Recommended by Dave Osmundsen

I saw this read at the Midwest Dramatists Conference. Such a lovely, intimate moment between two twins, one of whom is dying of cancer. Webb crafts affecting dialogue and a real relationship between these two characters. The final moments are heartbreaking. Check this out!

I saw this read at the Midwest Dramatists Conference. SUCH a creative use of masks to satirize the frustration of searching for a job, this play is a great exploration of how the masks we put on in our daily lives affect how we’re perceived. Check it out!

Saw this read at the Midwest Dramatists Conference, This play is hilarious and compelling. Carter takes various fantasy/video game tropes and turns them on their head, making them fresh and funny. This would be an incredibly fun to stage and act! Perfect for young audiences.

An incredible play that starts as a warm, funny story of four generations of women that draws the audience in, takes a sharp left turn, and indicts the audience. The dystopian elements are both subtle and disturbing. And it all feels so real and accessible, which makes it even darker. Check this play out!

A need and a jock meet, connect, and very possibly fall in love. This is such a compelling, yet tender piece bursting to the brim with subtext. I was rooting for these two young men to get together for the whole play, and Larry Rinkel paces their meeting so beautifully. I love it!

WOW! Rich, vivid, elliptical language that is by turns funny, witty, and devastating. Also a powerful look at what we don't see behind the lives of legendary historical figures. Carnes allows the audience/reader to piece together what's going on until in finally comes together in one disturbing crash, creating a brief play that has a large impact. HIGHLY recommend this play!

A simple, yet complex poem of a play about how the stories we tell evolve and change and deepen and darken as we age. Quietly devastating, BLUE plays fast and loose with time and language, making for a wonderfully theatrical experience.

An elliptical, fractured, cleverly structured and powerful exploration of one woman's lifelong struggle with weight, body image, and self-esteem. Dwyer writes poetic dialogue with stinging subtext. Her monologues in particular ache and scream with life and longing. The supporting characters are complex and well-drawn with a few simple strokes--I found the protagonist's relationship with her sister especially poignant. Although this is an often brutal and disturbing story of how trauma can be present throughout ones life, it's ultimately an uplifting play about self-acceptance. Check this one out!

I was fortunate enough to see the world premiere of this play at Premiere Stages. What a compelling, thrilling, and beautiful play about two sisters who went on different paths in life coming to terms with their mutual grief at the loss of their this sister. Tammy Ryan writes with a great ear for dialogue, a compassionate eye for character, and a strong feel for the theatrical (especially in the second act). Produce this play!!!

I’ve read this script and seen it performed. Seidel consistently writes believable, complex characters, and this script is no exception. The jam session between Ryan and Danny is one of the most enlivening and theatrical scenes I’ve seen in modern theatre. Check it out!