Recommended by Jan Probst

This beautifully nuanced story underscores the connection between two young men trying to find their way in a country that continually threatens their very existence. The heartbreaking and tragically relevant history of a Sundown Town is all too real for these young black men, failed by the very institutions that should offer refuge and support. This play needs to be staged.

A beautifully constructed play, that confronts the climate crisis head on as it underscores the fallibility of the humans who try to save this precious planet. The characters are wonderfully complex, and through them Gibson does not present any easy answers, but offers conflict that is as much internal as external. This play leaves an uncomfortable question on the table: must the child sacrifice the parent to the cause?

Incredibly entertaining play centered around a dysfunctional family ignoring, belittling and ultimately unwillingly facing tragic and highly relevant events. The comical use of repeated statements between characters, and a shared awkward vision of the world, do not mute the effects of gun violence and racism in this quirky gothic (in a southern sense) tale.

Beautifully complex play, with numerous theatrical elements. There is a sense of musicality that is both purposeful and poetic. Significant action in the story is told without the use of the spoken word, as well as clear and specific use of dialogue. Intriguing, mysterious characters and plot held my attention throughout. I was fortunate to see a reading at the Valdez Theatre Conference, and now would love to see this thoughtful play fully staged.

An entertaining and beautifully crafted play. With the sharp, precise dialogue we have come to expect from Williams, and a character who literally leaps off the page, this intriguing story comes to life. An unpredictable romantic comedy that packs lots of laughs, Can't Live Without You is right on target for anyone who has ever wondered what happened to their big dream.

This is a play that must be witnessed and deserves a stage. Peeling away layers of contradiction, Miller leans into her truth and has you questioning your own. An innovative performance piece I'm still thinking about, days after witnessing a reading beautifully performed by the playwright at the Valdez Theatre Conference.

Evocative, at times horrifying, twist on Jane Austen's Persuasion. Exploring the dire circumstances of an un-housed population outside Portland's city limits in the not-so-distant future, Bolkvadze's three act play is incredibly timely.

When a reality TV show becomes a little too real. I was in the audience for a reading of episodes 1-3 of this series, and I'm hooked! Beautifully crafted characters and many laughs amidst a potentially serious and delightfully absurd situation.

Stereotypes are turned on their head in this delightful buddy comedy. Amidst a rather dire situation, the characters slowly reveal themselves with an awkward tenderness via incredibly well-crafted dialogue. The cultural references alone are worth the ride, but this play delivers so much more.

Set in a small Indiana town, not unlike the one in which I grew up, the deep roots of the Ku Klux Klan are revealed in this provocative play. Bigotry and intolerance drive some characters forward while creating difficult moments of choice for others. Lives and livelihoods are threatened. The parallels to our present time are nothing less than chilling. Brilliantly executed, with some surprising results. Read it. Stage it.