Recommended by Steven G. Martin

Kirk Shimano builds tension for characters and audience in this romantic comedy. As I read, I became frustrated with the characters and wanted them to break through, and they didn't ... and they didn't ... until they did. And it was satisfying. Then the romantic part caught up with the comedic. Lovely.

Obsession, competition, compulsion, and artists. And questions about appreciating art. Heesun Hwang's "A Peach Grows in Philadelphia" would be visually stunning to produce, and there are some great tantrums and tirades for actors. This is a funny and pointed short comedy.

I love how David Hansen layers so many feelings into just a couple pages of text. There's earnest gratitude, sardonic wit, and even a stage direction of pure, concentrated dramatic irony. "Writer" is an enjoyable read.

Loopy comic characters and a bit of philosophic punch stand out in this play.

Reading "A Harmony of Both," I enjoyed the zany, off-the-wall flimflam Stan uses to soothe Emily's anger -- it was a comically disorienting dialogue that had the same effect on me as it did on Emily herself.

But what I truly loved about this short comedy is that Terence Patrick Hughes' plot takes the idea of influence and engagement even further.

Two of the most influential figures of 20th century America meet in Michael Moss's one-act play. Both men possess greatness, and it's eye-opening to think just how famous -- and infamous -- they will grow to become after their conversation. Fine historical and biographical drama.

Wait a minute, did I read/hear/see what I thought I just read/heard/saw? I re-read several parts of this play multiple times in awe because ... did Steven Hayet just go there? And again?

Hayet's short comedy "The Pineapple Line" is gasp-worthy, laugh-worthy, and binge-worthy. And it isn't just one-note. Everything in this play lends to the twisted humor: characters wear blinders to their own foibles, plotting and tempo accelerate, and visuals provide the comic punch line. Bravo!

Busser builds an apocalyptic world in just a few moments in "Guardian," but is also able to provide the most intimate view of the horrors, pain, and anxiety during that same span of time.

"Guardian" is tense, upsetting, and unforgettable.

What I love most about "Hey," Vince Gatton's coming-of-age short comedy -- and there is a LOT to love -- is that, at its core, it's about a mother who loves her son. Cheryl ultimately knows Wade will not be like most boys, and she supports him and his interests entirely. Cheryl may be a practical, direct, blue-collar mom, but she may know more about Wade than Wade may know about himself.

I also love that "Hey" takes place in a rural setting, eastern Kentucky. We need more of these stories.

"Pep Talk" is so funny, so winning. Lauren's combination of insecurity, horniness, over-analysis, and enthusiasm made me root for her throughout this monologue. A wonderful character piece.

Heart-rending drama. "40 Questions" is like pulling your heart out of your chest and laying it bare on the table.

I watched a video of Miranda Jonte of Back Porch Theatre performing "40 Questions." She performed in two ways, both equally pulling emotions from me showing just how much an actor can make a play sing in any number of ways.