Recommended by David Beardsley

This is a classic and funny monologue that pokes a little fun at actors, while also making clear just how powerful great acting can be. Love it!

I had the honor of seeing an early reading of Down the Park. It is a powerful play by a really talented writer. Greg Hovanesian writes about about the pain and loss of addiction with unflinching honesty. This is a timely play that deserves to be seen

This is the kind of play that makes me lose faith in our species. We make inhuman rules requiring teachers to traumatize or sacrifice students because we don’t have the will to regulate guns. John Minigan has written an important play that makes an important point. That he felt compelled to do so makes me sad beyond words, but maybe enough productions of this play and others like it—along with all the brave students, teachers, parents and others calling for change—will finally bring some sanity to America’s insane gun culture. Maybe. We have to demand change.

I loved reading this play! It moves so quickly, and is so funny. The rapid fire dialogue almost has a noir feel, and Carnes definitely captures the snarky elements of so many detective shows. The meta aspect of the play--Cagney or Lacey discussing interrogation techniques and strategies all while interrogating some poor schlub in the first row of the audience--is brilliant. And the way Carnes weaves their romantic attraction into the rapid fire dialogue is pure fun. This is definitely a comedy that should get a lot of festival attention and traction!

What a quirky, fun, creative monologue! It's clear that Lawing had a lot of fun writing it, and a lot of actors will have a ball performing it. The first thing I did after reading it was Google a couple of old Mr. Microphone ads. Oh, those were the days (and I'm old enough to remember them, (unlike this young, talented Lee Lawing guy. But, hey, I'm not bitter.) Mr. Microphone certainly is bitter--about growing old and accomplishing less than he'd hoped. Maybe less than he should have? It's sad. It's funny. It's moving. It's a real gem. Well done!

Fukt is moving because it is so unflinchingly honest. Thank you for this play. Read this play. Produce this play!

I was fortunate enough to see a staged reading of Partner Of. This is a remarkable and moving short play about the inhumanity of slavery and loss of innocence. Rachael Carnes made a brilliant choice to set this play at a time before Thomas Jefferson began raping Sally Hemings. She forces us to experience the horror with Sally as she begins to understand what is going to happen to her. I heard the play compared to Sophie’s Choice, because of the horrible choice facing Sally and her mother. I agree completely. It’s a poetic play. Hard to watch.

This one had me laughing out loud while I was reading. I can only imagine seeing it live, with all the physical comedy. Hilarious!

This is a play that should make you squirm, especially when it makes you laugh. It’s a satire of the first order that explores how power, privilege, and propaganda work to prop up systemic racism in America. It is also a well constructed play. The dialogue is terrific, the characters are strong and have distinct voices, and the tension builds steadily to a compelling climax with a surprising little twist. Stacey Rose deserves the awards and acclaim she has won so far for this play. I hope there is more (and many productions) to come!

A compelling tribute to a strong woman and artist who refused to dilute her ideas, give in to fear, or to back down in the face of corrupt and unrestrained power. That she is able to bend her interrogator's perspective, even a little, is a celebration of the power of art to deliver unfiltered truth.