Recommended by Bethany Dickens Assaf

There is so much to recommend about this fine play: the humor, the characterizations, and the building tension are all wonderful elements, and Beardsley is adept in drawing them all in a short time-frame. This is one of those plays where you immediately want to see it with an audience and feels the reactions in the room.

The play launches with such a relatable and wry concept, and then confidently commits to and expounds upon the question of what we would do if the bread never stopped. I also really admire the piece's 'build' - the horror escalates at just the right beats and, in spite of the scenario, the chaos unfolds with a gleeful, irresistible logic. The advertisements and vignettes also add a touch of theatrical brilliance, adding to the piece's deeper musing on the brevity of life and relationships. A striking achievement and a great read!

While "Clips" is a supremely well-written play, with much to recommend it, the sheer amount of character layering, contemporary questions, and revelations packed into ten minutes is particularly stunning. I left the piece with a great deal to think on: generational change, gender, conglomeration of media, and the incongruities between what a society says is important, and the reality that the most venerated and passion-driven occupations are the most susceptible to the inequities of the capitalist system. Delivering this story are two well-crafted characters with powerful and specific voices. Extremely well done.

An atmospheric piece that successfully builds suspense until nearly the final moments, this adaptation captures the twistiness of Poe's original: we know something horrible (and perhaps well-deserved!) is going to occur but the arrival of Death is somehow even more chilling than we imagined. The reveal that the mask cannot be removed is also perfectly timed - sure to elicit a gasp from the audience (it certainly got me!). I always admire Cross' ability with literary language and this is a gorgeous example - I found myself sinking into the dialogue from the first moments. Highly recommend!

"Photo Finish" begins with a wonderfully shocking premise, which develops into a hilarious - and ultimately, meaningful - conversation on love and lost time. I especially enjoyed the rapport between the two siblings: their care and concern for one another added to the bittersweet character of the piece. Recommended for any play festival - would provide rich roles for the actors.

Mark Harvey Levine does it again! A hilarious setup that lends itself to some fun conflict, polished off with a satisfying ending. All in less than a minute! Incredible.

A wonderful, poetic monologue with a much-needed message about grace. This one-minute piece brightened my day and would be a great entry for any festival.

A wonderfully human piece, with a twist that is so effective, so right - and yet so unexpected! - it took my breath away. Brennan's dialogue here is just terrific, and the realism provides an interested counter-point to that moment of transcendence. While the context of the pandemic adds gravity to this story, the Patron exemplifies our universal, timeless need for connection and beauty. Highly recommend!

While I loved the play's dark (and slightly gross!) humor, I also resonated with the undercurrent of desperation in Marty's dissuasion and repair attempts, and Cheryl's need for someone to just sit in her emotions with her for a while (as opposed to 'solving' them!). This is a straightforward and smart depiction of a friendship, as well as a twisty (and again - gross!) revenge story. Carnes ends with what is essentially a grounding exercise, reminding us all that insecurities and griefs may abound but good things - and good friends! - persist.

I have to say, I laughed heartily during this piece while also connecting deeply with Ditty's depiction of isolation and stress, particularly when it comes to parenting. This hilarious piece does really pack a punch: as per the title, we all could have spent a lot more time during quarantine supporting and making space for one another, versus pressuring ourselves to appear 'put together.' As we continue to think through the nature of work, 'professionalism,' and self-care, this play will continue to be an important conversation-starter. And did I mention it's absolutely HILARIOUS?!