Recommended by Steven G. Martin

If "Animal Kingdom" is an unproducible play -- with its emotional core, its imaginative 'what if?' scenario, its gargantuan scope, and its soothing condolences to those in need -- then I don't want to read plays that are.

Thank you, Matthew Weaver, showing that we're interconnected especially during those times when grief could lead us to feel that we aren't.

This one-minute satire is sharp and efficient, noting how contemporary interpersonal communication seems to have grounded to a halt. It's also very theatrical with its use of action mixed with sounds/silence. A good director would love "Lunch."

What I additionally enjoy is that Mariel Eve Berlin-Fischler isn't placing the entire fault on technology. Sometimes you've got to ask what kind of a friend would place a higher level of importance of secondhand communication over face-to-face reality. It's Texter's actions that drown out Friend's conversation, and I love that.

"Lunch" would such a satisfying addition to a 1-minute play festival.

This very funny monologue for a female actor shows that a person could be dating the best person in the universe, but still find flaws in the relationship.

John Minigan enriches that premise with the level of detail Lois provides upon returning to her therapy sessions via Zoom. Minigan knows his stuff and some audiences will pick up on these gems and enjoy the story of "Lois Returns" even more.

Lois runs the gamut of emotions and has her own agenda, which makes her a great character. I enjoyed Back Porch Theater's performance in April 2021 very much.

Brian Scanlan has heightened everything in this murder mystery/dark comedy.

Characters are over-the-top even in the best of circumstances (and circumstances turn bad, fast); the dialogue takes shots at toxic men and bad theatre in quickfire, hold-your-breath-succession; there are dance numbers and red herrings galore to tease an audience's tastes as well.

I watched a virtual reading of "Murder at a Callback: A Batshit Mystery" on April 9, 2021. Every character gets the opportunity to shine, and the audience loved every moment. Scanlan has written a terrific murder mystery/dark comedy.

Modern romantic relationships, murder for hire, sibling squabbles, an obsession for "Frasier," and a Thanksgiving meal are ingredients in this darkly comic one-act play.

The characters and their relationships with one another are so clearly set up by Andres Osorio. Everything in this terrific play is character based -- the conflicts, the comedy, the reversals.

I watched and loved a virtual reading of "Murder Me So Hard" April 9, 2021. The audience and the actors alike were loving every minute. This is high-quality dark comedy.

This short verse play celebrates the female gaze, the female sensation during intense, powerful sex.

Miranda Jonte has written a protagonist who is certain of herself throughout "the broad of your back" -- she celebrates her power and prowess, her passions and pleasures. There is no doubt she is the catalyst behind every action of this monologue; she is where she is by force of will, confidence, and skill.

"the broad of your back" is meant to be watched and heard. Read it now, yes, but also look forward to watching performances of this intense, detailed script.

What I especially love about this 10-minute play is the bonds forming, breaking, and re-forming -- moments that can impact the characters' lives forever -- in the casual environment of a grocery store.

Credit Miranda Jonte for showing all of these bonds, especially when those in the first part of "All in a White Trash Pie" could have easily been referred to rather than shown. We see these developments, we understand how rich they are ... which makes their unraveling all the more powerful.

Brother & sister, lovers, friends ... Jonte knows how people connect and shows that so well.

This warm, big-hearted monologue is a love letter to the process of writing and mailing a letter.

"A Letter is a Smile is a Laugh" is so clearly written by Lucy Wang, who delights and delivers details that resonate emotionally. But Wang doesn't let the richness in details -- handwriting, selecting a stamp -- deter from the central idea.

This is a beautiful monologue and should enjoy a robust, beautifully varied performance history.

An emotionally affecting short play about fears and fatherhood.

Maggie Gallant has beautifully provided subtle details to enrich her short play "Still Baking." Making the protagonists a loving male couple in their late 30s -- which means there may have been other additional difficulties to having their babies; setting the action in the early morning to add an extreme setting; contrasting the protagonists with their costumes; and adding further contrast through the actions of baking versus eating.

Along with being an emotional scene about fears and fatherhood, "Still Baking" is a wonderful snapshot characters in conflict.

A warm-hearted and generous portrayal of people longing during unusual times.

Hayley St. James again showcases their skill at developing character in "The Last Night of January." Audiences who enjoyed "A Godawful Small Affair" and "It's Confusing, These Days" will enjoy seeing how the trio continue to grow and connect and respond and evolve.

I also really enjoyed how St. James uses images of night skies, rooftops, the full moon, and more to support the emotional tone of their play.