Recommended by Emily McClain

When you are in a long-term relationship with someone, you expect some slight differences in perspective to come up every now and again. In THE FINE ART OF CRITIQUING THE HANG OF THE SHOE, Cathro explores the differing perspectives on how one disposes of worn-out sneakers. As with every DC Cathro play, the dialogue is natural and effortlessly real and while the conflict is minor and the resolve is touching, this slice of life play will stick with you at least as long as the ratty sneakers hanging from the power lines in Baltimore do. Beautiful work!

The pace of this dark comedy absolutely sizzles and it races to a very compelling cliff-hanger style conclusion. The characters are rich and multilayered, even within the 1950's housewife facade. Fascinating social commentary lies just beneath the surface and I enjoyed it immensely! I'd love to see this produced!

Nobody can write an unhinged rant like Scott C. Sickles, and BOARDWALK CONCESSIONS features one of my favorites! This play contains a character on the precipice of emotional growth, teetering on the edge of deeper empathy and understanding.... and they just can't QUITE get there. But at least they can eat a corndog or funnel cake while they backslide into self-destructive behaviors.

The friendship is the kind that survives despite the significant character flaws of one party- and that's a rare and precious thing. Hilarious, sharp, surprisingly tender and sweet. JUST LIKE A CORNDOG!

Oh my goodness this play is a hoot! Dr. Hasenpfeffer's strict-but-slightly-askew moral code creates a wonderfully entertaining problem for the Traveler which sucks for him, but makes a funny 10 minute play for us! A fantastic send-up to the classic evil mad scientist trope, this play would be a tremendous amount of fun to bring to life. Kudos Sam!

This play is a delight from start to finish. From the drink specials (A Panini Martini?!?!? GENIUS) to the hilariously nuanced creative difference between "I wrote this song" and "I found this song," this short play presents amazing staging and character opportunities for all three members of the cast. Monica Cross has a wonderful way with quirky characters and this would be amazing to produce!

Oh what diabolical fun this play series is! Whether you are a fan of Survivor or not, the parody and wit of these character sparkle under a tropical sun (or is it an alien spaceship?). Lam has an exceptional ear for dialogue and his characters exist in the hyper-aware bubble of reality TV production that is perfectly suited for the fast paced adventure that a postapocalyptic world offers. I enjoyed the first three episodes tremendously! Rooting for the aliens to win it all in the end. :)

This play is dystopic, horrifying and yet completely within the realm of possibility. The ever-widening gulf of the "haves" and the "have-nots" is illustrated with vivid clarity throughout the piecec. Bolkvadze tackles issues of homelessness, drug addiction, mental health care among unhoused populations, and the immoral bureaucracy of the broken healthcare system all within the scope of this moving and powerful play.

This play is a moving portrait of how grief can shape relationships in profound ways. DeCarlo creates a world where the slanted floor can answer questions and drawers open on their own when they're tired of holding onto secrets. Ghosts and memories hold equal power, and the audience holds its breath hoping Winnie can break their spell. Brilliant role for an older actress!

One of the highlights of my time at Valdez Theatre Conference was working on this piece with the amazingly creative playwright Tracy Carns. 27 Moths is challenging in all the best ways: the script dives into thorny questions of faith and doubt, exploring desolation, destruction, and rebirth. The vivid imagery, rich descriptive language, and unapologetic weirdness of this play sticks with you long after the performance concludes. Curl up with a Coca-cola and a frozen Snickers bar and enjoy!

Anyone who has ever spent ANY time in corporate America will recognize the darker motivations of this well-meaning employee focused mental health campaign portrayed in this piece. The satire of the "compassionate corporation" who provides napping rooms but not legitimate benefits rings loud and clear. Gribanova's dialogue is snappy and sharp! I enjoyed the reading at Valdez Theatre Conference tremendously!