Recommended by Rachel Luann Strayer

DEAD INSIDE is a fiercely funny portrayal of a complicated family trying to work through their problems, the main one being that two members of the family are dead but still heavily involved in the others' lives. This engaging, funny, and relatable family is pulled through time and memories as each one tries to find the magic formula for making one another happy, while moving towards the inevitable realization that in order to be whole, at some point, they all have to move on.

A surprisingly sweet ten-minute play, OFFSTAGE pays homage to the quirks of the theatre while engaging with the very human emotions that come with being given a second chance at something special.

Bev's Wedding is an incredibly fun piece of theatre perfect for a site-specific production in your local graveyard. This play follows hilarious yet relatable characters as unexpected complications and complex emotions throw a wrench in Bev's plans for a simple cemetery wedding. I had the joy of seeing this play produced (hearse, bagpipes, & all!) and highly recommend it for production.

With dark and playful humor, Peter Fenton channels Sartre to examine the things we do - not only to each other, but to ourselves - that create a living hell on earth. It is a thoughtful, heartfelt, and funny exploration of the human heart, offering both honesty and grace as its characters look at themselves fully for the first time.

Brenda Fager's CHASING THE CARPE DIEM is a fun, thoughtful, and entertaining play that is perfect for a teenage cast. Teens are bound to relate to Luisa, a high school senior who is terrified of being trapped by her mother's post-graduation plans, but equally terrified of following her own dreams and desires. The elements of magical realism, heartfelt comedy, and adventure easily combine into a highly enjoyable play that will engage teens and adults alike. Can't wait to see a full production of this one!

DEEP CALLS is a beautifully-written play about incredibly challenging subjects. I love the use of the fairytale world to help tell Carson’s story, making it surprisingly age-appropriate for practically any audience. The images used by Phillips throughout the play evoke a powerful message, especially the use of clothing and willow trees. Sweet, delicate, lovely, and powerful.

Both funny and unsettling, this short play gives off Black Mirror vibes in the best possible way. I would love to see a full-length version that further explores not only this terrifying technology, but also what might be going on under the surface for the character of Josie, in the hopes of learning what's threatening their future.

I loved watching the online production of SHELVED performed by NextStage Theatre! Such a fun, entertaining play which would be enjoyed at any short play festival. Especially perfect for a night of literary-inspired theatre or a site-specific library performance.

This is such a fun, comedic horror piece that asks very real questions about how we function in a world where we hold something to be true and even the people closest to us have a hard time believing us. Would love to see this on its feet!

A fascinating take on Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida, TROJAN CAR BOMB highlights the troubles in Ireland from both sides, asking questions about the nature of ongoing conflict and the sacrifices we are willing to make for ideals that may never be reached. An exciting ensemble piece that I'd love to see on stage!