Recommended by Cassie M. Seinuk

A stunning solo play about family, revolution, and belief. The language is masterful, and in seeing this at the Kennedy Center in 2014, I was completely wrapped in Leya and her story. Looking for a solo play that tackles a world of "big issues" while also telling a truthful personal narrative full of humor and whit this play is for you.

This play sucks you in from the start. This seems like a story about random interactions with strangers and the way they can change you, however it's even more a play about family and forgiveness. This play has dirty realism written all over it in the best of ways. I feel like it's a Raymond Carver come to life!

If you are looking for a 10 minute play that is out of the box and not set in realism, this is the play for you. Stephanie uses language and 2D vs. 3D to explore the big questions of gender identity and gender culture in this absurd and yet enlightening short play. Prepare to think about this play for days to come!

Hungry takes us into the world of celebrity rehab in a new way; it is both satirical and honest, and presents the issues of body dysmorphia through the lens of a man instead of the well known female anorexia story. Her use of social media tools and technical theatrical elements add an additional layer to the way this story it brought to life. Thumbs up for Hungry!

Haunting and beautiful look at family coping with mental illness and love for someone who has "drifted away." The language is poetic at times, and real at others. I found myself falling into the rhythm of Rena's words, like falling into her trance, which led to great empathy for all the characters. This play hits the heart with grace.

I had the privilege of seeing a reading of this unique and honest play about love and expectation of "romance" play at the Kennedy Center. The language is crisp and effective, and the short scenes serve as little spoonfuls of story and we get to know the characters through their changing love story. This play grabs you from the start and leaves you with "the feels" at the end.

Chambers in a stunning play where Lisa weaves in the national tragedy with the personal tragedy, and asks the question of "what would have happened if..." This haunting play is timeless and can resonate on so many levels of loss and reclamation of life. I highly recommend this play. It's language is sharp at times, and lyrical in others. The set as metaphor for our own "chambers" of the mind plays into the themes of the play with great integrity. This play will make you laugh, cry, and question.

Moving, captivating, and sometimes very funny play about second chances, home, and family. Norma's Rest captures the idea of family is not who you were born to but who loves you and stands up for you. This one-act will make you laugh and cry. The language is beautiful creating a very present sense of place, and the characters all have clear unique voices. I was drawn in by Tennessee a young trans character in need of this new kind of "family," and also Tilly, who barely speaks but when he does you are blown away. Great play!

This play is dark, intense, and packs a great twist. I saw this play at KCACTF Regionals and I was wrapped into it from the first moment and immediately taken by Sped-Boy. Matt handles presenting a "low IQ" character brilliantly and delicately, and in a way that is not exoticism at all, but instead very human and true.

This play packs a punch! Once again, Lisa uses her key hold of language to tell this multigenerational story of family, loss, and legacy. If you are looking for a play that explores how past, present, and future can reconnect a family of women while using poetry, lyricism, and intense yet very real relationships, this is the play for you. It knocks me over the head when I consider the fact it has yet to be produced! SOMEBODY DO THIS PLAY!