Recommended by Alexander Perez

Ah young love in all it's splendor. Raik effortlessly weaves the vulnerabilities and intricacies of kink play into bigger picture issues that further complicate an already sensitive topic while allowing for the outlandish escapades to add a needed note of levity resulting in a richly balanced short sure to delight and intrigue the more adventurous among us. All too often these kinds of sexual acts are played for laughs but this piece really taps into the deep humanity behind those sorts of proclivities. Alaskan Volcano indeed.

This piece presents us with something resembling a still image of a large explosion. Standing back you see the full scope of the carnage, the destruction, the fury. But if you can move a little closer and see the decaying wood that makes up the rubble, the kerosene and spent match, the beating heart of the inferno. Hurt people hurt people; Larry is no different.

A decidedly intense comedy that shows no mercy. Dellagiarino's quips slice and dice through past trauma and present betrayal not once sacrificing humor for emotional heft.

A visceral exploration of trauma, systemic violence, and the finer details that can be lost in the shuffle when looking at a bigger picture. A much needed portrayal of the impotent rage inside us all that burns ever brighter in the face of overarching injustice. Espinosa's fearless narrative challenges it's characters on a deep and personal level leading up to a climax that left my jaw on the floor. This is one for the books.

Gonzalez teases us over the course of this tense and frequently uncomfortable tale of love and it's many permutations being careful to drip feed revelations at a steady enough pace to keep you wanting more but never enough to blow the story wide open. An emotionally perilous journey of discovery for both characters aching to know more and wishing they'd never asked in the first place.

Osmundsen elegantly weaves a rich dual narrative exploring neurodiversity from two parallel but experiences that dovetail and burst apart in artful ways that highlight not only the individual character arcs but amplify all of the everyday life challenges that complicate their self discovery and acceptance along the way. While both journey's are rife with sharp commentary on being a neurodivergent creative, I was moved by William in particular who perfectly captured the relief, anger, and frustration that comes with the sudden contextualization of one's behavior. A phenomenal story that explores neurodiversity with heart, care, and dignity. No BS.

A refreshing take on family, military service, and identity that doesn't rely on trauma or toxicity to make it's point that existing as an other of any sort (queer, conscientious objector, or otherwise) is an uphill battle. Williams shows that even with a full family's support, there is a greater societal adjustment that clashes with internal beliefs in traditions, despite the love you may have for someone. It's such a thrill to watch this family hit ideological walls in their belief systems and grapple with them in intimate and surprising ways. So glad this is getting the production it deserves!

A charming and vulnerable story that takes care in fleshing out every member of it's ensemble. Osmundsen does a fabulous job at imbuing this small community with sentimental value to the point where we as an audience feel every shift and tilt as the power dynamics and social hierarchy of this group of volunteers. Never has an honor so seemingly unimportant as usher of the year led to such a sense of betrayal and loss. A spectacular showcase for older actors which takes into account their wisdom but lays bare the myriad of ways we never grow up.

A fast and furious piece that transforms what should be an unbearable reckoning into a deeply empathetic and frequently hilarious portrait of a family navigating an impossible circumstance. The detail present in Dellagiarino's characters is ridiculously impressive, allowing for explosive exchanges and supremely uncomfortable moments. Comfort is tough to give when it isn't accepted. Closure is hard to achieve when you're not satisfied with what you know. Familial love in all it's contradictory splendor is here in full force and what an experience it is to witness in this magnificent dark comedy.

An absolutely phenomenally written short that manages to adorn a difficult conversation with humor, pathos, and care. It's the sort of piece that stays with you long after your initial read, in part due to the compelling and deep questions addressed over the course of the story but also it's impeccable construction and artistry. A must read.