Recommended by Lindsay Partain

I was so thrilled to hear "Attention Must Be Paid" at the 2020 MATC. This play brings so much magic to the institutionalized skeletons lurking in this historical couple's closet. Tatelman brings this comet of a piece to life with her use of photographic language that dances easily between Inge and Arthur as they recount their experiences with parenthood, regret, and, for me--asks the ultimate question of whether art and life are only attainable at the expense of others.

I had the honor of seeing this piece at 2020's MATC. Greg Romero paints a stunning picture of what it means to feel absolutely isolated in a moment of intense pain. This vast and unforgiving wilderness around Daphne splits apart alongside her--just as soon as the trauma sets in and the spirit breaks, so does the ice. The language of body and pain weave seamlessly in and around each other, creating an (unfortunately) universal understanding of violation. A heart breaking piece about communication, pain, and power.

It feels very appropriate to say that the language in this piece is truly divine. Careful words, beautiful pros, and all of them to be completely lost. Tragic and lovely, Steve Martin casts a strong line from his actress to his audience and doesn't let it go, even when the words begin to fall. "Recognition" would be an absolute dream to see onstage.

A familiar set-up that leads to an oh-so-very whimsical finish. In 2 pages Steven Hayet will take you from awkward school dance, to cringe-worthy rejection, to absolute giggles. A delightful piece suitable for all ages and every 1-minute festival.

In a time of fake-news and instant gratification, this “yummy” 2-minute play serves up some righteous commentary on the dangerous lack of attention and action to what is currently lighting our world on fire. What would you do with your last 2 minutes on Earth? I’ll answer for you: read this play!

I've been this girl. I've known this girl. Dinosaur is such a sweet, relateable, and funny take on anxiety and how it can take hold of us-- even when it may seem absolutely ridiculous to the rest of the world. A great story about friendship and overcoming the hard times when leaving the house just doesn't seem possible.

I read this play with my mouth open— that feeling of how “unbelievably-believable” it all is sinking in the farther I read. “Toilet Paper” is a provocative, funny, and strong piece with great opportunities for movement and acrobatics. Now what are you doing that’s so important you can’t call your mother?

A truly unique and gorgeous piece that will leave you in a tailspin of emotions. Poetic, thoughtful, and heartbreaking-- this was definitely one of my favorites from this year's MDC and would be such a joy to work on.

Such an effective way to talk about pollution, about gentrification, about community. But don't let me fool you into thinking that this play is too serious. Adams is a master craftsmen and has stitched together all of these big picture ideas with family, tenderness and humor. Above all else, this play makes the hard conversations accessible-- Lindsay does a wonderful job of making sure no one in her audience feels like a fish out of water.

This play is hysterical! A simple set-up that gets more and more twisted the farther you get in, with an ending that is so very well-earned. Well done!