Recommended by Cherielyn Ferguson

I was so well entertained by these three canine characters that I didn’t care if Roger showed up. This is a clever exploration of what dogs might be thinking if we could only hear them. Fireworks? Loud and scary. Eating and drinking? More, please. What was I talking about? I got distracted and forgot. Best line: “I think I ate my umbrella.” Costume three actors in some zany dog accessories and have fun with this one.

Lots can happen in 10 minutes: Abby and Bennie, each dumped by their partners, find they have the proverbial unexpected connection—one that draws them together after a false start. This play needs a sequel so we can see these two enact their plan to wreak revenge on their former partners! Cast two actors with chemistry and enjoy the show as they wind their way to a very satisfying ending.

Zeus is sure he’s memorable to Europa, because who could forget him? Europa could, and did. But once Zeus reminds her who he is, and how lucky she was he chose her, she cuts her assaulter down to size in this play filled with snappy dialog and great humor. One of the best lines: If I see a cow, I’ll just assume it’s you.

Sometimes plays really ARE about life and death. This is a character-driven piece that’s absorbing at every turn. Casual reminiscences of past executions turn into a replay of the event itself, told by a young reporter who’s trying to process what he’s just seen for the first time. There are four good parts for a variety of ages—each with distinct viewpoints that never come across in dry, discussion-like dialog. Well done!

The Wrong Jane is a fun and well-executed exploration of a 21st-century what-if. As in, what if a robot presented itself to you and wouldn’t go away—no matter what you did to discourage it? Jane does her best to convince Robert she’s not his Jane, but then . . . No—read The Wrong Jane for yourself to find out if Robert stays or goes. And then add it to your 10-minute play program.

This is delightful! There’s a lot to be learned in the course of this short, fable-like play and it goes down easily and with great good humor. Ziggy the alligator spends his long life uniting people all over the world and his presence lets them express both their hopes and fears. The large cast makes Global Alligator an excellent choice if you have many actors, adult or teenage, available and eager to take part. And there are really no small parts—almost every role offers an opportunity for creative interpretation and fun. Press “Inquire About Rights” now!

This play is a great twist on the traditional prom night inspection of a girl’s date by her suspicious father. It offers excellent parts for a pair of older actors in the roles of the prom-bound couple who are REAL seniors, as well as a snappy part for a younger actor taking the part of the worried teen-aged grandchild. Lots of clever dialog and a laugh-out-loud ending make this play a perfect choice for theatre groups looking to utilize their older actors.

I was intrigued from the very beginning: the Lim family joyfully celebrates newly-gained American citizenship, a success promising so much happiness you know it can’t last. The environment/characters are highly specific, but the theme's universal: how do we fight to be what we want when that means defying cultural norms. I believed totally in the characters and the smart dialog is both funny and poignant. This is an ideal play for a company looking to explore family relationships and how the American dream can conflict with a father’s expectations developed well before his arrival in the US.

This tightly-written play shines a light on an important question: can an attorney effectively represent a client she believes to be in the wrong? Margaret’s wife Lee-Ann can’t believe Margaret’s even considering taking on a client who refused to bake a birthday cake for a lesbian couple’s son. I was left in suspense at the end: what will Lee-Ann decide to do now that Margaret’s confirmed her intention to take on the case? The New Client deserves a continuance so we can hear the verdict.

I recently had the pleasure of seeing this performed and it’s a hoot, a kick, and more. I was engaged throughout and was sorry when it was over. Each role offers a field day to imaginative actors willing to throw themselves into a wacked-out world that exists halfway between Sesame Street and Noir Avenue. More Arno, Omar, Zelda, and Mr. C—please!