Recommended by John Bavoso

This play is such a shining example of how much emotion and storytelling can be packed into a 10-minute play without it ever feeling overstuffed. A gorgeous, dreamy, and intelligent study of grief and growing up—and how complicated things can become when those two processes are intertwined. I hope to see it in performance one day, but it's also a great example for those just starting out with writing short plays or those who want an example of a really good one!

In this play, Michael Proft tackles big themes of homophobia (internalized and otherwise), paternalism, respectability, and more—but his characters and their imperfect humanity is always at the heart of the story. The excellent skewering of well-meaning white liberals is anchored by a genuine-feeling love story and the authentic desire to connect across chasms that are often of our own making. A deeply human drama with delightful moments of humor; highly recommended.

I love the story of the Bell Witch, and Carnes has crafted a truly menacing version in this short but haunting play. One of the most brilliant aspects of this particular piece is the extra layer of chills that come from the offstage, but still very present, children. I can also imagine this would be an absolute blast for two spooky actors. I really want to see this play live... preferably outdoors, at night, in October, by campfire or lantern light!

This piece is fabulously theatrical, wildly funny, and heartbreakingly sad all at once. Using the timeless elements of drag to tell a story that’s timely, urgent, and still tragically relevant, Guest has created a call to action that’s also a wickedly entertaining and emotionally enthralling bit of theatre (as evidenced by the strikingly simple yet effective epilogue). I desperately hope I get to see this performed live one day!

This play is just plain fun! I’m an unrepentant sucker for puny wordplay, and this play delivers in spades. With a warm heart grounded in the power of art to provide comfort and companionship, Gill has created a lovely piece of theatre that would make a great addition to any short play festival.

This is a beautifully poignant play about how our relationships transcend death and the need for the living to go on. O'Grady has created such well-rounded, authentic characters within a world of the supernatural, all within 10 pages. Highly recommended!

This play has an incredible rhythm, laugh-out-loud-funny lines, and is alarmingly relatable to anyone who's ever had an office job. I imagine this would be an absolute blast for a pair of game comedic actors. Highly recommended!

A truly hysterical comedy with a delightfully effed-up premise and some laugh-out-loud funny lines (Jeri, in particular, would be a great role to play). Wobensmith smartly infuses Eric with both an off-putting cockiness and pitiable naiveté, causing the audience's sympathies to flow back and forth naturally. I would love to see a full production of this one day!

I was fortunate enough to be in a workshop taught by Chisa about how to write characters who hate you, and in this heart-pounding, suspenseful, highly theatrical piece, she brilliantly practices what she preaches. While tackling huge issues like gentrification, performative wokeness, and the dismissal of Black women by physicians, this play remains laser-focused on the characters at its center while delivering legitimate scares and righteous comeuppance. Everyone should read and produce this play!

In SITTING SIDE BY SIDE, Cayson simply but tenderly renders a conversation between two friends on the verge of perhaps becoming something more but not quite getting there. In just a few short pages, you can really feel the longing and near misses. Beautiful work!