Recommended by Bethany Dickens Assaf

Beautiful, rich characters - their voices are so distinct and resonant from the very top of the piece. The metaphor of the piece unfolds carefully, with a deliberate thoughtfulness and commitment I appreciated. And terrific pacing - the tension between the two is compelling at the top and I stayed invested throughout.

This play is a finely-crafted treasure box of language and wit. The excellence of the rhyming scheme alone is staggering and utilized for deft and frequent hilarity. A treat to read and would love to see it produced!

I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole life for this play - one that makes the audience an essential character while they just… exist as the audience. The dialogue is so grounded, winsome, and FUNNY that it avoids the pitfalls of tiresome meta plays where the concept is all in all. This is asking more prescient questions about theatre, why we make it, and who it’s for. The shift in the second act is marvelous and did I mention the whole thing is just so so FUNNY? Highly recommend!

Once you start reading this play, it’s impossible to stop. The title here is apt: the accusations, power dynamics, and conflicting stories swirl at a frenetic pace, revealing how cases of sexual assault can obfuscate and revictimize women. An anguishing and complex play that wisely refrains from offering easy answers.

I so admire this play’s depth and insight into both a specific marriage and the meaning of marriage generally - in just a few short minutes! There aren’t easy answers here for this couple’s aching questions (nor should there be) but the piece is crafted with such compassion and understanding, the audience will find themselves empathizing with both characters and rooting for them to find happiness. What starts as a slice of life goes so much deeper - into lost dreams and what we owe to each other both as partners and humans. Highly recommended!

In this pitch black and deeply compelling piece, Martin has created a character we can’t help but be riveted by, even if we can’t understand him. He’s as much of a puzzle box as the setting, and his stories, told in a compelling and naturalistic voice, deepen the mystery rather than provide rote or cloying backstory. The twist at the end is fascinating and will have the audience talking on the drive home.

A delicious holiday treat, particularly for those of us who love Shakespeare! Cross has imbued an ingenious premise with witty fun and clever references to the Scottish play - Mac entering to the horror of a tree in his castle was a particular favorite of mine. This play is sure to get big laughs and will be an audience favorite in any festival.

A gorgeous and heartbreaking monologue. The flow of the piece is excellent, and it ends on a bittersweet and compelling note. I was also impressed with how the character takes us on a complete journey through his past and present, revealing so much wisdom in a short amount of time.

Clever! Loved the premise and the references - so many fun gems! I especially enjoyed the line about getting the beards right. Would be an amusing piece to see staged, and surely much talked about afterward!

I’m this gorgeous and urgent play, Sickles seamlessly pairs a deeply felt love story with a troubling vision of a dystopian, divided America. The play unites these elements seamlessly, envying intelligent social commentary with pathos and humor. I was especially struck by Sickles’ extraordinary ability to capture and express the complex thoughts, dreams, and fears of his young characters through highly realistic dialogue. He makes playwriting looks absolutely effortless and yet there is so much mastery to be found in this outstanding play!