Recommended by Peter Fenton

This play is breathtaking, thought-provoking, and timely. I appreciate the surgical precision Jillian Blevins has taken to illustrate a uniquely Jewish and uniquely woman-centric story that transcends time, gender, and religion to the reader to empathize with the complicated place Dr. Gisella Perl finds herself in throughout the play. I love the way the play ends, too--with that little glimmer of hope at the end of a dark tunnel. This is the second piece by Jillian Blevins I've had the pleasure of reading and I have to say, this writer has an incredible range.

Paul Donnelly had written a ten-minute two-hander with heartbreaking realism with FAMILY VISITATION, set in the not-too-distant past. I’ve known enough people like Estelle and just feel crushed for Randy and the love of his life. How does one recover from something as real and heavy as this? You’ve made me feel something, that’s for certain

Jillian Blevins’ ROMEO AND HER SISTER is a tour de force of theatrical history, queer identity, and family dysfunction all packed into a charming period piece. Charlotte’s portrayal of Romeo is a brilliant reversal of the classic tradition of cross-casting in Shakespearean days and those who know their theater history will appreciate references to Forrest and the overall scene set in this play. Also, anyone who has ever been in a play will be able to relate to *someone* in the cast being like Susan in the leading role of Juliet. A witty masterpiece from Jillian Blevins!

There is room for just one joke in this particular three-minute piece from Dana Hall, but it's a really, really good one!

Rarely in a 10-30 minute play can multiple believable plot twists can be piled one on top of the next on top of the next with any degree of coherence, but dang it, Philip Middleton Williams has shown us how it's done! He's written a nice slice-of-life work, some acerbic political commentary, all within a fun window into the people of a small-town diner who's one step ahead of the game. I can always appreciate a strong scene set by Philip Middleton Williams.

What more could you want out of a ten-minute comedy? NEIGHBOR! NEIGHBOR! is a great, consistently funny piece that seems to be about squabbling neighbors mediated by a police officer with a twist ending that I genuinely did not see coming… loved seeing how these characters pulled off their “Bavarian fire drill” plot

Philip Middleton Williams has done excellent work with taking the current state of the Florida education system to its logical, maddening conclusion. A deliciously funny satire and a read quick enough to want to go back and read it a second time immediately (which I did!). I also have to agree Rhonda Santis, Governess of Florida, is an excellent name for a drag queen. Timely, clever, and frustrating—as all good satire should be!

Every time I think World War II is a topic every writer has given every possible take on, I find a story like THE DISAPPEARANCE OF GRETA—Chris Plumridge has given the world a fresh new story revitalizing the human experience of World War II. What I especially love is Plumridge's very modern twinge to the dialogue in the period piece, it really underscores the drama and dark comedy of the whole situation. I know this one has potential to be expanded into a feature-length play and I'd be excited to read it!

Brenton Kniess has taken a wild idea and just ran with it! The men in their 30s in Seattle owe a debt of gratitude. Kniess' world of pillow hoarders and serial killers is wacky and fun. I'd be really excited to see PILLOW TALK performed live! It has all the hallmarks of the type of "weird" comedy that when acted and directed fully committed to the bit, can be one of the most enjoyable theatrical experiences.

In PUCK YOU!, Dana Hall has written a tight, sharply funny and ridiculously clever 10-minute piece sure to please any fans of Shakespeare. There is always something funny about juxtaposing Shakespearean language with a modern-day setting and sensibility and the addition of the barista character to this Shakespearean quartet really makes this piece work (even if this barista doesn't give a Puck). A great choice for a short comedy festival or anyone with a passing familiarity with Shakespeare and wants a laugh!