Recommended by Rachael Carnes

A gem — Sparkling, funny, with an urgency and playfulness that shines. Writer Bohannon builds the tension to a crescendo with such economy and verve — I giggled throughout! She has zingers that sound like stand-up comedy, laugh-out-loud one-liners in the midst of rising tensions. From light humor to turning the dial to — SciFi? Horror? It's just right — Perfect tone and pacing. I just love this play!

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!

Richly developed characters travel a lifetime in just minutes. Barclay’s structure, pacing and humor just shine. Such a lovely opportunity for women actors! This is beautiful.

OMG — LOVE. This play raises the bar! Storytelling for now — Sensing and responding to the absurdity of *this* moment. Gardner captures it all with tremendous humor and insight. Look just below the ribald surface and find the kind of commentary that will likely define this era, theatrically. Gardner is reshaping the genre. 2017 winner of the American Playwrights Foundation Relentless Award. Is the titular character 'Pussy Sludge' Relentless? I think she's my soul sister. Viva Pussy Sludge, and big ups to Ms. Gardner!

So much win. This play's a charmer — An inventive, fun comedy. Burdick explores the complex world of modern dating and the layers of tech-driven trickiness. Lovely set-up, explored so engagingly. Lots of chemistry between these characters.

An exquisite window into a memorable moment — The Women's March is over, so what now? Writer Jagernauth explores the gradations and subtleties within a burgeoning resistance movement — With a rhythm and staging that feel both elemental and refined. Set in a pottery studio — How cool is that? — Working the slabs of clay is such a resonant image in contrast to our tech-driven world. This short play packs a punch.