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Rachael Carnes

Recommended by Rachael Carnes

  • MAKERS by Tanuja Devi Jagernauth
    2 Jan. 2018
    “ 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. ”
  • TUESDAYS IN THE PARK WITH RIVER APPLE, an all-female comedy about trying to do it all, with kids by CJ Ehrlich
    31 Dec. 2017
    “ Oh ho! These women! Took me right back to the cutthroat playground days as a new, bewildered out-of-town mom in the city! Ehrlich's language crackles with jokes that just keep coming. A rewarding little universe here — Full of fun for any group of actors. Packed with commentary and truisms. Love a play written for all women! ”
  • THE LAST DATE by Emma Goldman-Sherman
    29 Dec. 2017
    “ Clever set-up and balanced, taut dialogue — Defies what we think is happening so artfully. Plays with "Theater" in a way that connects emotionally, in a relatable, compelling way. Writer Goldman-Sherman takes us on a journey — To say too much would reveal and spoil it. Confident cadences and rhythm, universal themes. Goldman-Sherman says she could imagine this being performed in a real restaurant, and that would be incredible. Maybe 6-8 more dynamic short plays like this + a restaurant = An evening? This writer could do it! ”
  • Transfiguration by Jordan Elizabeth Henry
    28 Dec. 2017
    “ This is a remarkable work. Writer Henry bathes raw, visceral moments in a questioning, haunting light — That seems to fly in from all directions. The pressured speech, internal fuse, grandiosity and their inevitable converse — is both beautiful and tragic to witness. Henry's thematic exploration - water, ice, a treehouse - is accessible, elegant and a punch to the gut. 'Paradoxysm' offers a measured way-finding blueprint for a creative team - and audience - to take a powerful proximal journey into the heart of a family's emotional marathon. Creative, bone-shaking, honest. Damn. Someone should produce this play. ”
  • ACCOMMODATION by Greg Burdick
    27 Dec. 2017
    “ My day job finds me in company with teachers all the time. I know these characters. 'Accommodation' is a telling portrait of the suspense and emotion plot that classroom teachers follow — From the wide-eyed newbies to the burnt-out master-teachers — this world is too, too real. Burdick paints the school confines with edu-frustration and plasters it over with admin-spirational "Hang in There" kitten posters. And somewhere within this charging dialogue - like Glengarry Glenn Ross in a staff room - they care for kids' development? Big ups for the protagonist - whip smart, jaded, she's OVER it. She's transcendent. ”
  • The Great Steven Stravinsky by Sharai Bohannon
    26 Dec. 2017
    “ Delightful, charged with energy and action. So refreshing to see and hear roles for children that carry weight and substance while still slinging zingers! Good guffaws throughout as tempers and tensions rise. This play works on many levels and would be a great showcase for young talent. And Bohannon does NOT disappoint the Potter fans!!! Where's my cape?? ”
  • Once Upon a Line by Sharai Bohannon
    24 Dec. 2017
    “ Awesome! This play encapsulates the crux of the Potterhead Paradox: Foregoing my cape and wand as a step towards adulthood? Fa! Bohannon's crackling dialogue and cinematic action had me chortling from the landing page! She sends up popular fiction and finds a relevant, timeless subject to explore underneath. Funny, irreverent and sharp - and plenty for any Potter fan. (And who isn't??) ”
  • JOCELYN: A CHRISTMAS MONOLOGUE by Asher Wyndham
    24 Dec. 2017
    “ Lovely and aching - This monologue shoots an arrow through your heart. Wyndham uses place and places so effectively, finding this generous mom, who has nothing but her daughter, together/alone on a cold Minneapolis Christmas Eve. The writing has depth and recessed emotion that bring the conversation to a universal plane. The perfect vehicle for an actor to show her sensitivity and range. ”
  • ATTACK OF THE KILLER GARAGE by MADELINE DALY PUCCIONI
    18 Dec. 2017
    “ This play's stacked with rewarding inventory built between two characters on the edge of big change — It's bittersweet, but buoyant — With tremendous believability. Writer Puccioni's language rhythm, her phrasing and clipped pace, bring out the subtleties of this broken moment — That we somehow know this lovable couple will survive. LOVE that this short piece is for performers in their 70's! It's timely and relatable and so producible — I can totally see it. ”
  • BARSHA BADAL: A MONOLOGUE by Asher Wyndham
    16 Dec. 2017
    “ This play's structure, pacing and voice dynamics create a compelling, prismatic world - where a change agent takes on myth and momentum with dignity and grace. Wyndham's language builds momentum throughout in its honest conflict - this woman feels familiar and her story all too relevant. Do we live in America - the "Dream" - or the nightmare? With human connection and a kind of writerly ease, Wyndham asks the hardest questions. Any actor would find so much to work with here! It's big, lush and cuts to the bone. ”

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