Recommended by Steven G. Martin

I love folktales, including those retold through a modern point of view. At the core of "If the Shoe Fits" is the concept self-worth. Be prepared to laugh, and be prepared for a moment of realization.

Everyone's a con. Kimberly Barger's "Lucky Day" has twists and turns enough that raise the stakes and expose character flaws. But play the long game and follow the script to its surprising end.

"Pizza Boy" is pure fun: big, bold, broad characters find themselves in an uncomfortable situation, but it ends well for everyone. Kimberly Barger has created a new comedy favorite for actors and audiences alike.

It's the characters in "Starry Night" that will take your breath away -- fragile, broken people who are unable to do what they are most passionate about. Cowley brings them together in this loving, humane story filled with poetic imagery.

You never forget your first time. Kudos to Natalie Ann Valentine for clearly showing the nerves, the stress, and the self-inflicted paranoia that some LGBTQIA+ people feel. Additional kudos to Delilah and real-life friends who are present and aware.

Cowley's "Teatime" is a remarkable play. How do people cope when the world outside contains all types of threats so that living there is not only a challenge, but perhaps impossible?

Making the unfathomable, personal. Carbajal's silent, 1-minute drama is humane, alive, and poignant.

Tragic inevitability. An audience will cringe and try to avert their eyes once the first sign of weakness appears, but they will bear witness as things grow worse. Credit Ruth Zamoyta for not letting up on the actions and consequences in this one-act play.

Two shattering roles for brave women actors, especially the brutal, savage teenage daughter.

"Baby's First Madness" is big, bold, ridiculous, hilarious farce. Ruth Zamoyta ramps up the chaos and conflict on the second line, and they escalate so fast the audience's collective head will spin in the best, silliest way possible.

The façade of perfection versus the horror of reality, revisited annually at least. Strayer has written a stunning, upsetting two-minute monologue.