Recommended by Erin Malone Turner

  •

    Camp Contrition is an ambitious piece about teens at a Christian summer camp - although quite different from other plays of this nature that I've read &/or seen. The comedic, tense, awkward, and heartwarming moments bounce and converge on each other, as is real life; the speculative-fiction, mystery, and horror aspects lend an intriguing edge to the storyline. It explores the ideas of authenticity vs perfection and how to thrive rather than just survive.

    Camp Contrition is an ambitious piece about teens at a Christian summer camp - although quite different from other plays of this nature that I've read &/or seen. The comedic, tense, awkward, and heartwarming moments bounce and converge on each other, as is real life; the speculative-fiction, mystery, and horror aspects lend an intriguing edge to the storyline. It explores the ideas of authenticity vs perfection and how to thrive rather than just survive.

  •

    Spare the Rod is a captivating piece centered in a community that many of us aren't intimately familiar with, but reminds us how even in the most particular places and situations, we can all find someone to identify with. Everyone in this world feels incredibly specific but also relatable. It asks, how do we join together instead of allowing these systems of power to break us down? How do we become who we're meant to be against all odds?

    Spare the Rod is a captivating piece centered in a community that many of us aren't intimately familiar with, but reminds us how even in the most particular places and situations, we can all find someone to identify with. Everyone in this world feels incredibly specific but also relatable. It asks, how do we join together instead of allowing these systems of power to break us down? How do we become who we're meant to be against all odds?

  •

    What an unapologetic play, with tension & heart layered on more with every shift. This play is also full of stunning lines that floored me with their poetic introspection. This play mostly takes place in a car, but the world (unfortunately not far off from our current one) that Saltwick has created for these mindful, playful, & determined characters stretches far beyond those doors & windows. Maggie & Lizzie really aren't asking for much: simply love & care. They could be any of us.

    What an unapologetic play, with tension & heart layered on more with every shift. This play is also full of stunning lines that floored me with their poetic introspection. This play mostly takes place in a car, but the world (unfortunately not far off from our current one) that Saltwick has created for these mindful, playful, & determined characters stretches far beyond those doors & windows. Maggie & Lizzie really aren't asking for much: simply love & care. They could be any of us.

  •

    My goodness! What a captivating & gorgeous play. Abbie is a sturdy, unflinching, lovely storyteller. I absolutely adore the beautiful poetic lines woven throughout the play as well. This is one of my favorite solo shows I've ever experienced; I need to see it performed as soon as I can. BIG FAN of this play!

    My goodness! What a captivating & gorgeous play. Abbie is a sturdy, unflinching, lovely storyteller. I absolutely adore the beautiful poetic lines woven throughout the play as well. This is one of my favorite solo shows I've ever experienced; I need to see it performed as soon as I can. BIG FAN of this play!

  •

    I was deeply moved by this play, & I imagine many others will be as well. These characters are sincere, impassioned, & beautifully painted portraits of what it can look like for young people trying to figure out who God is while becoming who they are. The ferocity & joy of the ending is particularly commendable!

    I was deeply moved by this play, & I imagine many others will be as well. These characters are sincere, impassioned, & beautifully painted portraits of what it can look like for young people trying to figure out who God is while becoming who they are. The ferocity & joy of the ending is particularly commendable!

  • Erin Malone Turner: Strike/Out by Lizz Mangan
    “

    Love how this play about a small bowling league team was so heartwarming as well as sporty. The tension of the athleticism & the relationships between the characters is incredible! Anyone - bowler or not - can relate to the ideas of dedication, taking shots at romance, & figuring out how to stick together when things seem to be falling apart that are explored in this wonderful play. Additionally, it allows actors & directors to be inventive with physicality. I need to see this fully produced!

    Love how this play about a small bowling league team was so heartwarming as well as sporty. The tension of the athleticism & the relationships between the characters is incredible! Anyone - bowler or not - can relate to the ideas of dedication, taking shots at romance, & figuring out how to stick together when things seem to be falling apart that are explored in this wonderful play. Additionally, it allows actors & directors to be inventive with physicality. I need to see this fully produced!

    ”
  • Erin Malone Turner: backstroke boys by Xavier Clark
    “

    This is one of the most profound & meticulously written plays I’ve ever read, especially with only three characters. Clark has created a phenomenal world, mostly taking place in a high school indoor swimming pool, & the push & pull of each character to the others is magnificent. The spotlight on Middle Eastern & African experiences/cultures & the lovely unfolding of the storyline join together beautifully!

    This is one of the most profound & meticulously written plays I’ve ever read, especially with only three characters. Clark has created a phenomenal world, mostly taking place in a high school indoor swimming pool, & the push & pull of each character to the others is magnificent. The spotlight on Middle Eastern & African experiences/cultures & the lovely unfolding of the storyline join together beautifully!

    ”
  • Erin Malone Turner: Diving Board by Malena Pennycook
    “

    In this play, Pennycook beautifully explores the desperate yearning of that peculiar/fraught/lovely time right on the cusp of adulthood. These characters so deeply want to be seen, understood, accepted, & taken seriously. The tension, joy, & wonder of growing up are all incredibly palpable. An excellent piece!

    In this play, Pennycook beautifully explores the desperate yearning of that peculiar/fraught/lovely time right on the cusp of adulthood. These characters so deeply want to be seen, understood, accepted, & taken seriously. The tension, joy, & wonder of growing up are all incredibly palpable. An excellent piece!

    ”
  • Erin Malone Turner: The New Galileos by Amy Berryman
    “

    This play asks: do those in charge have the peoples' best interests in mind? What will it take to make the good ones stop fighting for what's right? Can anyone really take one's livelihood, free speech, & knowledge away? Berryman is surgical in her undertaking of very big issues & showcasing the individual, valuable lives, dreams, & fears involved in keeping truth alive. A heartfelt, harrowing, excellent play!

    This play asks: do those in charge have the peoples' best interests in mind? What will it take to make the good ones stop fighting for what's right? Can anyone really take one's livelihood, free speech, & knowledge away? Berryman is surgical in her undertaking of very big issues & showcasing the individual, valuable lives, dreams, & fears involved in keeping truth alive. A heartfelt, harrowing, excellent play!

    ”
  • Erin Malone Turner: You Must Wear a Hat by C. Meaker
    “

    I got to see a staged reading of this at Kitchen Dog Theater, and it has haunted me since then in the best way. It's one of the most heart-wrenching two-handers I've ever experienced. An exquisite diorama of reaching out in loneliness, the intimacy of trading stories & secrets, and what the world could have to offer at the end of it. It's funny, desperate, rich, and clings to hope / joy / wonder. This play is a gift.

    I got to see a staged reading of this at Kitchen Dog Theater, and it has haunted me since then in the best way. It's one of the most heart-wrenching two-handers I've ever experienced. An exquisite diorama of reaching out in loneliness, the intimacy of trading stories & secrets, and what the world could have to offer at the end of it. It's funny, desperate, rich, and clings to hope / joy / wonder. This play is a gift.

    ”