Recommended by Steven G. Martin

Hilton examines darker emotions in this collection of eight plays. He shows characters filled with regret, loss, and fear. There are missed opportunities for connection; moments of cowardice, selfishness, and self-loathing; and even brief terror in the midst of tedium. Hilton's plays range from apocalyptic science fiction to relationship dramas, and even a pantomime of veiled desire.

"The Salt Gatherer and other one-page plays" is varied, highly theatrical, easily produced, and filled with terrific characters.

Professor Doominus, a mad scientist, has lost his touch. Thank goodness for evil henchmen and the power of compromise. Audiences will laugh out loud at McGough's comic play, and actors will relish playing the bold, dramatic characters.

Jacobs knows we take on several roles. In the case of "Why are you here?" the roles are of daughter, girlfriend, and best friend. But despite the roles and the people in our lives, we need to take care of ourselves for us, not anyone else.

Speckman captures the energy of a nervous person waiting for the big moment. It's so effective, an audience will hold its collective breath. Fortunately, after the build-up of tension and the grating of nerves, Speckman allows everyone to exhale with an underplayed moment.

Everything is up for grabs and nothing is sacred in Stubbles' fantastical farce. Marvelously crass, filthy, and downright shocking.

Shawna and Kellie Lynn -- two poor, rural American women -- mostly know what their lives are all about. They also know there's no escape, as even the slightest hopes for something interesting or exceptional are taken away from them with brutal truth. And that's when the mediocrity of nice people -- not good, not caring, just nice -- arrives and does nothing to help.

"Kavanaugh" is a magnificent combination of theatricality, reportage, anger, and regret. Koppen isn't asking "What if?" but contemplating "If only."

Sit down, pay attention, and be quiet! Weber introduces you to a school assembly unlike any you've ever attended. "Assembly" has a large cast of ridiculous characters, all of whom make their mark on the action. There's audience involvement, which adds to the fun chaos. And while the tone is silly, there are more than a few sinister undercurrents.

Szymkowicz had created a living hell for grief-stricken Orville filled with people living their own hells, and the audience is invited to witness things far too intimate and personal for far too long a time. Very dark, very unnerving, and written very well.

"Family by Numbers" tells an emotional story using presentational dialogue and action. Rose compresses decades into mere minutes, moving at breakneck speed. She also provides enough detail for audiences and actors to understand characters' emotions. This play is direct, spare, and unflinching.