Recommended by Aleks Merilo

A story of sisterly love and rivalry, but also a meditation on art, mortality, and legacy. What Kaplan does so well is create a fantasy world that is totally unique and theatrical, yet it also captures the very human struggles of the real women from whom these worlds originated. Knowledge of Bronte’s work beyond a superficial level is not necessary, but those who have it will enjoy the rich subtext within the dialogue. A feast for young actresses (not to mention designers), this rare script accomplishes the near impossible feat: Mirroring the passion of icon who inspired it. Bravo!

A fast placed blend of historical fact, comedy, and feminism, Madam(e) tells the wonderful and weird story of Madam Lou Graham and the "seamstresses" of Seattle. The rich history of Seattle plays out from the untold angle of a progressive brothel. Amusing, touching, and also significant, the story of Lou Graham is too good to be lost to history.

A lovely, lovely play. The repeating narrative ominously erodes a romanticized image before our eyes, and before we know it, we have witnessed the collapse of a proud hero into a frightened boy. A play about the lies we tell about loved ones, and for them. Bravo.

A 10-minute play with the intensity of a raw nerve. Lyrical, rhythmic dialogue spirals inward toward a double dose of tragedy. The playwright ventures into a highly topical subject while deftly avoiding the pitfalls of becoming didactic. She aptly creates a human portrait of the opioid epidemic.

This southern gothic adaptation of Ambrose Bierce takes the reader into the inner workings of a family tragedy. By the time the last act of violence unfolds, a wake of betrayal has become the family's most enduring legacy, and the audience is left as a witness, both complicit, and powerless. A tightly plotted mystery/confessional.

Bafflingly macabre and gleeful. Title of this enigmatic comedy tells you everything you need to know about it's content. Truth be told, I'm not sure what the deeper meaning is, but honestly, I was laughing way to hard to care.

A short and sweet slice of life monologue that uses few words to say a lot. Wyndham portrays common aspects of blue collar America, but is able to elicit deep emotional resonance in single father's simple gesture for his son. As is the case with most of Wyndham's writing, I always feel like I've met a new friend that I want to learn more about.

A full length's worth of drama in a 10-minute package. Like an exposed nerve, two lost souls meet at exactly the wrong (or right?) moment. This play is proof that there is no substitute for strong characters. I look forward to reading more by this playwright.

There is no higher praise I can give. I will simply say that this tender, whimsical, and heartfelt story of EM Forster and his lover is one of the scripts that made me want to become a playwright.

Rand Higbee is one of the few playwrights who can make me laugh until I am in physical pain. The wholesome style of the educational PSA blends perfectly with the subversive content. The scenes with parents are wonderfully cringeworthy, and horrifyingly relatable.