Recommended by Asher Wyndham

Diaz-Marcano continues exploring his themes of identity and community and his concerns with how past, history and mythology shapes us, especially in the aftermath of environmental destruction, real or imaginary, and how that destruction affects survival and culture. Who are we, what is community and country, what is family and love when so much is lost? The setting is Slab City in a toxic wasteland by a lake populated by a cast of misfits -- reminds me of Butterworth's Jersualem. It's violent like Letts' Killer Joe, but beautiful with surrealist splashes that Diaz-Marcano is perfect at. Produce this!

The best theatre, I think, is dangerous theatre, and this monologue is a fine example of that. It attacks/questions values, assumptions, and myths of America: it's a middle finger to nationalism and Trumpism. And much of it is full of grief or anger, and it's boldly political. It moves minds and hearts to reexamine the ways things are. In doing so it's not pessimistic; it's truthfulness is inspiring, uplifting for those who want change -- less violence, less guns. Highly recommend this for your solo festival. Poignant. Fierce. Bravo, Burbano.

A wacky writing prompt resulting in an unexpected intimacy and poignancy. This sci-fi situation -- about the aftermath of a monster attack -- will have universal appeal. The hug between two people in Hazmat suits is memorable. Weaver's playfulness with craft is infectious. Recommended for any short play festival on sci-fi themes.

This monologue commands attention immediately with a dynamic voice that speaks of a taboo desire satisfied. Many would identify with the speaker, obviously not in sense they are criminal awaiting execution; they would identify with the desire for destroying the enemy -- to destroy that which they deem evil. As if doing so is not some sick pleasure, rather a holy act, righteous and undamnable. This monologue would appeal to people of cities and cultures dominated by nationalism outside North America; this has universal appeal. Certainly to be a controversial choice for any theatre. But it would get applause.

With a voice of a young teen that feels so genuine, Hageman captures the joy of having superhero powers and then with her own seemingly superhero imaginative powers does the unexpected: she breaks your heart with this kid's realization -- that being a superhero would suck big time. What? Yeah, read it. Hageman is one of the best writers I know capturing the voices of kids and teens, it's stellar. This monologue is a kickbutt one for competition. Teachers, forget about those old dusty monologue books; reach out to Hageman.

I saw this short play produced in Minneapolis at Safety Off, an evening of theatre on gun control awareness and activism. You'll may laugh during this play, but you shouldn't: there seems to be no place safe in America -- gun violence can happen anywhere. And our kids accept this reality. This is the kind of short theater that could inspire you talk with your neighbors, coworkers, strangers and see what you can do about making the smallest change to make sensible gun control a reality. You may remember this play on voting day. Highly recommend.

I saw this play performed in Minneapolis at Safety Off, a production on gun control awareness and activism. It was probably the most uncomfortable play of the evening. While kids discuss football and regrets you hear shots of bullets, reminding you that anywhere, anytime violence can end someone's childhood. If you're producing an evening of gun control theatre, I highly recommend this poignant play. The ending will wreck you.

I saw this short play performed in Minneapolis at Safety Off, a production on gun control awareness and activism. A teacher's lesson on a poem is interrupted by a lock down drill, and the students and teachers react as if they've done this a million times. It's a sad play, but a powerful one that could do more than make you shake your head in disgust at America; it could inspire you do something, vote for politicians who are for gun control or simply start a conversation with others.

I saw this play performed in Minneapolis at Safety Off, a gun control theatre production. It worked powerfully as a final play, chronicalling the history of gun violence on campuses, workplaces and places of worship, while the statistics weighed on your heart. It's a necessary play for your production on gun control and activism. This is the kind of play that can do more than make people react, it could make them act -- get out and vote, protest, or write to their politicians and be a part of the movement.

An essential narrative/perspective for Gun Control Theatre. Because it comes from a teacher and someone who understands that the epidemic of gun violence and school shootings speaks to a diseased, toxic, flawed concept of American masculinity. Hageman's compassion and deep understanding for young men, their emotional and educational development and how they express maleness, is evident here and in some other works. Highly recommend for gun control festivals.