Recommended by John Bavoso

An absolutely gorgeous piece, full of longing and regret and mystery. Idaszak’s writing flows (pun mostly unintended) beautifully and effortlessly. I can imagine sitting in a theatre (or out on the beach) and hearing a pin drop as everyone is totally wrapped up in the story. Three great roles for actors and exciting opportunities for designers here. This one’s gonna stick with me for a while — highly recommended!

Laugh-out-loud funny and also makes me want to cry a little? Playwrights will find a lot to empathize with in this short, but it’s universal enough in its realistic absurdity that non-theatre folk will be dazzled as well. Also, a great opportunity for two actors to have an absolute blast. Well done!

A beautifully understated meditation on the people and events we carry with us through time. Also makes you question whether the idea that people we’ve lost being with us at all times in spirit is always comforting. Would make a thoughtful addition to a college festival — recommended!

I heard about The Flea’s production of good friday on a podcast this morning and was bummed I wouldn’t get to see it — but was thrilled to see the script on NPX. Colon’s writing is taut yet poetic and the play is chock full of shocking twists. Reading the script has only made me want to see a production more, and devour more from this bold, exciting playwright!

A truly unexpected holiday play perfect for those people for Die Hard is their favorite Christmas movie! Lots of twists and turns for a short play, and I could see two game actors having a lot of fun with this one.

A funny and sad story about the beginning of a nation and the dissolution of a family. With its historical twist and genuine emotion, this would make a welcome and unique addition to any holiday short play festival!

I was so upset that I couldn’t get up to Annapolis to see THE ACCIDENT BEAR performed in the laundromat in which it was written, and reading it now only intensifies that feeling. Bartlett has put such a compelling spin (pun definitely intended) on the rom-com genre, wrapped up in a poetic exploration of memory, fate, and falling (sometimes literally) for the wrong, but oh-so-right, person. I’m so glad Bob has plans to tour this piece—which can be site-specific or not—and hope to catch a production of it someday soon!

A beautiful short that touchingly celebrates the bonds of sisterhood while also digging into how difficult spending the holidays in grief can be. Pittenger packs a lot of genuine character development and backstory into a small space without it ever feeling forced or unnatural. A Christmas play that’s not really about Christmas, this should be produced year-round for sure!

I’ve seen a lot of riffs on The Gift of the Magi, but Gonzalez has created one of the most original, unexpected, and touching versions to date. A simple but effective short that will prompt audiences to really think about others in different situations at this time of year, this should be included in every holiday festival. Highly recommended!

Reminiscent of The Handmaid’s Tale, yet wholly its own story, THE LAST DAUGHTER is an original look at the struggle to find oneself and the pressures society thrusts upon us—and on women, in particular. Shot through with funny one-liners and beautiful quotes—as well as some truly wonderful dick jokes—Strayer has created a world full of flawed and interesting characters. Featuring some great roles for women—Eve, in particular, would be a joy to play, I’d imagine—this play would be one I’d love to see on its feet. Well worth a read!