Recommended by Steven G. Martin

DC Cathro dramatizes what the world is feeling during these times of isolation, fear and anger. Cathro does more more than just document despair, however. I love that this short play focuses on connections, on people helping people.

"Ice Cream in Winter" has characters who feel rich, intense, varied emotions in a short amount of time. It features realistic dialogue that actors will be able to dive into and explore. And I love Cathro's use of action to highlight character and story, especially at the end.

I enjoyed not knowing where Philip Middleton Williams would end this short comic play. It felt the arguments of Creator v. Beholder was fairly balanced throughout -- including some poor arguments on both side. Then, the ending hit hard.

This is a quite funny and insightful play about what art means to different people. I enjoyed it very much.

The dramatic irony of this short, faith-based comedy is marvelous and will satisfy a lot of audience members.

My favorite part, though, is the heartwarming and pleasing ending. It's a nice dollop of positivity on a play that genuinely had me concerned about Father Joe Branham's fate.

Razor-blade sharp and satiric horror. Horrifying. Unforgettable. Persephone Hudson's short play is an assault on the audience's senses but even more on the inhumane methods to destroy others.

The story and action of "Snap Beans" are simple. The theme, the theatricality are not.

I love that Mackenzie Raine Kirkman has created only two characters in this one-minute play, but has clearly provided a third perspective, an objective voice to comment about what clearly is a bittersweet memory.

As previous recommendations have stated, Monica Cross has done well to build the world of "The Warship Waterloo." But I find it even more impressive that she has absolutely nailed a universal truth in this 1-minute sci-fi comedy: Booze will make anyone think twice.

Fun and funny, easily produced on stage or in a virtual performance as with the Whiskey Theatre Factory's 1-minute play competition, where it debuted in 2022.

This is a funny, bawdy, cheeky, yet ultimately touching story about a young Greek god who learns his place in the world and respect for others.

Kudos to Duncan Pflaster for creating a play built on classic structure and then drapes it with moments of silliness, sexuality, and even some tears.

I enjoyed a virtual reading of "Nothing But Thunder" by Wine Box Players in February 2022.

I completely agree with previous recommendations for this short, political comedy: The ending is impactful and will make people think.

"Just the Same as You and Me" ends at the right moment, showing that it's not enough to notice and problem and speak out. A person can't foist responsibility onto others to solve it, he or she must be willing to act to create a solution.

Katherine Varga uses nostalgia to bring people into this short drama then pinches them in the arm to (perhaps) wake them up. Wonderful for an evening of short plays, especially political ones.

I wish I had written this short experimental drama.

Emma Goldman-Sherman has created a play that is very precise with its aural and visual stimuli. But the story, the theme as told through the actors' responses to those stimuli are open to interpretation: the actors', the director's and the audiences. But everything -- title included -- is essential to shape the understanding.

As Goldman-Sherman writes in the synopsis, "It's probably different every time for every person involved." And I find that exciting and humane and vibrant with possibilities. I'd love to see "Mortals" directed and acted in earnest.

Elisabeth Giffin Speckman's "Holmes Jr. High (A Play for Young Actors)" is perfect for a school production. This large-cast play has many substantial roles, so several actors can join the fun.

It's also tonally terrific -- there's a nod and a wink to all manners of detective stories from Doyle's Sherlock Holmes through Christie's Miss Marple to Keene's Nancy Drew. Speckman clearly appreciates all of them. Additionally, there's a genuine mystery to be solved. There are clues, red herrings and the detective speech that wraps up everything.

"Holmes Jr. High (A Play for Young Actors)" is very appealing.