Recommended by Philip Middleton Williams

I have no way of knowing if this story is based on a real incident, but sad to say I think it could be. It makes me wonder if we have reached a point in which what is depicted as fantasy has an impact on someone's real life. It would be easy to dismiss this situation as just social issues run amok and those who take issues as ridiculous, but the way things are...

DC Cathro's depiction of the situation is level-headed, maddening, and therefore supremely hard-hitting.

This is the kind of moment where you know that even if these two guys have nothing more in common than watching their kids play soccer, there's a bonding that happens. It's unspoken, yet they know it. It's happened to all of us, gay, straight or however you see yourself: making a connection and feeling comfortable to talk about your life and in doing so, learning how to be a friend... and a father.

This tense and well-crafted play builds relentlessly yet without the tropes of the trapped-in-a-box story. As the twists and turns reveal more and more horror without overplaying their hand, and while you hope that the outcome will be relief and release, there is still the sense that these characters and their battle is not over. When I saw the reading at the 2023 Valdez Theatre Conference, I was reminded of the stage version of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," and Emma Gibson has given us a version that will stay with you.

In the manner of an O. Henry short story, these three ne'er-do-well kidnappers try to avenge the death of their brother, but nothing seems to go their way. A mixture of laughter and eyebrow-raising intrigue follow them as their plot unravels. It had a great reading at the 2023 Valdez Theatre Conference with a great cast and spot-on directing, so give it a read and get it produced.

In both the spirit and the tone of noir, Michael C. O'Day deftly links a character from a classic American play to his own story of a young lawyer taking his first case to the Supreme Court. But more than just a drama with overtones of "Law & Order" or "The West Wing," we find out what really matters when the rules of law are stripped away: what tie to wear, what pastry to choose, and overcoming the rivalries of those boys in high school who bullied him. Fascinating and well-written, and worthy of staging everywhere.

Even in a reading at the Valdez Theatre Conference with no set and reading from music stands, this short, sharp, and terrifying play pulls you in, then, like the spider to the fly, takes you to a shattering conclusion. On the level of the best Hitchcock for suspense and visceral reaction.

This is a deeply affecting story of a family in the throes of change and using baseball as the metaphor for their trials and victories. Douglas Gearhart’s use of imagery and personal feelings makes this play an amazing piece of theater, and it was mesmerizing in its reading at the Valdez Theatre Conference. Just imagine what it would look like in a full stage production. I am still in awe of this magnificent play.

I think that everyone growing up can compile the same list, along with the counterpart of the Ten Things I Hate About Growing Old(er). But Cole Hunter Dzubak's list is at once unique and breathtakingly liberating and I admire him no end for putting it out there. My only regret is that he tells us that it took him a while to generate the courage to do it. I wish that he and every queer being could feel the freedom to write up a list like this and tell the world if they want.

The life-changing diagnosis of cancer changes not just the patient but also impacts the family, each member infected in their own way even if their physical health is unchanged. Laura Pfizenmayer relates her own experience with heart and soul, bringing her family to life and in full dimension. Seeing their reaction and the actions they take to support the patient tells us so much about them and the family. It was read at the Valdez Theatre Conference with a stellar cast and excellent direction, and deserves a production.

Three is not a crowd in this funny and charming one-act with three characters who are meant for each other… or are they? They find their way to each other by exploring their own feelings and their entwined past, and what may happen. I saw a reading of it at the Valdez Theatre Conference, and it was greeted with well-earned laughs and love.