Recommended by Dave Osmundsen

This is a relentlessly dark piece, and certainly not for the faint of heart. But DC Cathro has cleverly constructed this play almost like a mystery. You can't help but slowly lean into it as the story progresses. There are also a few neat, expected twists along the way. It also discusses the rape of a gay man, which is a topic we need to discuss more. Very powerful piece!

It's rare to see absurdism done well, but Bultrowicz manages to pull it off hilariously here. A Kafka-ian "Waiting for Godot," this ten-minute play follows Charlie and Ray, two people who are mysteriously turned into cockroaches. They grapple for power in a senseless situation. They try to apply real-life rules to an absurd situation. They realize that the normal rules don't apply anymore and resign themselves to their uncertain fate. Whip-smart, clever and funny, "Captain Cockroach" is perfect for 10-minute play festivals, particularly those that emphasize comedy.

I both enjoyed and related deeply (sometimes TOO deeply) to this touching coming-of-age story. In just twenty pages, this play covers adolescent awkwardness, sexual awakening, first crush, coming out, and growing up. And it's all executed in such a breezy, light manner that you can't help but go along for the ride. The final moments were also incredibly touching. I love this play!

I listened to this fascinating and thought-provoking play on the Parsnip Ship. I’m extremely intrigued by the world that Greg Lam has so carefully and cleverly constructed here. I also love the ethical questions and quandaries that Lam proposes with this play: Can science go too far in its attempts to improve humanity? Or are we humans responsible by turning to science to erase our flaws? Check this one out!

I caught this play when it streamed on Playbill's Pride Plays and loved it! Such a poignant, compelling, hilarious, and heartbreaking exploration of how its FTM protagonist, Max, defines his gender and how he expresses it. It also explores how he operates in the world based on what is true to himself, and what the world expects of him. Intelligent dialogue and a brilliant cast of supporting characters makes this play a must-produce!

I listened to this play on the Parsnip Ship podcast. A lovingly crafted, compelling, and heartfelt piece that, on one level, explores the intersections of race and class. On a deeper level, this play is a moving exploration of ancestry, family, and how we have to confront the darker parts of ourselves in order to accept, and gain acceptance of, the ones we love. The conclusion is moving and touching.

A very sweet, light-hearted, and funny piece that captures the anxiety of waiting for a loved one you have't seen in over a year, and the relief when they finally arrive.

A very sweet, charming, poignant, and funny play about two characters navigating the rocky terrain of love, sex, emotion, guilt, desire, and what they ultimately want out of a relationship. Marshall and Rowdy are two characters with palpable chemistry--you find yourself rooting for them to find some sort of compromise to stay together, which keeps you on the edge of your seat. A light, yet substantial piece for two actors to really dig into.

An intimate, brief play that says so much about what we give to others who can't give as much to us back, whether that be due to reticence or simply not feeling the same way. Weaver visualizes how we leave marks on each other's hearts beautifully, and the simplicity of the language allows for plenty of subtext for the actors to explore. I love this play!

Immediately, I fell for the bold, funny, and theatrical voice on display in this piece. Park Ranger and Opposum have a deeply felt and genuine friendship-- you find yourself caring about them when things take a turn for the worst. The play also challenges its audience to think about their complicity in the destruction of the world around them. However, the play also acknowledges a harsh truth: That action is difficult, and sometimes humans fail. Despite this brutal honesty, the play ends on a hopeful note. Definitely check this one out!