Recommended by Chris Gacinski

To think that all the events that occurred within The Meadow are encapsulated within a 10 minute time frame takes an astonishing amount of talent. Kaminski paints a vivid portrait of language, with enough twist and turns to feel like you're on a literary rollercoaster. This would be an amazing addition to any ten-minute theatre festival that is sure to leave audiences stunned. Amazing work, Ryan! Highly recommended.

Plumridge combines Beckett-like language experimentation with the brevity of Hemingway to provide a very unique reading experience that makes you ponder rather than wander. I'd love to see this type of experimentation more in theatre and dialogue!

Conceptually, this is one of the most unique plays I’ve read in recent memory. Clearly constructed with care, this script will have you gravitating towards it and its characters. An alien abduction support group in itself is comedic, until we see disappearances of fellow attendees, which is when the gears of this play start to turn and gives an unsettling feeling on how it could end, and Herrera most certainly delivers with an ending that caps off a harmonious script. Seeing this produced would be amazing! Highly recommended for any one act festival looking for something otherworldly (pun intended.)

It has been awhile since I’ve read Max Gill’s work, but he continues to impress me as much as he did a couple years ago. “Things Stalin Never Said” is a vivid rendering of a man’s search for empathy, and the journey he has gone through to get him to where he is today: seeking help to rediscover what he has lost. A compelling journey that’s chronicled by Gill’s superb penmanship, plot structure, and creative prowess. A fulfilling fifteen minutes.

Osmundsen’s “More of a Heart” touches on a plethora of topics, such as ableism, interfamily conflict, and questions the true meaning of being an “advocate.” A play that will make you look in the mirror and question your own morality, Osmundsen’s concise and clear direction with this piece gives it a multitude of shapes, along with realistic characters with a more-than-believable dynamic, “More of a Heart” is a buffet of thought for the reader and audience to sample and experience. Highly recommended!

Philip Middleton Williams takes steps in a new direction with his depiction of the afterlife in “Another Park, Another Sunday,” which correlates to the Sondheim musical “Sunday in the Park with George.” A deep discussion regarding a plethora of ontological topics paired with a two characters that envelop themselves in these concepts makes for holistic dialogue and a driving narrative. A wonderful display of Williams’s views and writing talent, and a wonderful addition to a 10-minute play festival.

Williams’s “The Sugar Ridge Rag” beautifully develops the familial bond of two brothers, and shows how destructive a war climate is for everyone, but in this case, losing out on the most free years a human life has to offer: childhood. A poignant period play with a lot of pathos to offer.

Right from the start, we get a sense of disorder and chaos from the unhinged yet charismatic protagonist. “A Long Overdue Talk with Henry” explores a metaphysical rekindling with a deceased lover. It’s raw and hilarious at the same time, and Busser balances both to perfection. A great monologue for a middle-aged woman actress.

A thoughtful and relevant display of emotion washes over Deray’s “Six Feet Apart.” The theme of isolation, especially from those you love, and how it impacts you. It’s an interesting read, and for a first draft, Deray has something special with this piece.

A beautiful concept Malakhow plays around with in “Emergency Contact” is weening the audience onto the dramatic material that inevitably envelops this play. At first you’re laughing, and soon enough, you’re crying. Malakhow has such a tight grasp of language and character creation, it’s impossible to not feel for these characters, especially Manny.