Recommended by Danielle Wirsansky

The Backyard Stonehenge Chronicles by Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn is a delightful and heartwarming exploration of love, mistakes, and the complexities of life. The play’s mix of humor, wit, and heartfelt moments draws you into the lives of its quirky characters. Priskorn’s ability to balance light-hearted comedy with deeper emotional truths makes this a truly enjoyable and thought-provoking piece. A perfect blend of laughs and poignant reflections on relationships.

Losing Dreams by D. Lee Miller is a poignant and deeply moving play that masterfully intertwines personal history with the broader tragedy of the Holocaust. Through the eyes of 10-year-old Marc, the audience is gently guided through a painful discovery that goes far beyond a simple school project. Miller’s heartfelt writing not only educates but also resonates emotionally, leaving a lasting impact. A truly beautiful and powerful short play.

Pie 3.14 – This Time It’s Piesonal! by Christopher Plumridge and Morey Norkin is an absolutely delightful and hilariously absurd piece. P.I. John Pie’s latest adventure is packed with clever wordplay, cheeky meta jokes, and nonstop fun. It’s pure entertainment that doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it the perfect lighthearted read. Can’t wait to see where this whimsical journey goes next, and now I have to go back and read the previous installments.

The First Time by Adam Richter is a charming and unexpected coming-of-age story about siblings, both living and undead. Through witty dialogue and a touch of the supernatural, the play explores the timeless bond between siblings, blending humor and heart in a way that’s both refreshing and deeply relatable. A fun, touching piece!

If Not for the Jelly Doughnut by Randy Hunt is a hilarious and relatable monologue that shows how something as simple as a doughnut can alter the course of a man’s life. With sharp humor and a perfect dose of vulnerability, it’s a fun and real exploration of life's unexpected moments. I’d love to see this performed live!

On a Roll! by Nora Louise Syran beautifully captures a quiet, poignant moment between a parent and teenager. The simple act of sharing sushi becomes a metaphor for change and the challenges of growing up. The dialogue is heartfelt, layered with emotion, and strikes a perfect balance of tenderness and realism.

It's a Fabulous Play is a hilarious, yet deeply relatable look at the inner workings of community theater. Murphy shines a light on the familiar struggles of a Board of Directors trying to select the next production, and the characters she crafts are wonderfully true to life. The play expertly pokes fun at the often frustrating, yet charmingly quirky dynamics that occur when decisions are made with more tradition than innovation in mind.

Poyvfekcv is a powerful, thought-provoking 10-minute play that beautifully captures the tension between cultural tradition and personal faith.

The Black Shirt takes an unexpected and deeply human exploration of father-son dynamics and the weight of unspoken histories. The dialogue is sharp, with moments of humor that contrast beautifully with the underlying pathos. Gearhart’s ability to weave emotion into such seemingly simple moments is truly remarkable.

Finding Clare is a delightful roller coaster of emotions wrapped up in sharp, witty dialogue. Ollett brilliantly explores the tension between desire and doubt, creating dynamic characters that keep you guessing. The play’s mix of humor and heart, paired with the lively verbal back-and-forth, makes it a fun and engaging read. It's the kind of script that would be an absolute joy for actors and directors to bring to life.