Recommended by Emily McClain

The sentiment that sticks with me after reading this short play: no one wants to pay for the service of journalism but it's an essential service our society needs. As independent journalism dwindles across the country and another small newspaper office folds, Shelia becomes representative of so much more than herself. Richter's passion for the importance of local journalism is evident and he makes a compelling argument about journalists standing as the last check against corruption. Very good work!

This play is heartbreakingly beautiful, made more so by the epic nature of the tender love story at the center of this brilliant trilogy (seriously, if you haven't read MARIANAS TRENCH or PANGEA, read them first so you will feel the full weight of Andy and Teddy's parting). The way these characters all approach their final moments with clarity and courage will stay with you long after the play's conclusion. Caviar-level catharsis as only Scott Sickles can provide.

What a fun window into Eleanor's experience as First Lady within the familiar structure of a YouTube cooking tutorial. Clever writing and great character development through the piece! Nice work!

What a wonderful window into the world of the aging superhero! Mabey gives us a completely new perspective in the toll that the burden of "saving the world" can take on us and our closest relationships. Both characters are relatable and authentic (despite their amazing abilities!) and the sibling dynamic is rich, fertile ground for conflict. And amazing roles for mature performers! Produce this piece ASAP!

So utterly powerful. Martin is able to convey the journey from despair to a glimmer of hope in a beautiful capsule of 1 minute of stage time. I imagine in performance this play would leave the audience speechless for at least another minute!

As someone who loves genre mash-ups, this play is a total delight- noir detective meets holiday comedy. Dakutis has a brilliant flair for puns and stuffs the stockings of this play with as many holiday-noir puns as possible (the case names are hilarious references!). I want to see more of the adventures of Ken D. Cain as soon as possible! Great work!

Really enjoyed this smart short comedy with a totally relatable premise: seeing someone that you KNOW you've already met but not being able to recall their name! Kimmel has a lot of fun with this socially awkward situation and this 10 minute play would be a great addition to a holiday themed festival!

A beautifully rendered portrait of what it’s like to struggle with invasive thoughts AND what it’s like to love someone who struggles with those thoughts. Sickles use of the offstage dragon-demon as the manifestation of self-doubt and self-loathing is simply brilliant. Read and produce this play so we can all slay more of our own dragons.

The idea of having a "post-pandemic To-Do List" that quickly becomes more of a burden than a joy totally resonated with me! Jules and Cameron both approach their shared experiences of the past year differently and finding a way to bridge that divide is the central conflict of this beautiful relationship-centered piece. Mabey writes with such pathos and the characters are incredibly endearing. Great work!

While you wouldn't think that rescuing someone from a failed attempt to take their own life would be the source of a comic exchange between two engaging and insightful characters, in the gifted hands of Cathro this story flows perfectly to a fantastic and satisfying conclusion. Great roles for college-aged performers!