Recommended by Steven G. Martin

Pointedly fun satire about education, the government, and what it means to parent and to be a kid. Terrific premise that may be closer to reality than I care to imagine. Well-deserving of its multiple productions to date.

Hooray to Carnes for poking fun not at kindness and sentiment, but at people instead. That makes all the difference.

From its title and setting to its characters and actions, "Large-Hearted Giving" is pure, acid-tongue-in-cheek social satire. Carnes knows people are capable of generosity, kindness and selflessness but good grief we are a shallow, vacant lot. This minute-long play is terrific for the holiday season.

Saari shows the importance of connecting with people who can understand what you're experiencing. Realistic situation, characters and dialogue -- including some comic ones -- shine in this one-act play.

Malakhow has written a terrific history play that -- like all good history plays -- focuses on people impacted by their settings rather than a specific event.

Yes, the audience learns more about Dr. Evelyn Hooker's studies and that's important, but it's the interaction between David and Chuck -- and David's ever so slight adjustment -- that will engage audiences. Wonderfully well-written, character-based drama.

A short play that deserves to be called a romantic comedy -- there's plenty of comedy and romance (and baseball!) packed into 10 minutes of stage time.

It's the details that lift this feel-good play: Higbee knows baseball, knows passionate fandom, knows the Minnesota Twins ... which makes Sally that much more interesting & real.

The situation Guyton creates in this short comedy is funny enough, but the banter and the visuals raise this farce to even greater, giddier heights. Audiences and actors alike will love "Dracula Gets Gingivitis."

Audiences will feel so many emotions during "The Ride," much like its protagonist Carol. Diana Burbano is so skilled at providing specific, personal details for Carol -- her memories about friendship, loss, and love -- that we see her as a person and we relate to her. It's such a well-written monologue, and it should be produced far and wide.

It would be a treat to watch this short play for young audiences. There are great opportunities for physical action, visual design and sound design. The characters have clear voices and choices, making them even more interesting for actors.

The story also would greatly interest its target audience, as it could be seen as an adventure, an environmentally conscious tale, and more. It could be a real conversation starter.

Jolly shows that the road to jail is lined with good intentions, laugh-out-loud dialogue, and a scenario that just gets more mortifying -- for the characters -- by the moment.

"Next Year, Cancun" also has a strong structure and very focused characters that a director and actors would love to bring to the stage.

Corbin nicely uses action to define the conflict and resolution in this short romantic comedy. An audience would find it very satisfying to watch.