Recommended by Bethany Dickens Assaf

Lovely, though-provoking, and theatrically compelling, Harmon's "Exhibits in a Zoo" is a must for consideration in any TYA production. The subject matter, while certainly and necessarily dark, strikes a fine-tuned balance between important subject matter and magical realism, creating an accessible world for young audiences. The main characters are consistently decent and kind, with Mendel himself serving as a gracious focal point in a tragic world.

Charming, clever - HYSTERICALLY funny - a must-have for any sketch show! The characters are truly delightful and the dialogue is pitch-perfect. I smiled and laughed the entire way through.

Surprising, engaging - a treat for two actors to play. Waldman-Brown effectively balances the extremely high stakes with the beats of a meaningful, personal conversation. There are also points of deep, dark amusement - sure to entertain.

I highly recommend this intense piece, which confronts the current epidemic of student debt through a smart and gripping conversation. I kept waiting for one of the characters to begin a lecture on our debt crisis but the concept works specifically because of the play's restraint: McLindon is most interested in the characterizations and the human question of what we will stake for a life without shame and despair. The twist comes at just the right moment and is sure to elicit a gasp from the audience!

Authentic and aching, grounded and transportive, Phillie's Trilogy addresses a myriad of resonant topics with confident craftsmanship and highly effective dialogue. There is not one false note in this play and the characters' voices are consistent and empathetic - though, importantly, DeVita refrains from glibly excusing their flaws. Phillie's relationship with his mother is particularly well-realized. A joy to read - one of those works that excites possibilities for staging.

Magical, compassionate, well-paced and full of meaningful conflict, Rinkel's work here is sublime. In just ten minutes, he treats us to a rich, deep backstory without ever losing track of the central conflict. A thoughtful piece on the strange and unexpected power of memory.

A compelling scene, all the more powerful for the fact that Martin refuses to create false consensus or an easy ending. Instead, we are left with the truthful impression that the relationship between mother and daughter will need constant attention and hard work, and a Hallmark-esque relationship is never promised. The conversation is grounded, truthful, and painful, without ever veering into melodrama or caricature. These are two grieving women with a very human story to tell.

Ava Love Hanna is sure-footed and hilariously funny in her approach to this take on fairy tales and the stories we tell ourselves. Unlike many broad comedies about fairy tale characters, this piece finds real depth in the characters and their relationships, while still delivering wonderfully bizarre twists and comedic moments. The audience was in stitches when I saw the play performed at Playwright's Round Table in 2020, and there was an audible gasp at the twist ending!

Lovers of puns, gallows humor, and dry comedy will all find much to love in this simultaneously hysterical and heartfelt piece. Thayer's grounded (haha) characters might be in a strange situation - and speak mostly in jokes - but the play is remarkably truthful. The ending strikes the perfect note, reflecting the ideas of the whole: humor can be useful in grappling with tough situations, but it can only take you so far before reality sinks in.

During a reading of this piece at the Midwest Dramatists Center, I was in the unfamiliar but pleasing position of being totally bewildered and taken off guard by its deliciously strange style. Two months later, I am extremely excited to report that I still don't know what I make of it, which is absolutely wonderful. Munter has a strong and surefooted style and I greatly appreciated getting to know her voice.