Recommended by John Busser

  • John Busser: Claire's Invisibility Monologue by Kim E. Ruyle
    “

    Be careful what you wish for. You may get it. That's my takeaway from this beautifully realized monologue from Kim Ruyle. As children we often wish life could be different than what it is. Whether it's a new circumstance, a new acquisition or a new ability (in this case, the power of invisibility). Sure, it's impossible in the concrete sense. But, as so many find out, there are more ways than one to be invisible. Claire finds out how to achieve her wish. And it costs her a lot. Moving words here that stay with you.

    Be careful what you wish for. You may get it. That's my takeaway from this beautifully realized monologue from Kim Ruyle. As children we often wish life could be different than what it is. Whether it's a new circumstance, a new acquisition or a new ability (in this case, the power of invisibility). Sure, it's impossible in the concrete sense. But, as so many find out, there are more ways than one to be invisible. Claire finds out how to achieve her wish. And it costs her a lot. Moving words here that stay with you.

    ”
  • John Busser: 19 Excellent Reasons to Date Matthew Weaver (a monologue) by Matthew Weaver
    “

    The entire reason this play exists (and SHOULD exist) is for the 19th reason. This is one of the most important things any creative person should do. Hell, ANY person, creative or not, should do. I won't say what it is. This way, if you are at all curious, you have to read this. Or see it done. Or better yet, make your own list. Matthew Weaver has shown you the way to do it right.

    The entire reason this play exists (and SHOULD exist) is for the 19th reason. This is one of the most important things any creative person should do. Hell, ANY person, creative or not, should do. I won't say what it is. This way, if you are at all curious, you have to read this. Or see it done. Or better yet, make your own list. Matthew Weaver has shown you the way to do it right.

    ”
  • John Busser: DOLORES THE PLUMBER - MONOLOGUE by Vivian Lermond
    “

    Talk about making lemonade from lemons! Vivian Lermond has written a charming monologue for audiences with a heroine who may have to take your s**t, but she's still come out the other end as a prize winner. Nicely realized!

    Talk about making lemonade from lemons! Vivian Lermond has written a charming monologue for audiences with a heroine who may have to take your s**t, but she's still come out the other end as a prize winner. Nicely realized!

    ”
  • John Busser: Egypt (monologue) by Jennifer O'Grady
    “

    Heart-breaking and powerful, Jennifer O'Grady takes us on the journey of Egypt, an unborn child as she must passively wait to be born to her premature end at the hands of someone she never meets. This is an emotional punch to the gut. I was moved by this piece. I was also struck by the choice to have Egypt played by an adult rather than a child. While a younger actress may have elicited sympathy, the choice to have Egypt played by an adult lent the play extra gravitas, showing a life already lived despite not having been born yet.

    Heart-breaking and powerful, Jennifer O'Grady takes us on the journey of Egypt, an unborn child as she must passively wait to be born to her premature end at the hands of someone she never meets. This is an emotional punch to the gut. I was moved by this piece. I was also struck by the choice to have Egypt played by an adult rather than a child. While a younger actress may have elicited sympathy, the choice to have Egypt played by an adult lent the play extra gravitas, showing a life already lived despite not having been born yet.

    ”
  • John Busser: Would You Like Help With That? *A Zoom Play* by Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn
    “

    Talk about a roller coaster ride! Jacquie Floyd had me going in the beginning. I thought this would be just another terrific comedy from her. But then a funny thing happened (ironically enough). Some real heart and soul came into the picture and the piece took on new meaning. These characters became real in a way I wasn't expecting. I was moved by Mel and Chip's dilemma. Beautiful stuff. And the ending brought a huge smile to my face.

    On a side note, I can't help but place Jacquie herself in the role of Annie.That's the voice I hear.

    Talk about a roller coaster ride! Jacquie Floyd had me going in the beginning. I thought this would be just another terrific comedy from her. But then a funny thing happened (ironically enough). Some real heart and soul came into the picture and the piece took on new meaning. These characters became real in a way I wasn't expecting. I was moved by Mel and Chip's dilemma. Beautiful stuff. And the ending brought a huge smile to my face.

    On a side note, I can't help but place Jacquie herself in the role of Annie.That's the voice I hear.

    ”
  • John Busser: CELL - BANG by Paul Smith
    “

    Proof positive that age has nothing to do with effectiveness. Edna may be 83 but she is definitely not to be trifled with. Paul Smith's wonderful short piece has Edna recount the events that led up to her in a jail cell and it's quite an interesting tale. What a great monologue for an older actress, with a punchline that is just perfect!

    Proof positive that age has nothing to do with effectiveness. Edna may be 83 but she is definitely not to be trifled with. Paul Smith's wonderful short piece has Edna recount the events that led up to her in a jail cell and it's quite an interesting tale. What a great monologue for an older actress, with a punchline that is just perfect!

    ”
  • John Busser: Here's Your Sandwich by Philip Middleton Williams
    “

    There are no new ideas, just new... wait, someone already said that. Okay, the more things change the more... nope, that's been said too. What can I say about this that hasn't already been... nuts, everyone's said THAT at one point or another as well. Philip Middleton Williams manages to encompass that frustration that all writers have had in coming up with something to say, and he does it in one neat little 10 minute play. Now I'm going to go eat something so I can write...

    There are no new ideas, just new... wait, someone already said that. Okay, the more things change the more... nope, that's been said too. What can I say about this that hasn't already been... nuts, everyone's said THAT at one point or another as well. Philip Middleton Williams manages to encompass that frustration that all writers have had in coming up with something to say, and he does it in one neat little 10 minute play. Now I'm going to go eat something so I can write...

    ”
  • John Busser: Your Table is Ready by Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn
    “

    A strong point to be made here. Too many of us live life in a state of wanting our needs catered to instead of wanting to help others. And we end up seated alone with only the crumbs of our selfishness. Jacquie Floyd wrote something here we should heed.

    A strong point to be made here. Too many of us live life in a state of wanting our needs catered to instead of wanting to help others. And we end up seated alone with only the crumbs of our selfishness. Jacquie Floyd wrote something here we should heed.

    ”
  • John Busser: Etched in Stone by Andrew Martineau
    “

    Andrew Martineau's "Etched in Stone" is a wonderful reminder that no matter where you are on your life's journey, the need to connect is a powerful one. Two people sharing adjacent cemetery gravesites explore connections old and new in this elegant piece. The characters are rich in scope, and this would be an acting ensemble's dream to realize their onstage lives at various stages. I was moved a number of times and I'm sure audiences would be too. Excellent work here Andrew!

    Andrew Martineau's "Etched in Stone" is a wonderful reminder that no matter where you are on your life's journey, the need to connect is a powerful one. Two people sharing adjacent cemetery gravesites explore connections old and new in this elegant piece. The characters are rich in scope, and this would be an acting ensemble's dream to realize their onstage lives at various stages. I was moved a number of times and I'm sure audiences would be too. Excellent work here Andrew!

    ”
  • John Busser: Science Friction; or, The Rapid Deconstruction of a Rational Mind by Ken Preuss
    “

    Ken Preuss is a g*****n genius of a writer. He hits all the right notes in this look at how our various loves and obsessions can backfire on us, but in a smartly funny way. I had an inhumanly large grin on my face reading this play, recognizing all the references, getting all the quotes, understanding all the implications. Oh wait, I'm one of "them", aren't I? It took me over, like this play did, insidiously worming its way into my mind and changing me into a fan of Ken Preuss. What kind of monster is he, anyway?

    Ken Preuss is a g*****n genius of a writer. He hits all the right notes in this look at how our various loves and obsessions can backfire on us, but in a smartly funny way. I had an inhumanly large grin on my face reading this play, recognizing all the references, getting all the quotes, understanding all the implications. Oh wait, I'm one of "them", aren't I? It took me over, like this play did, insidiously worming its way into my mind and changing me into a fan of Ken Preuss. What kind of monster is he, anyway?

    ”