Recommended by Dave Osmundsen

Can a machine compete with human creativity? In this elegantly constructed play, Matthew Libby asks challenging questions such as this while offering complex, engaging characters. Despite the presence of technology, this is a very human story about the the human emotions that run through the art we create, whether a machine can truly replicate those. The play also explores strained friendships, the cutthroat "publish-or-perish" world of academia, and the jealousies that simmer under relationships both personal and professional. Intelligent, entertaining, and surprisingly moving, "The Machine" is an intriguing and wonderful play.

A delightful miniature of a play, and a brilliantly hilarious take on the Fairy Godmother/Cinderella dynamic!

A twisty (and twisted) dark comedy involving some very twisty (and twisted) characters. With breezy dialogue and a twisty (and twisted) plotline, DeVita has crafted a cool satire about the darkness that underlies what we choose to post on our social media pages.

A gorgeous, magical, and vividly drawn script! Each of the interconnected vignettes in this play have a mysterious element of magic to them that is both beyond explanation and gorgeously theatrical. Yockey builds his own world by combining mythology, magic realism, and the often painful, complicated search for love and connection that we all face as humans. This brilliant play that may not provide clear-cut answers, but like the best of art, asks difficult questions about the nature of love and explores a wide range complex emotions. READ THIS PLAY!!!

Sigh. This play reflects what is no doubt becoming a common conversation in our country between those who don't take the pandemic seriously, and others who take it very seriously. Seidel brilliantly reflects this with his trademark wit and humor, a very lightfooted take on a serious topic.

This poor guy! He wants love so badly, but his self-consciousness and poor self-esteem get the better of him. With this monologue, Wyndham highlights an aspect of the LGBTQ+ experience we see less than we should: That of the older generation who are still trying to find love and emotional connection in a community that places the highest value on appearances. Wyndham executes this with his trademark wit and humanity, creating a fully human and sympathetic character.

Sophisticated, wisecracking dialogue and a compelling dynamic between two strong characters make "Page Count" a thoroughly compelling and enjoyable play. What initially starts as a mismatched buddy comedy gradually becomes a poignant exploration of friendship, creative collaboration, and how the movies can both hurt and heal us. The fact that both Ben and Joe are incredibly well-developed and complex characters makes this play easy for actors to sink their teeth into.

An arresting and theatrical examination of the Bronte siblings. While the Bronte mythos is literary legend, Stephen Kaplan manages to make the Brontes seem like real people rather than stodgy historical figures. There is a complex and desperate humanity to them, especially Branwell, who wants to be on the same level with his sisters but knows that he will never reach their level. With characters such as these, this is an incredibly actor-friendly script, Emily's character-shifting monologue being a highlight. I can imagine sound and lighting designers having fun on this play, too. Bravo!

I listened to this play on the Parsnip Ship podcast and fell in love with it. In addition to writing truthful, poignant, and uproariously funny dialogue, Diaz-Marcano crafts flesh and blood characters with hopes, dreams, fears, and contradictions. While it takes many notes from the traditional "kitchen sink" drama, "World Classic" stands on its own as a specific and universal story of one family struggling with their past and their future. PLEASE produce this play!

It's so nice to read about gay/queer men who are actually accepting of other gay men regardless of their body types. Kevin King has written a piece that encourages acceptance, generosity, and self-confidence, which is sadly rare in the annals of LGBTQ+ theatre.