Recommended by Jordan Bird

Simply, this play is stunning. The Veils gives space to harsh realities and hard relationships, without offering easy answers -- because there are none. Mel, Harmony, and Wendy are full of life and deeply complex; each of these women would be a joy and challenge for an actress to delve into and explore. This is a beautiful, captivating piece of theatre that will be with me for a long time.

There's a lot to love in this short play. Jennifer O'Grady puts a new spin on a classic trope with great success. In ten pages, I find myself loving each of these characters, principally because Persephone shows them such specific, disciplined love. Dynamic conflict, but such deft gentleness with characters who are experiencing and expressing their grief in different ways. This would be a beautiful piece to include in a short play festival.

This is a great short play about the bonds between women: the unspoken anxieties of mothering their daughters, and the different ways to respond to their unspoken histories with violence.

I don't know how Haley Nelson packed so much emotion into this short piece; it has huge impact with such economy of words. ON STAYING INDOORS is atmospheric, sharp, sweet, heartbreaking... Honestly, I don't know what else to say because this play speaks for itself. Read this play. Produce this play. And when you do produce it, let me know so I can come see it.

Oh, wow, I loved this play. Tammy Ryan uses layers of imagery that never feel muddled or forced -- they blend together seamlessly and beautifully in a way that left me stunned. HURRICANE COLLEEN is a powerful story about forgiveness, indebtedness, nature, and family. Not one of these characters is all good or all bad, and that is what makes them so beautiful, rich, engaging, irritating, and unforgettable. A play I will come back to again and again -- I can't wait to see it on stage someday.

This beautiful play left me feeling stunned and speechless. These characters -- their sacrifices, longings, and hopes -- will be with me for a long time. This play would be a challenge and joy to be involved in as an actor/director, and as an audience member.

A sweet, funny twist on an old trope. This short play offers comedic, sexy roles for actors over 60 -- would be a great piece for a short play festival. As with Karleen Hayden's other short plays, here is a celebration of the lives of 'older' people.

DEITIES takes an unflinching look at religion's history (specifically the Christian church) and perceived disagreements between spiritual communities. With a feminist, inclusive lens, Sheila Rinear creates space where three powerful women aid, instruct, encourage, and challenge one another. The triumph of this piece, to me, is the celebration of femininity in its various forms and flavors, and the expression of female friendship untainted by jealousies and competition. Elizabeth, Kat, and Teresa are kick-ass in very different ways, and ultimately are on each others' sides, even when they disagree -- and god, that's refreshing.

I love this short play by Gina Femia. I love a play that begins with characters trapped, as these two sisters are trapped -- in the middle of a frigid sea without a paddle. This play tackles mortality, grief, and anger with a delicate touch. It's both funny and deeply moving. A great, imaginative piece that would be a great addition to an evening of short plays.

This play creeped me the hell out. Carnes manages to tackle two huge subjects - conservation and sexual assault - with seamless elegance. This would be a perfect piece for a short play festival, particularly a festival exploring the environment or male sexual predators. Three great roles with subtlety and depth for an actress and two actors.