Recommended by Adam Richter

Nothing is as bizarrely high-stakes as high school activities. Because in the grand scheme of things, they mean nothing — yet they shape who teenagers become. Vince Gatton's play demonstrates that beautifully, without trivializing the drama for the teenagers involved. The play takes a delightfully comic turn at a key moment, one I won't spoil here. Gatton gives us a realistic, sympathetic and very funny look at high schoolers. Tommy has a tough (but ultimately lucrative, no doubt) future ahead of him.

Excellent job!

Why, why, why, would anybody choose to settle on a moon of Pluto, when there are so many other planets/moons available? Stacey and Emma have found the key to making their corner of the solar system — their darkened, cold, chaotic corner — if not a paradise, at least a tolerable situation. This sweet comedy may seem far out, but its characters and emotions are well grounded, making for a funny and touching story. I would love to see this on a stage.

A powerful play about surviving trauma and learning to heal. This is a natural and necessary retelling of the myth of Narcissus and Echo, one that is simultaneously timeless in its story and resonant for today's audiences. This is a great piece that gives actors, set designers and lighting designers a ton of creative space to work with — and it gives audiences a lot to ponder, long after the lights go down.

I laughed out loud reading this hilariously over-the-top sendup of Star Wars, Star Trek, nearly every other sci-fi franchise you've ever thought of — and Chekhov. Philip Middleton Williams leaves no cliché unturned, and audiences will love it. Bravo!

When art and science collide, sometimes the science must suffer for the sake of the art. Monica Cross's terrific short play gives us plenty of heat, both romantic and exothermic*, in this short science-fiction comedy where the earth crashing into the sun is the LEAST of everyone's worries. Enjoy this sci-fi treat, but more importantly: Produce it.
*I'm sure the Galactic Dramaturg will correct me if I'm wrong.

Monica Cross perfectly captures the voices and social styles of 9-year-olds in this touching play about friendship and conflict. You feel for these two kids as they navigate a seemingly simple question that doesn't have an easy answer: Why didn't you turn in your homework?
This would be a great play for a pair of child actors. Bravo!

And you thought the Beatles had problems. Their dysfunction is nothing like what's happening with Cäterwäul. Dominica Plummer's short and hilarious comedy shows us a band on the verge of making it big — if not for a blizzard that shut down their high school gym. When the parents show up, revealing how cool THEY used to be, the comedy gets turned up to 11.
"Cäterwäul" rocks. As to whether Cäterwäul gets a chance to rock: That depends on the weather.
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There is a depressing stubbornness to hate, and what makes it worse is when such bigotry is on display in one's own family. Kevin's mother sticks to her rigid notions of what it means to be Irish, to the point of alienating her gay son. It would lead to a heartbreaking ending but for the choice that Kevin makes that gives him, and the audience, hope.

Paul Donnelly packs a ton of thoughtful commentary into this short play with great dialogue and vivid characters. Well done!

The closing credits of "Car Talk" have nothing on Joe Swenson, whose "Justin Thyme" is a theatrical and laugh-out-loud funny take on the predicament of punny names. The wordplay in this is delicious and the play would be a delight for audiences and actors alike.

You never know what REALLY goes on in the lives of people who write holiday newsletters. Debra Cole's fantastic short drama provides a peek into the agony of getting this peculiar tradition just right. She does so without resorting to easy parody. David Sedaris this ain't. The final reveal at the end is a gut punch that just makes the entire piece that much more poignant and memorable.