Recommended by John Busser

The power of human connection is never better shown than here, in Toby Malone's 10 minute look at the ways human beings need each other. Seeing someone and hearing their words can pale with the almost frightening sensation of a simple touch. In these restricted times of ours, this becomes all-too-evident, and the two characters shown here are nearly overwhelmed after a hug. Wonderfully written, this is a timely play for 2020 and really, it should be for all time.

Wow! I did not see the twist in Dan Prillaman's absurd Zoom play coming and I loved it! I like a writer who can turn things on a dime, and this is a wonderful example of it. And the possibilities of this on Zoom, where some creative directing can pull out all the visual gags which are sorely lacking in a lot of Zoom plays, would be fun to see played out. I'd love to see this play done for real.

Two actors are to play a scene together, but past yearnings change the dynamic and the scene that takes place takes on another level. Sounding like completely real people dealing with each other in a make believe setup, the play is a gentle delight. It's sweet, and not just because of the whipped cream.

Oh, how I wish I could show this piece to some of the actors I've run across in my time onstage. I am constantly dumbfounded by some of the choices that are made just like the ones JUSTIN makes in this play. Dismissing a true connection to the play and their fellow actors in the name of giving the audience what they want (or so they believe), is so frustratingly self-serving. I defy anyone who has walked the stage to tell me they've never encountered this character for real. As on-target as it gets.

I was hooked from page 1 and became more engrossed as I read. This is a wonderful piece of writing that will tug at your heartstrings. I don't want to give anything away. this play deserves to unfold as it does, with the audience learning the truth of this relationship at the right time. Suffice to say, these characters become each other's salvation. Warm, gentle and emotionally heartbreaking, it ultimately renews your faith in humanity and perhaps something beyond humanity.

Definitely not for kiddies, this is a fun little piece from Robin Rice that provides some sound advice on a touchy subject from the least likely of sources, and yet it makes perfect sense. If you’ve been good, you should get what you want for Christmas. Thankfully they won’t be lumps of coal. A fun piece all around.

Jack Levine writes a little charmer of a piece for a couple of older actors. There’s warmth, humor and a sense that no matter what setbacks these two might encounter, they have each other, and that’s what really counts. And c’mon, we’d all like a getaway to a paradise island, right?

This piece was a great example of racism and victimizing. One teacher would have you believe she is justified in her bullying of another teacher, giving in to rumor and taking it upon herself to exact righteous vengeance. Even after being shown the error of her ways, she continues in her petty ways. So true to life, it shows we have a long way to go to understand each other. Powerful and sad, and all the more important for it.

Oh I loved this short screenplay by Jacquie Floyd. It perfectly captures the trials and tribulations of domestic living together in a sharply funny way. The transition cuts showing the progression as the couple learn to live with the bathroom habits of the other are perfect. An escalation of tensions results in comedic gold. Jacquie never fails to score a bullseye with her humorous takes.

Powerful in its scope, yet gentle in its delivery, this monologue by Franky Gonzalez is a beacon in the night, just when a lot of us need it. Sometimes, just knowing that the darkness will pass and we have the light to look forward to is just what we need, and this piece reminds us of that in a beautiful way. This is damn good writing.