Recommended by Mike Byham

Dan Taube neatly injects a human element to a debate where the use of simple platitudes too often takes center stage. THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS will resonate with both sides of this thorny issue and may even cause the ambivalent to think a bit deeper on the topic. Interesting, relevant and very well done.

Philip Middleton Williams cleverly uses a slice of typical Americana to expose today's political divisiveness as an artifact created by an attachment to yesterday's ideals. Digging a bit deeper, we see how xenophobia, homophobia and racism can be used by politicians to their advantage. It's relevant and thought-provoking while remaining funny and entertaining. Nice work walking that wire! The twists at the end are the fun cherry on top. Excellent!

PHONES is a clever exercise in setting the stage for the cautionary tale that you know will follow - if we were to know the story to its inevitable end. Darrin Friedman does a great job in setting the table for a fateful decision by our down-on-his-luck protagonist utilizing a simple, everyday device we all carry. What if? Some of my favorite stories start with this question. As does this marvelously engrossing short fantasy. Well done!

What a sweet memory ESSIE AND WILLIE conjures! Morey Norkin builds us a world that is complete with sight and sound and with feeling! This monologue piece somehow says a lot using few words. Brilliantly done.

I love two-handlers that allow for the simple exploration of character. Dan Taube’s SECOND CHANCES fits this description as we get an opportunity to learn about the relationship between an ex-con and his parole officer. The natural-sounding dialogue compliments this simple story of a man doomed despite the well-intended help of another. Would make a great short play festival piece.

The fog horn sets the tone in Ryan Kaminski’s THE ACTRESS establishing a noir ambiance befitting a ferry ride shared by a murderess actress and her blackmailing maid. Snappy dialogue accompanies the voyage as these two banter on who knew what when and where is such and such hidden. It’s all great fun and the possibility of both getting what they want is dangled until one character is revealed to have performed a standing ovation worthy performance. Great work!

The tone and language of LOST STARLET is perfectly suited to its purpose! As a fan of older film, I was mesmerized by Scott Sickles’ ability to resurrect the ghosts of the classic actors who made these movies memorable. Absolutely entertaining stuff. I would love to see this staged! Well done!

Well this one took a left when you’re expecting a right! REWIND by Morey Norkin is a super-fun short loaded with pre-year 2000 movie references and quotes. Classic sci-fi time bubble trap executed to perfection! You had me at La La and Ga Ga. Excellent!

How we grieve and who we choose to grieve with is a difficult topic to handle in a ten-minute play. Brenton Kniess proves he’s up to the challenge with SLAPJACK SATURDAY. Cards, beer, a raccoon and a couple of old friends coalesce in this sweet short where coming to grips with loss is told in an identifiable manner. You can feel the characters’ shared pain. A worthy piece of work.

Ever wonder what happens at the end of a long night for employees at a movie theater? On Halloween? Apparently it’s spooky fun! A sweet story of friendship, Brenton Kneiss hits all the right notes with THE THATCHER THEATER TERROR. A surprise haunting brings about self-realization amongst three friends. The final twist at the end brings a smile from the reader and audience. Well done!