Recommended by Adam Richter

"France Is Bacon" is a funny, moving portrayal of a girl managing grief and a father trying his best to be the parent he thinks she needs. The tension between these two makes for a compelling play with tender moments that are never forced. Bravo!

"We Were Happy" is a funny, snappy and poignant look at memory, siblings and the true nature of what we think of as "the good old days." Jennifer O'Grady imbues these women with charm, wit and wisdom that make them a delight for actresses to play. I had the pleasure of attending a reading of "We Were Happy" and would love to see a full production.

Reading this play, it's easy to think, "This is a horrifying scenario." But, looking around at the real world, the shooter's motives make much more rational sense. I love the depth of this play and the sense of frustration that the shooter — who may or may not be the antagonist — feels.

Violence is not the answer, and murder is wrong.

But it takes no great leap to see why the shooter sees his actions as rational. Nothing else has worked.

This is a brilliant, thought-provoking play that will linger with audiences long after the lights go down.

The suspense paired with DOT's down-home Midwestern folksy charm (she may not be Midwestern; in my mind's eye, that's how I saw her) makes "Midnight Nibble" a delicious snack for audiences and actors. The power dynamics that go on here are enormously fun to watch, and I'm sure they'd be a hoot to perform. Bravo!

The horror in this piece creeps up on you, gradually letting you know that all is not OK in Marcus and Pete's world. This is a fantastic exploration of power and control in a relationship, and how far things can descend when that relationship is out of balance. Terrific horror piece by Sam Heyman.

"Postpartum" is the best kind of horror: The kind that stems from familiar experiences but takes us well beyond our imaginations allow us to go. The situation is all too familiar for many parents, and that's what makes this play, with its unseen (but not unheard) threats so terrifying. Absolutely brilliant.

Dominica Plummer has written a tense, claustrophobic short play that's full of suspense as she reveals, bit by bit, who these people really are. It makes for gripping reading and would be compelling to watch on stage. Producers: Add this to your next night of horror shorts!

"Ain't no money in mad science." Truer words were never spoken, but luckily for us the mad Victor Schmidt is devoted to his chosen career. This short two-hander is a laugh-out-loud sendup of the horror genre, with Pat the exterminator going toe-to-toe with Victor in a genial and surprsingly helpful way. I'd love to see this on stage. Two actors (and the audience) would have a blast with it.

I love how Asher Wyndham immerses the audience in the world of his characters. In "BRITNEY, BITCH BARISTA" we all join Britney inside her hot, cramped Fotomat booth of a coffee stand. It is uncomfortable, sweaty, rage-inducing and thought-provoking. And so is the monologue.
This is one of my favorite Wyndham monologues. Please, someone produce this.

Sam Heyman's gripping play isn't just a play about writer's block. It's a robust exploration about artistry, collaboration and what we owe the characters we create when we bring them to life on the page. The idea of an author's creations coming to life is a familiar one, but "Second Book Syndrome" deftly and cleverly mines uncharted territory. It's a brilliant play that I hope gets to come to life on stage soon.