Recommended by Asher Wyndham

With this short piece, another intimate one that unsettles us, Sickles really makes us think about the future impact of right-wing/Christian nationalism in American -- abroad. This is an imagined future that might come true. if Republicans gain more or total control, not only will our country be radically different in respects to rights and freedoms for LGBTQ folx, but our travel outside the country would also be impacted.

What a great short play for scenic and lighting designers looking for a challenge. A great way to collaborate with an actor and director beat by beat.

Sickles gives us something that is unfortunately rare on our stages - a role for a large-size character. This demand for respect and dignity, this objection to body shaming, this reality that people like this give up a lot to live in this world --- our theatre needs this. Structurally, this monologue is perfect in how it develops voice and character.

The most diabolical fairy ever! You wouldn't want to open your door to this trick 'o treater. Some LOL lines, caustic and downright vicious from a little girl. If you're new to acting or a middle-school champion at monologue competition, you need to try this one out. It's also just perfect for any Halloween festival - it can be played by an adult to make it even funnier. One of my favorite Halloween plays on NPX.

A touching monologue. There's a tenderness and sweetness of this mother of a young queer son that made me smile. The world would be a safer place, a kinder place with mothers like Heyman's character. A great addition to any festival on queer themes.

Now this is a perfect example of a ten-minute play that does such much in a few pages. It packs an emotional punch, playing with time in surprising ways theatrically, while focusing on a family's history, trauma and dreams. A necessary drama for our times.

Burbano captures a voice that Christian fundamentalists banning abortion want to ignore, silence. It's story like this one that shines a light on how loss of necessary medical care truly traumatizes women and impacts their spouse and family. One of the hardest hitting monologues on abortion I've read so far.

A harrowing experience with a tornado becomes a survivor's story with some surprising humor and reference. As a testimony at a Senate, it ends with whiplash of words, a call to action. A smart choice for a festival on climate change.

Curry taps into a predicament that many American women face, a loveless marriage with a man-child and a life of endless chores. A narration that progresses believably with long sentences that capture an authentic voice. Surprisingly it's not all depressing. Uplifting ending.

One of Lawing's most memorable characters. An old age Cupid inspires us with his crusade against homophobia and injustice, reminding us that even after several years, even after retirement there's always a good fight, a little more strength in us. So get on that bike and pedal with all you got. A great piece for a protest festival.