Recommended by Mike Byham

Whodunits are one of the most difficult types of plays to write - requiring a plausible death (or two or three), multiple characters provided with reasonable cause and the ratcheting of suspense as necessary elements. Peter Fenton blends these elements together expertly pulling us into a world where any number of outcomes is possible. I was guessing (wrongly - I might add) the whole way through. Captivating! Additional bonus - the set is a dream. Would love to see it!

The best way to influence is to engage in a manner that entertains. There is no better way to do this than through humor. Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn nails the concept with the satirical short THE BAKED ALASKA INCIDENT. I laughed, was shocked, ruminated, grew concerned, then laughed some more. Great concept, characters and dialogue. Thoroughly enjoyable. I would love to see this one staged.

Absolutely love this short - hitting all the right notes with me. I'm an airline employee, a Trekker of a certain age with family flying apart, and a Hilton Diamond member (I think Philip must have access to my Alexa). So relatable and so well done. I got a bit misty-eyed at the end. It's amazing what you can get and feel from a ten-minute read when the writing is so good. Needs to be staged.

I'm officially creeped out. The ratcheting of tension builds to a climax that will claim many a sleepless night for audiences lucky (and brave) enough to see this. Plenty of sub-text to mull over as well - as you're lying awake at night anticipating the issuance of the god-like disembodied voice of doom. Rules? We don't need no stinking rules. Well done.

A fun, interesting and creepy venture into the world of AI research, John Busser’s All Too HumAIn is thoroughly entertaining. Some great characters spitting lively dialogue will leave you guessing until the end. And it’s a great finish! Can easily see this as a festival favorite.

Delicious! FINAL GIRL is a Halloween treat! If you were weaned on classic horror movies, you know the deal - there's always one previously thought of helpless victim-in-waiting that somehow evades the fate dealt to countless others. Part Jame Lee Curtis, part Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Emma steps up to be that girl time and time again. This one's calling for a sequel (or two)! Alles delivers the creepy fun!

Aly Kantor spins a lovely tale in THE CARE AND FEEDING OF RESTLESS SPIRITS. This play immerses you into a period of time fraught with change - the world simmering with unrest following a pandemic. Sound familiar? The bonds formed by the inhabitants of the Mary Todd Hotel prove stronger than the patriarchal interloper. I love how Kantor doesn't demonize the antagonist while clearly delivering a message that resonates for the time this period piece was set and is still relevant today. Marvelous!

Anyone who loves Star Trek will absolutely love this! Spot on combination of parody and homage. Would love to see this staged. Beam me up!

HOLLYWOODLAND is a fun tale of that magical time when the movies were transitioning from silent films to "talkies." Nora Louise Syran uses the ambitious optimism of young actors to drive the action and it's easy to buy into their dreams. The script is packed full of period-accurate songs and humor, ensuring a fun time for audiences and actors alike as they pay homage to those original Hollywood dreamers.

This is a well-crafted short providing a great opportunity for two seasoned actors. The allegories fly freely and hit the mark. The couple hint at shared history, separation and missed opportunity. We root for these star-crossed lovebirds to reunite and Resh doesn't disappoint. Well done.