Recommended by Mike Byham

  • Mike Byham: Hellbent in a Northwoods Cabin by Kim E. Ruyle
    “

    Hellbent in a Northwoods Cabin is a taut, relevant drama exposing hypocrisies and lack of empathy (sometimes intentional, sometimes not) of hardened, extreme viewpoints. Ruyle doesn't shy away from hard questions, and this intriguing story exposes the vulnerability of those trying to answer them. Intense, sometimes funny, sometimes sad - it is always intelligent and thoughtful work. This needs to be staged.

    Hellbent in a Northwoods Cabin is a taut, relevant drama exposing hypocrisies and lack of empathy (sometimes intentional, sometimes not) of hardened, extreme viewpoints. Ruyle doesn't shy away from hard questions, and this intriguing story exposes the vulnerability of those trying to answer them. Intense, sometimes funny, sometimes sad - it is always intelligent and thoughtful work. This needs to be staged.

    ”
  • Mike Byham: A Flicker by Guy Newsham
    “

    Grief manifests in different and unique ways for everyone. Here, Newsham imagines a message from a flickering light. Brilliant theatrical device. This short is moving and relevant to anyone remembering their loved ones. I would love to see this staged.

    Grief manifests in different and unique ways for everyone. Here, Newsham imagines a message from a flickering light. Brilliant theatrical device. This short is moving and relevant to anyone remembering their loved ones. I would love to see this staged.

    ”
  • Mike Byham: WILL OF THE PEOPLE by Andrew Allen
    “

    Interesting and illuminating tale of political power games played at the highest level. Allen sets up a chilling scenario that we’ll hopefully not see presented in the future. I won’t spoil the surprise - read it. Compelling theatre.

    Interesting and illuminating tale of political power games played at the highest level. Allen sets up a chilling scenario that we’ll hopefully not see presented in the future. I won’t spoil the surprise - read it. Compelling theatre.

    ”
  • Mike Byham: Good People by Eric Goudie
    “

    A bittersweet story dealing with family lost and found. It’s never easy dealing with the loss of a loved one but when their flaws are exposed despite their perfect public image, it’s how the survivors carry on that really matters. Engaging short.

    A bittersweet story dealing with family lost and found. It’s never easy dealing with the loss of a loved one but when their flaws are exposed despite their perfect public image, it’s how the survivors carry on that really matters. Engaging short.

    ”
  • Mike Byham: I Love an Earthling by Rex McGregor
    “

    This short play is a delight! I love sci-fi comedies and this one is so well done - as a rom-com! I listened to this on the Broken Arts YouTube channel and it made me really want to see this staged. Fun!

    This short play is a delight! I love sci-fi comedies and this one is so well done - as a rom-com! I listened to this on the Broken Arts YouTube channel and it made me really want to see this staged. Fun!

    ”
  • Mike Byham: The Street Has I's by Greg Lam
    “

    A fun parody blending Sesame Street and noir detective. Lots of giggles in this clever short. Really enjoyed listening to it on Broken Arts YouTube channel.

    A fun parody blending Sesame Street and noir detective. Lots of giggles in this clever short. Really enjoyed listening to it on Broken Arts YouTube channel.

    ”
  • Mike Byham: What A Child Wants by Eric Jenkins
    “

    Eric Jenkins brings us an interesting premise that is all too likely to be manifest in our near future. What would you have done if you found that your child would have preferred to remain unborn? Engaging and chilling - nightmare fuel.

    Eric Jenkins brings us an interesting premise that is all too likely to be manifest in our near future. What would you have done if you found that your child would have preferred to remain unborn? Engaging and chilling - nightmare fuel.

    ”
  • Mike Byham: Erstwhile by DC Cathro
    “

    Love the characters in this short! Yeah - getting old sucks and we can't go back. Except JEROME has a reason to try. DC Cathro has created an engaging dialogue between these two "erstwhile" star musicians. Fun read.

    Love the characters in this short! Yeah - getting old sucks and we can't go back. Except JEROME has a reason to try. DC Cathro has created an engaging dialogue between these two "erstwhile" star musicians. Fun read.

    ”
  • Mike Byham: The Prime Cut by Aly Kantor
    “

    I love these people! No one creates female and femme characters like Aly Kantor. This short includes brilliant use of connected similes. Wonderful writing with a great message - highlighting new body image complications created by use of the latest medical technology. I must confess that I'm now hungry for a Wagyu slider. I'd love to be invited to the wedding.

    I love these people! No one creates female and femme characters like Aly Kantor. This short includes brilliant use of connected similes. Wonderful writing with a great message - highlighting new body image complications created by use of the latest medical technology. I must confess that I'm now hungry for a Wagyu slider. I'd love to be invited to the wedding.

    ”
  • Mike Byham: Erstwhile by Matthew Weaver
    “

    Haunting short. The disturbing tableau on stage when the lights come up will thrill audiences. I also love where we're left - reminding me of the Soprano's blackout. Tense, suspenseful and mysterious.

    Haunting short. The disturbing tableau on stage when the lights come up will thrill audiences. I also love where we're left - reminding me of the Soprano's blackout. Tense, suspenseful and mysterious.

    ”