Recommended by Emily McClain

In just a few short pages, this play manages to capture a dystopian landscape of misinformation and confusion- both in the large-scale, global sense and in the intimate confines of a couple. The rising anxiety of the world outside creates a real sense of dread for the main character and the audience. Excellent work and (sadly) so very, very, VERY relevant. RIP dear leader. Long live woman with kabob skewer!

The dialogue in this play has a haunting rhythm to it and the details of the events that led the characters to their current situations unfold at such a natural, but still unexpected, pace. The strained relationships between the women create such an undercurrent of tension and conflict, all the while remaining straightforward and businesslike. Excellent work! Thank you for this play!

A completely enchantingly quiet love story (what else could it be, set in a library? LOL). Martin's unique pacing and narrated action are reminiscent of a French arthouse film- but the sincerity and genuine sexual tension between the characters leaps off the page. So sweet and enjoyable! Thank you for this!

This short play that deals expertly with very big ideas. When Spencer makes the logical connection between the collateral damage of everyday citizens in superhero movies and the tacit acceptance in our society of horrific gun violence, it’s hard to find the hole in her argument. Her reactionary agoraphobia is never mocked, however the other character in the play also gently pushes her friend towards examining what’s really going on in her mind. Funny, snappy dialogue but also thoughtful, meaningful content. Would be an awesome scene competition piece! Great work!

This play is beautiful in its simplicity- a personal tragedy that deeply impacts two people close to the deceased. But what emerges from their interaction is so much more complex and gripping. It's an exploration on how people process grief and begin to reemerge from under the depths of despair. You are fighting for both of these characters to heal on their own terms. A wonderful, moving piece of theatre!

A fantastic satire with elements of grotesque, Ground Chuck brings levity to incredibly serious topics and pushes a mother-daughter conflict into new territory. Great roles for women of color! Bring your lunch from home, folks, but produce this play!

A very endearing, detailed portrait of a complicated life, told in a rambling and naturalistic style. The central character exemplifies bravery in the face of someone's life being rewritten because their family doesn't accept who they are. The final moments of the monologue are powerful and bring all the threads together so beautifully. This would be a wonderful piece in a play festival that centers LGBTQ and/or Southern family themes. Excellent work!

Politics and science collide in a terrifyingly realistic manner in this dark comedy. Goldfinger creates a completely believable premise of a future where in utero genetic testing is allowed to determine the course of a person's life. Told with complete sincerity, none of these characters are campy or sci-fi tropes. They are relatable in their struggles to bring life into a world that is increasingly hostile and a universal human desire to have the best possible life for our children. Moving, complicated, and really gripping to read. Excellent work!

Incredibly well-paced and engaging piece of theatre. I love plays that feature the beautiful and complicated inner lives of teenage girls, and LA LLORONA does so with ease and authenticity. The satirical and thought-provoking moments are completely earned. Wonderful work!

I enjoyed this play tremendously when I saw it at Actor's Express. The relationships presented in the vignettes are messy and raw but completely entrancing and believable. Almost, Maine meets The Man Who Turned Into A Stick meets Clockwork Orange. Incredible! Thank you for this bizarre and haunting evening of theatre.