Recommended by Jackie Martin

A really lovely and engaging story right from the start. Matthew's relationship with his grandmother is familiar, realistic, and heartbreaking. The ending makes it unforgettable.

1. I really love this monologue. 2. I want to see this monologue performed. 3. I want to perform this monologue myself. It's daring and sweet. It's funny, poignant, and honest. It is so *human* and that makes it so beautiful.

In "The Last Shore Trip," Dave Osmundsen manages to tell a big story with clarity in only ten minutes. Peri and Seth's feelings of confusion, frustration, regret, and love are all too relatable for anyone who has ever watched a friend or family member slip out of their grasp. At the same time, he lets us see Cara's humanity, never making her a villain or subject of pity. The staging makes it perfect for a short play festival, so theater-makers: produce this one.

"Craigslisted" is a smart, funny, engaging, thought-provoking piece of theater. The characters have distinct voices and the story builds in a way that is both exciting and realistic. It's the kind of play I'd want to see with friends so we could sit around in a bar or coffee shop talking about it for hours after final bows.

I happen to think that one of the most effective ways to get people to really think about an issue is to make them laugh first. With "Ocean View," Arsenault accomplishes this difficult feat - I laughed out loud reading the script but also experienced the dread and discomfort (along with poor Carol!) as the strangeness of the home became more clear. I would love to see this produced!

When language begins to fail Wanda, each word that does come takes on an undeniable importance. Martin uses vivid word choice and physicality to convey Wanda's pain, all the while creating a monologue which allows an actress to dig into the silences between the words. "Recognition" is original, beautifully written, and absolutely devastating.

Poor Jeffrey - his entire world is rocked in mere moments by Mom and Dad (who, it turns out, have been pretty good at hiding information up till now.) Reading this play, I was reminded of a tennis match, the incredulous Jeffrey stuck in the middle as two pros serve and return revelation after revelation. This is a hilarious piece that would be an excellent addition to any short play festival.

As a teacher, I have run through the exact scenario from this play in my head a thousand times. What would I do in this situation? As a parent, I have run through the same scenario a thousand times: what would the teachers in charge of my children do? There are no easy answers in life, and this unbelievable play won't give you one either. What it will do is make you think and feel more than you thought would be possible in 10 pages. The highest of stakes from beginning to end.

A really lovely short play about making a connection in a place where, despite being crammed like sardines, most people stay within their own little worlds. This would be super memorable in the hands of talented artists, and it would also be a great piece for theater teachers to have students work on to practice body language and non-verbal acting.

PENICILLIN is both funny and unexpectedly sweet without ever feeling unrealistic or saccharine. In a short time, this play manages to present three dimensional characters who say as much with their silences as they do with their banter. Produce this one act; audiences will love it.