Recommended by Steven G. Martin

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    It begins as a workplace comedy, but this full-length play turns dark, oh so dark. It takes a satirical look at broadcast media as entertainment (the exclamation point in the title is terrific), but the focus is precise. We see the deaths and downfall of a very specific group of people as a cause of selfishness and avarice. And it all feels inevitable.

    It begins as a workplace comedy, but this full-length play turns dark, oh so dark. It takes a satirical look at broadcast media as entertainment (the exclamation point in the title is terrific), but the focus is precise. We see the deaths and downfall of a very specific group of people as a cause of selfishness and avarice. And it all feels inevitable.

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    You've never experienced a story like David Hilder's full-length "What I Heard When I Listened": unique story structure, nontraditional characters, near-poetic perspectives on nature and beauty, insights into wealth and opportunity, and bon mots of architecture theory, Einstein, and red-winged blackbirds. Take your time.

    You've never experienced a story like David Hilder's full-length "What I Heard When I Listened": unique story structure, nontraditional characters, near-poetic perspectives on nature and beauty, insights into wealth and opportunity, and bon mots of architecture theory, Einstein, and red-winged blackbirds. Take your time.

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    This is a terrific character- and genre-driven dark comedy spoof of film noir. It's also a reminder no one should give up their superpowers for anyone.

    This is a terrific character- and genre-driven dark comedy spoof of film noir. It's also a reminder no one should give up their superpowers for anyone.

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    Buoyant. This direct address monologue encourages expression, joy, movement for not only the character but her audience. The vibrancy of the exclamation point in the title is well deserved.

    Buoyant. This direct address monologue encourages expression, joy, movement for not only the character but her audience. The vibrancy of the exclamation point in the title is well deserved.

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    Radiant. Pride, confidence, beauty, and esteem fuel this monologue and it's lovely.

    Radiant. Pride, confidence, beauty, and esteem fuel this monologue and it's lovely.

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    What do we owe ourselves and others especially during times of intense change? Do we look out only for ourselves? Do we stand firm in our beliefs or let them grow lax? John Patrick Bray's "Zone of Interest (or Five Houses Down)" has a central conflict about real estate but is actually about the mysteries of human behavior and interaction. The characters are developed robustly enough that audiences will understand their choices made under duress, even if they may not agree with the choices.

    What do we owe ourselves and others especially during times of intense change? Do we look out only for ourselves? Do we stand firm in our beliefs or let them grow lax? John Patrick Bray's "Zone of Interest (or Five Houses Down)" has a central conflict about real estate but is actually about the mysteries of human behavior and interaction. The characters are developed robustly enough that audiences will understand their choices made under duress, even if they may not agree with the choices.

  • Steven G. Martin: Very Experimental: a play about you by DJ Kaiser
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    "That would be absurd." And that would be the point of DJ Kaiser's brief, table-turning comedy. I especially love that "Very Experimental: a play about you" is going to create some tension between the actors and the audience. Brief and comical tension, but still palpable and interesting to experience.

    "That would be absurd." And that would be the point of DJ Kaiser's brief, table-turning comedy. I especially love that "Very Experimental: a play about you" is going to create some tension between the actors and the audience. Brief and comical tension, but still palpable and interesting to experience.

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  • Steven G. Martin: Esperanto by Brian Silberman
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    There's comfort in Silberman's short play: Knowing that Giant Pandas think about and are concerned for the people who visit, knowing there's language that unites rather than divides, knowing there's connection that allows us to realize commonalities and overlook differences. There's a comfort moving from Po's restless pacing to Tian Tian's calm stillness. And the stage directions are lovely. This is a soothing play, more thought than action. More resolution than conflict.

    There's comfort in Silberman's short play: Knowing that Giant Pandas think about and are concerned for the people who visit, knowing there's language that unites rather than divides, knowing there's connection that allows us to realize commonalities and overlook differences. There's a comfort moving from Po's restless pacing to Tian Tian's calm stillness. And the stage directions are lovely. This is a soothing play, more thought than action. More resolution than conflict.

    ”
  • Steven G. Martin: Squisher's Atonement by Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn
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    The afterlife in Floyd-Priskorn's "Squisher's Atonement" is a little scary, a lot comforting, and ironically jaw-dropping all in 10 minutes. Ultimately a feel-good story for our hero Margie, but with enough twists and reveals to keep an audience on edge. I'm glad this short play has a robust production history and I want it to grow.

    The afterlife in Floyd-Priskorn's "Squisher's Atonement" is a little scary, a lot comforting, and ironically jaw-dropping all in 10 minutes. Ultimately a feel-good story for our hero Margie, but with enough twists and reveals to keep an audience on edge. I'm glad this short play has a robust production history and I want it to grow.

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  • Steven G. Martin: Tails (A One-Minute Play) by DC Cathro
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    Yes, this is a life-changing moment for Ronnie and Jo but what's telling to me is the method to deliver the message; it reveals character beautifully. I imagine Ronnie has a gleam in their eye, a grin on their face, and a "Gotcha" as the line after this play ends. And Jo's response speaks volumes about them. "Tails" is funny, sassy, and romantic.

    Yes, this is a life-changing moment for Ronnie and Jo but what's telling to me is the method to deliver the message; it reveals character beautifully. I imagine Ronnie has a gleam in their eye, a grin on their face, and a "Gotcha" as the line after this play ends. And Jo's response speaks volumes about them. "Tails" is funny, sassy, and romantic.

    ”