Recommended by Adam Richter

It was the curtain call that did me in.
Once again, Scott Sickles proves he has more talent in his two thumbs than most of us have in our entire bodies. "Made By Thumb" is a silly, on-target spoof of disaster films, English period dramas, comedies of manners and meta-plays. I giggled at each line, sometimes descending into outright chortling. This play would be a hoot for actors and audiences, and a pip for costume designers. I loved it.

This monologue is angry and bellicose, and just what we need right now as hateful nitwits in power try to strip away the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans. It's a reminder that no battle for equality is ever over, not as long as there are fascist morons who get to sit in the halls of power in this country. Bravo, Sam!

An incredibly moving and blood-boiling monologue about the injustice system and how it dehumanizes and mistreats people, particularly Black men. In just over a page, Debra Cole lays out a universe that we all know too well from the headlines and gives us a detailed glimpse of the struggle of one man. A powerful monologue that audiences need to see.

And charming. Don't forget charming. This sweet two-hander is a great burst of comedy and linguistic gymnastics between two bros. I loved it.

The rapid-fire dialogue and the impossible situation in which the guest finds himself make "Hotel Room Checkout" a funny and engaging short play. I kept thinking of this as a cross between "The Front Page" and "No Exit," but that's an unfair comparison: Brian Gray depicts hell way better than Jean-Paul Sartre ever could.
Bravo!

"COMING IN" is a brilliant farce that takes on the familiar 'meet-the-parents' storyline and turns it into something new and laugh-out-loud funny. A great comedy about identity that audiences and performers would love. Bravo!

It's nice to know that humans aren't the only ones who experience existential dread. Sam Heyman's 1-minute play starring two thoughtful cows is a delightful (and all too short, IMHO) gem, perfect for any short play festival.

This is a great tale of clashing cultures with a wonderful twist that is both surprising and completely organic. I don't want to give anything away, but Deb Cole's comedy of manners is a perfect tale for our times. Delightful!

Playwriting is a paradox of an art form: at once solitary and dependent on others. Sam Heyman documents this tension so brilliantly in this short audio play that will resonate with ANYONE who needs/relies on the feedback from others for their works. It's a poignant reminder on how to set expectations for others, and how to be gracious with ourselves. BRAVO!

What Debra said. Sometimes play requirements are ridiculous and this short piece nails the frustrations of a thousand writers. Yes to this.