Recommended by Steven G. Martin

A terrific comic fable that will delight audiences and make them ponder if human history is led by free will, fate, or a group of kittens from Norse mythology. Inspired silliness from Melissa Schmitz!

As funny as some of its moments are, and the pantomime is quite funny, "Don't Touch the Carrot Cake" is pretty dark. Cruelty and humiliation are both free flowing in Emily McClain's short, satirical play. But there also is a fitting, sweet comeuppance that audiences will love.

This is terrific maximalist theatre. Blevins has incorporated mythology, amphibian biology, the Christian nativity story, and a sinking feeling humans are not long for this world with lots of action, lots of visuals, a blend of genres, and the worst Christmas song ever.

"TOADS!!! (an amphibious nativity play)" is literally unforgettable.

Heinrich Lyle's short comedy is ridiculous in the best sense of the word. The setting is sublime and the duo of Barney and Lou are marvelous: They are clowns with delusions of grandeur and a logic that is malleable and cringeworthy, changing moment by moment. I'm rooting for them -- good storytelling can come from anywhere, and I think both need a win in their lives -- but I'd love for them to take a writing class. "Plot Point" is VERY funny stuff.

This is a sharp, painful critique. An audience will be speechless after this monologue/PSA.

Avery Arnold beautifully dramatizes the moment when Kathy -- a mother whose grief is filled with questions, guilt, and rage -- decides to change her life and "do better." The dialogue is emotional and allows an audience to intuit the history, and the ending action is so satisfying. I'd love to see "Green Bean Casseroles" performed.

There is something to be said about the stress of maintaining traditions during Christmas, and Adam Richter says it with humor here. The visuals of the characters alone -- the disembodied head of a Little Drummer Boy ornament and a self-centered cat -- will get audience laughing. Throw in a pair of humans whose opinions about work and effort seem a bit skewed, and you've got a crowd-pleasing comedy.

Ruben Carbajal has created a beautiful example of unwavering love, care, and support in the midst of difficult circumstances. It is done with the most subtle of touches; nothing explicit is said in the dialogue about these characters' history, but audiences will intuit it.

This short holiday comedy in two scenes moves from sweet and innocent to something a bit more adult that'll leave audience members blushing. It's funny all the way because of Christopher Soucy's skill. Costumers will especially enjoy designing this play.

A clever "What If?" scenario, placing the iconic Three Wise Men into modern conflicts. This fun play is even funnier for playwrights who recognize the scenario and will nod in appreciation.