Recommended by Steven G. Martin

When we try to live in the present, how much of our past do we discard? Brava to Rachel Bublitz for ratcheting up the tension and theatricality in an unexpected manner. Three wonderful roles for three generations of women actors.

Thurkettle shows that even distinct, diverse characters have commonalities, which could enrich our lives ... if only we would take a moment to listen.

Hayet tweaks the fairy-tale concept of living happily ever after in "Everlasting Chocolate Therapy." Bo and Chuck live a bittersweet reality, but Hayet gives them hope, that even they can try to change their lives.

Through contrast of dialogue and action, Emily Hageman creates two memorable young characters meeting under circumstances that an audience will recognize but neither of them understands.

"Blank Gay Profile" puts its hero through the ringer: self-disgust, self-deprecation, drunken disillusionment, and an (almost) mid-life crisis-like questioning of life achievements and choices. This is a funny, brutal, exhausting play.

Among the strengths of Bavoso's #AREASONABLEAMOUNTOFCAPS is its specificity. The time and location of this play are absolutely integral to understanding the characters and action.

Bublitz shows how a word or two, an action or two, can raise a person and her self-esteem or, in this case, deflate them. A wonderful short play.

What's an international super-spy to do when her arch-enemy has turned her into a child? Radtke's "Barcelona" combines strong characters, funny dialogue and more than a bit of physical humor and action. Plus, an ending line that summarizes the events perfectly.

Neil Radtke pulls out all the theatrical stops in this short play, starting with silly accents and a parody of crime investigation dramas. He piles on ridiculous -- yet biting -- expository monologues, meta-theater recognition and self-deprecating humor, then continues to build and expand the comedy until it reaches a climax that parodies shocking twist endings in modern entertainment ... and the audience is completely in on the fun from the first line. A comic gem.

A deft, dark exploration of personal power struggles and one-upmanship.