

A poignant study of loneliness within a crowded place. Pynn's structure allows a lushness to develop, even without words. I don't even know how this happens — But it's as if the space between these characters becomes limitless and immediate through their emotional chemistry and the writer's sensitive choreography. Such an open, honest piece. Perfect showcase for gesture and movement.

This play tunes into the spaces where unconscious bias flourishes — It's powerfully imagistic with an internal rhythm that feels dynamic and physical. There's a poetry to Omorotionmwan's language that is so inspiring! She brings chilling detail, on balance with big, clear action. This would be a tremendous scene for a small ensemble. Perfect for colleges or high school programs, especially.

Raw and inviting at the same time, Burbano's writing draws the listener in and won't let go. Great to hear a mature female character voice - this piece would be a terrific vehicle for an actor to show tremendous emotional strength and versatility.

Coach Becky has had it. All the sideline commentary from overbearing parents! How is a t-ball coach supposed to do her job? And what *is* her job, anyway? To encourage kids' growth and development. But all these parents keep Becky from making a real difference in their kids' lives with their constant meddling. Writer Wyndham pokes fun at all-too common parenting trends as Becky unravels in in a fiery ball of comic fervor. This bouncy, engaging, hilarious piece would be a terrific showcase for any actor's abilities.

Bwahaha! This play's a nugget. Snort! So funny — A writer's play. Wait — A writer-who's-worked-a-crap-day-job's play. Love the criss-crossing language and the flying insults and the digs at many aspects of our dopey modernity. Terrific fun for a small ensemble. Why *are* copy centers still so terrible in 2017? Stubbles answers this question definitively!