Recommended by Steven G. Martin

This short drama deftly flows from comedic banter to serious discussion about intimate relationships, the impact of aging on self-esteem, and how those who love us see us for our best qualities.

Maximillian Gill beautifully decorates "Cold Dead Heart" with humorous action and dialogue thanks to making one of the protagonists supernatural. But at its core, this short play has serious subject matter: what it means to love, to fear about losing love, to not know what will happen when we age. Meaningful and moving.

I enjoyed a virtual reading of "Cold Dead Heart" by Back Porch Theater on Facebook.

This short play is a gallon of scalding black coffee poured down the throat -- very strong messages that will jolt a person, not sweetened to suit everyone's tastes, and oh so unforgettable.

Quinn D. Eli raises surrealism and farce to sharp political heights in "Scraps." The tension is high throughout not only because of the initial conflict -- wanting to order food over the phone -- but also because Eli has a lot to say about the racial politics of plays, theatre, and the vicious cycle that begins when a person settles for scraps.

Unforgettable.

This 10-minute drama juxtaposes youthful Romantic optimism and exuberance with the wisdom of experience, pragmatism and cultural history. All against the backdrop of America's determination not to accept Black people, Muslim people or their sacrifice.

Donnetta Lavinia Grays has written about wanting to love America despite messages that it won't love you back. Intergenerational black actors will shine in "On Break at L.L. Bean," a play that ends with an impasse of respect and sadness as the two men believe what they believe.

Grays includes a list of references, highlighting Somali history and the impact of refugees in Maine.

A funny premise that just becomes more ridiculous and laugh inducing the longer it goes -- and it goes on to the final line.

Almost all of Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos' short comic plays weave in and out of silly situations and actions that make audiences roll in the aisle with laughter. In "Two Yards of Satan," she gifts actors and directors with wordplay, lots of door-slamming action, over-the-top characterizations, and some delicious insight. She also gifts designers with fun opportunities, especially costumes and sound.

"Two Yards of Satan" is a fun farce that would be a joy to produce.

Economically, emotionally, this one-minute play provides a backstory to a couple's relationship and shows us its present, if doomed, status.

Neil Radtke's "Moments Away" has plenty of tension, but also gentle emotion. The juxtaposition is bittersweet, theatrical, and memorable. Actors, directors, and designers -- especially sound designers -- will enjoy bringing it to life for audiences.

Absolute fun with a ton of action, audience interaction, comedy, and mythology.

My heart broke reading "Baby Black Jesus - Play Four" because Darryl's and Richard's hearts break during this 10-minute play.

Vincent Terrell Durham knows his characters completely, encouraging them to be their best. Whereas Darryl felt like the protagonist in plays 1 and 3 of "Baby Black Jesus," in this volume I saw how much Richard was struggling as a LGBTQIA personal of color whose church means the world to him. I understand him better, his beliefs and actions at the end.

Durham's "Baby Black Jesus" plays would be an emotional and layered evening of theatre when produced all together.

"It matters." Richard and Darryl's story from "Baby Black Jesus - Play One" continues in this 10-minute comic drama.

When Darryl puts his foot down, comic complications arise regarding phone calls and mothers and openness. But just like with "Baby Black Jesus - Play One," Vincent Terrell Durham is speaking about deeper issues faced by LGBTQIA people of color: being seen and welcomed by their family and their loved one's family. Durham's talent with tone shines in this play.

Durham's "Baby Black Jesus" plays would be an emotional and layered evening of theatre when produced all together.

This 10-minute play is a light and fizzy on its surface, but there are stronger undercurrents about relationship issues and family issues that LGBTQIA people of color face.

"Baby Black Jesus - Play One" is quite comedic, with Vincent Terrell Durham providing a lot of opportunity for visual humor and slyly winking banter between Richard and Darryl. But Durham also provides additional depth with points about gender roles, the importance of religion, and being open to oneself and one's family.

Durham's "Baby Black Jesus" plays would be an emotional and layered evening of theatre when produced all together.

This 10-minute play is a generous and sweet comedy about the nerves of meeting someone new and the good things that can happen when we open up about ourselves.

David Lipschutz has created two endearing characters in in Leah and Chava, both with details about their lives that they want to hide. There is a nice bit of dramatic irony as the audience will piece together the puzzle sooner than either of the characters, but that doesn't make "hYdration" any less rich and enjoyable.