Recommended by Mike Byham

A simple but unique set and simple concept - yet still stunningly theatrical. The poetic relationship of two life-long friends defining the age of their development, OCCUPIED hits all the right emotional notes. Aly Kantor has created art relevant for our times and yet, if fear of the unknown and the unexpected is a defining aspect of humanity, then perhaps this is timeless. I laughed, and cried without knowing why and I wanted to give the world a hug. I would love to see this staged. Magnificent.

I really enjoyed reading LUCK OF THE DRAW. In this short, Brenton Kniess proves up to the task of imagining a world where freedom of choice is restricted and the government playing matchmaker offers your only option to start a family. In this case, a match was made between a fighter and a dove. The interesting dialogue between these two leads us down a path into the uncanny unknown. Bravo!

LOL - thanks Brenton Kniess for illuminating the pain we can all feel during the play submission process. This humorous short touches on several insider annoyances. One that is missing is the need for the play to never have been performed (or in some cases "professionally" or workshopped or read out loud ... etc.). Argh! Thanks for the laugh. Good luck getting this one produced (has it been submitted anywhere)?

Brent Alles provides us with a glimpse of the afterlife - specifically limbo - in THE MANTEGNA EFFECT. The option to alter history may prove to be attractive to some, but buyer beware. A very fun and funny short that includes little bit of spicy political satire, it is a great read that would do well staged. Well done!

Beautiful tale. Wendy Vogel just made an actual surreal encounter I had a few years back totally real with NOT ABOUT PRETTY! This short provides emotional punch and your heart warms as the exchange between the two women goes from uncomfortable to supportive. The third character in this drama is sharply drawn without ever setting foot on the stage. Impressive writing!

What happens when political correctness runs amok in the disciplined, but ribald Army? I DON'T KNOW by James McLindon offers a response in a hilarious glimpse of an old drill sergeant leading a run - complete with cadence. LMFAO.

A sweet tale wrought with family drama caused by greed, FINDING MICKEY MANTLE recognizes the value of choosing family and illuminate the overwhelming power of kindness. Logan's haunting presence is powerfully felt and seen throughout via flashback and as a ghost. Marie's poignant letters will break your heart - also providing actors audition-worthy monologues. Nan's little surprises at the end are sure to bring a smile to reader and audience alike. Wendy Vogel has crafted a winning play that deserves to be staged. Bravo!

Nora Louise Syran provides an entertaining education of Norse mythology in EINAR'S RAGNOROK. Whether you're somewhat familiar with the gods and their tales or have no knowledge of them, you will certainly enjoy the craftmanship of Syran's story-telling. Cleverly using a time period and setting that bridges the pagan "then" to the Christian "now" at an Althing gathering in Iceland, the presentation of the mythology is woven into the fabric of the transition itself. Very well done. I would love to see this staged.

It only took Ryan Vaughan one minute to give me something to keep me up tonight. Taut and unforgiving in its premise, MAKE IT QUICK will leave you wanting more. My head is spinning with possibilities of outcomes and the necessary grisly action whence the table set by Vaughan. Extraordinary.

Ramsey Uhter wrote a really fun piece of physical comedy - THERE WAS A SPIDER ON THE CEILING. It would be a real hoot to see performed. It is certain to entertain actors and audiences alike. It’s also educational - I now know how to make chloroform. Nice work!