Recommended by Scott Sickles

There are so many double-standards at play here it seems that male-dominated corporate cultures, in this case entertainment, aren't only missing a moral compass but are desperately in need of an ethical gyroscope as well. The piece is filled with frankness, complexity, and all levels of wit. The psychology of and standards of strength and weakness for women and men are explored fearlessly and economically. As thought provoking as it is entertaining.

Pasha is IN YOUR FACE, fueled by righteous indignation, and a need to set the record - for lack of a better word - straight! Teen sexuality and attraction is often either extremely confusing or extremely clear, with the paradoxical need to find the right label to identify yourself while exploring and establishing one's own individuality. Wyndham and his creation convey all of this with strength and truth. A Norma Rae for the non-binary, Pasha is a champion the world needs right now and in the years to come.

If there's Something That Never Occurred To You To Think About, Matthew Weaver is the man to turn That Thing into a poetic, profound work of theater. This time, he asks "what must it be like to be the back of a beloved masterpiece?" Weaver himself creates a masterpiece of philosophical anthropomorphism, as the titular canvas goes from waxing historical to giving us the visceral and emotional lowdown of being an essential yet ignored part of greatness. The parallels to humanity - to spouses, families, colleagues, and friends of those the world exalts - are sublimely resonant.

A perfect little miracle of a play.
The general rule is "show, don't tell," but Martin allows his protagonists to simultaneously do both as each describes their actions as they are performing them. What makes this work SO well is that almost everything described is movement we objectively see, the exceptions being breath, heartbeat and stillness. Their emotions are never described; instead the actors convey their inner lives and subtext vocally, juxtaposing their objective descriptions. The story is simple. The stakes are stratospherically high. The effect is breathtaking.

I have to admit that, while Angela's moral stance is a little Shakey, she brought up some fair points about dating, rejection, fragility and mercy. Hayet's Date with Death works on so many levels - from what men expect and what that means to women, what people will put up for a chance at romance, the value of human existence be it with lovers, friends, or coworkers - and it's absolutely hilarious on every one! Lots of belly laughs and great roles for three actors with deadly deadpans.

I always say that "a drain in the floor" is usually not a good sign, but here there is no cause for worry. A delightful tribute to the imagination, whimsy and resilience of children. Where death and corpses are often the stuff of nightmares, here they are fodder for magic, joy, and even friendship. Great leading role for a talented child.

Quite simply one of the most glorious and joyful short plays (or plays in general) I’ve ever seen.

Hilarious take on dating for the elderly, especially widows and widowers, in the information age — and finding love the second time around. The play has four great roles for actors in their 60s and up (3 of those for women!). My favorite thing is how savvy Gwen and her date are about the practical applications if available technology. There's great humor and you're rooting for everyone the whole way. Perfect for any evening of shorts about romance or for older actors.

A surprising and surprisingly lovely ditty about expectation: what we expect from others and what men expect from boys. Try not to smile by the end. It's impossible not to.

Matthew Weaver vs The Almighty!
It's a pretty even match, I must say.

A woman lays down a gauntlet with God, giving Him the (for lack of any better expression) "Come to Jesus" moment He so desperately needs. To this woman, faith is not blind. Actions were taken, promises were made – not inferred by her but made by God through Christ – and it's high time those promises were kept. Her spoon is part pointer, part ruler, and part gavel. She will be heard and she will be answered. Until then, we have a standoff. And it's fabulous.