Recommended by Steven G. Martin

Bryan Stubbles is fully committed to executing the concepts of his plays, and "Brine Shrimp Gangsters" is another outstanding example.

But this play isn't soulless, rote concept. Its tone is simultaneously silly and dark, it is filled with high-stakes plot points and ridiculously glorious characters. It is funny, it is immersive ("and the audience" is an oft-repeated phrase), it is educational, it is violent. It is like nothing you've seen on stage, and I hope it gains many more productions to its resume.

It would be easy to suggest that people are all vile, cruel, nasty, selfish pieces of meat. Credit Lissa Brennan for showing that some people, at their core, most need artistry, romance, language, wit. "Love's Bright Wings" works hard to steer the audience in one direction, but blossoms beautifully through a tender reveal.

This short play is a tale of not fully recognizing the nuances of life, of the wise protecting the innocent, of saying a lot with just a little.

Vince Gatton never says any of this explicitly, which goes to show his skill and his trust in the audience. The use of subtext also builds the world of "The Oktavist." It's a well-written story.

Christian St. Croix has created a sci-fi/horror/romance one-act that has more than enough sci-fi, horror and romance to satisfy fans of all those genres. But "You've Reached Justin" is incredibly clear in what its main story and emotional arc are for the protagonist Daniel. A director, cast, and designers will know exactly what is needed and where to apply it. To top it off, "You've Reached Justin" has such a deeply satisfying ending that brings together all the conflicts Daniel has faced.

This is a play that will shine in any and all productions it earns. Produce it.

"100000" is unlike anything I've read for a long time. It's a bit mysterious and it feels like a stream of conscience monologue. But Krane provides clues about character and setting in the lines. Add a talented director and actor, and this play becomes even more layered.

Philip Middleton Williams has written a painful, truthful situation for two characters to be played by older actors.

What I love about "A Moment of Clarity" is what isn't said. Clyde and Dan enjoy a moment of time and make the most of it, but they want more than just one -- who wouldn't? And they can't, and they know there may be fewer of them. And that hurts.

This 10-minute play is a clear-eyed, unsentimental view of early American history as lived by three Black women.

All three women of "Partner Of --" have strong points of view, but it's 14-year-old Sally Hemmings' transformation that struck me. Hemmings starts as a wide-eyed child excited about traveling to Paris, but loses her innocence as she becomes aware of what is expected of her during the visit and beyond.

Rachael Carnes' short play more than deserves the many productions it has received. I hope it will continue to be produced even more and across continents.

Funny, cringe-worthy, intelligent, pointed. "Temporal Physiques" will appeal to a wide variety of audiences for a wide variety of reasons.

The structure lends so much to the humor, as the story moves from somber scientific press conference to over-the-top, loud infomercial. And the characters join right in, reveling in the latter. ("THAT'S SCIENCE, BITCHES!") John Busser also includes several visuals that build the world and provide plenty of gags.

And I love the deep-down, pointed take on science: all other benefits be damned ... what matters to people is sex and being sexy.

"Temporal Physiques" hits its targets.

This 1-minute play is sweet, yet also a little sad. It's a fun premise, a sterile, DMV-like waiting room of imaginary friends ready to enter the world, and Dana Hall executes the premise very well. It just left me a little sad, the thought of part of our imagination being ended for any reason.

I look forward to watching a performance of this (for me) bittersweet play during the 17th annual Gi60 US festival in October 2021.

"The Talk" is an excellent example of what makes a 1-minute play a 1-minute play: that time limitation makes Father's reluctance to speak that much more pressurized.