Recommended by John Busser

D.Lee Miller shows us that some people filter life just a little too much through their prejudices and can't just see (or in this case, hear) how beauty can exist if you'd just let it. No one sets out to do art (here, a live concert performance) to provoke jealousy, but leave it to people to find a way to bring it to the table. This monologue shows the tightrope that all artists walk when they put it out there. If only audience members acted more like a net instead of a concrete floor.

We all need someone we can connect with and it doesn't matter if you are organic or inorganic in this powerful short piece by Jeff Soesbe. The characters each give the other a reason to try to survive even as all may be lost. And it seems that guilt, which most times is a bad thing, can be a wonderful motivator. I really enjoyed this one.

Megan Schumacher has written a very short and sweet play about dealing with those pesky night monsters under the bed. I would love to see the individual productions take on each monster as there is plenty of room for interpretation. REALLY nice twist at the end. Such appropriate music too.

I absolutely LOVED this awkward conversation and kick myself for not having thought of it already. Although after reading this, there's no way I could have done this the justice that John Bavoso has. We need more Bible followups like this to provide a counterpoint to the sometimes gruesome events of the "holy" book. Get to work John!

Rachel Feeny-Williams delivers both laughs and social commentary in equal measure in this short play about a future without alcohol that gets one for the road. Once again, science comes through in a pinch, but really, should it have? It would be fun to see staged as the mayhem of a stiff one is unleashed upon an unsuspecting humanity. Give it a shot. (And a beer.)

Evan Baughfman hits just the right notes as he spins a one minute piece about that old t-shirt you used to wear all the time, and why did that ever stop? As the T says, when asked if it ever brought joy, "Experiencing life alongside you has always brought me mine!" I think we all have that special article of clothing we just can't part with and it was comforting to see Dylan find a new reason to slip the old T back on again. There's new life in the Old T.

Well THAT was a ride and a half! Talking about sex is something the Grandma in this play is NOT shy about. If only we could all be that candid. As the character of Hannah recounts her sexual exploration, she finds someone has already charted those waters in her oversexed grandmother. Along the way we get some hilarious observations, and the audience will be both blushing and laughing over it. Fun stuff.

I highly recommend this heart-breaking play by Andrew Martineau about the punishments we make for both ourselves and others. As someone who had a drug-addicted sibling, you feel so powerless to stop the behavior that's killing the family in ways you never imagined. This piece perfectly captures the sense of wanting to return to a time before it all falls apart. And it shows how we make our own prisons ruled over by guilt, grief and regret. This is strong writing and this play should be staged as a cautionary tale.

Ha, isn't that just the way? A short piece about three "best" friends that shows friendship has no place during recess. Playtime is a cut-throat endeavor in the 4th grade. Jacquie Floyd gives us three girls, one of whom is playing the other two off each other for her own end game. And poor Spencer? The unwitting weapon AND prize at the same time. I just hope that cootie antidote is real.

Oh, it's always a pleasure to read a Jacquie Floyd play! This one postulates a possible reunion tour of the "Beatle-esque" 5 Horsemen (that's right, 5!) Annoyance becomes our Pete Best (which seems appropriate) as we watch the bandmates bicker and gossip in hilarious fashion. This piece was originally written for broadcast but would work just as well on stage. This piece is perfect for any comedy OR horror themed show. I loved it!