Recommended by Mike Byham

  • Mike Byham: Santa Noir by Morey Norkin
    “

    It's a chuckle with every line delivered. Norkin has brought John Pie, PI to the holidays with Santa Noir. So much Bogart-worthy fun. Although after reading this, I fear for the safety of Norkin and Plumridge. If they come to harm, could it be the Busser did it? I'm now looking forward to Pie PI IV.

    It's a chuckle with every line delivered. Norkin has brought John Pie, PI to the holidays with Santa Noir. So much Bogart-worthy fun. Although after reading this, I fear for the safety of Norkin and Plumridge. If they come to harm, could it be the Busser did it? I'm now looking forward to Pie PI IV.

    ”
  • Mike Byham: HOLIDAY OFFICE PARTY FOR THE SELF-EMPLOYED by Christopher Soucy
    “

    Now this is funny! I would love to see this staged. It's ridiculous and completely over-the-top, but it made me laugh out loud - while I was working - alone in my home office. Soucy has a real rib-tickler in Holiday Office Party for the Self-Employed!

    Now this is funny! I would love to see this staged. It's ridiculous and completely over-the-top, but it made me laugh out loud - while I was working - alone in my home office. Soucy has a real rib-tickler in Holiday Office Party for the Self-Employed!

    ”
  • Mike Byham: The Wild Turducken by Peter Fenton
    “

    Peter Fenton gives us an interesting, amusing and emotional short with The Wild Turducken. I love how much is said beyond the dialogue. Exploring family dynamics in times of political divide (in Pennsylvania!) can be a minefield, but Fenton has found the path through to, if not complete understanding, at least acceptance and love. Well done.

    Peter Fenton gives us an interesting, amusing and emotional short with The Wild Turducken. I love how much is said beyond the dialogue. Exploring family dynamics in times of political divide (in Pennsylvania!) can be a minefield, but Fenton has found the path through to, if not complete understanding, at least acceptance and love. Well done.

    ”
  • Mike Byham: Unbelted by Brent Alles
    “

    As an old WWWF wrestling fan (Bruno was my favorite), I was easily transported to the world Brent Alles created in Unbelted. The behind-the-scenes locker room banter was perfect. The conflict of presenting a Sophie's choice to The Hammer on Christmas is especially poignant. I would love to see this staged - blood and all.

    As an old WWWF wrestling fan (Bruno was my favorite), I was easily transported to the world Brent Alles created in Unbelted. The behind-the-scenes locker room banter was perfect. The conflict of presenting a Sophie's choice to The Hammer on Christmas is especially poignant. I would love to see this staged - blood and all.

    ”
  • Mike Byham: Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer and Liked It by Paul Braverman
    “

    Terrific, funny short providing Christmas-inspired laughs at Grandma's expense. Braverman turns the neo-classic song into a farcical police procedural. Cue the Law & Order dum-dum as the curtain rises. So much fun! This could easily be a hit on SNL.

    Terrific, funny short providing Christmas-inspired laughs at Grandma's expense. Braverman turns the neo-classic song into a farcical police procedural. Cue the Law & Order dum-dum as the curtain rises. So much fun! This could easily be a hit on SNL.

    ”
  • Mike Byham: Snakes On A Plane, On A Boat, On The Sea by Ken Love
    “

    I love this short. You can feel the characters marinate in their own thoughts and the emotions are earned. So true to life - regrets over a poor choice, resulting isolation and the coming judgment. It’s so easy to understand and identify with both characters in this well-written two-handed. The monologue is a gem. I want to see the impact this has on an audience when staged.

    I love this short. You can feel the characters marinate in their own thoughts and the emotions are earned. So true to life - regrets over a poor choice, resulting isolation and the coming judgment. It’s so easy to understand and identify with both characters in this well-written two-handed. The monologue is a gem. I want to see the impact this has on an audience when staged.

    ”
  • Mike Byham: Please Exit the Horse by Jennifer O'Grady
    “

    A very sweet and clever riff on the Santa Exchange title prompt (I was expecting Christmas in Troy). Lovely dialogue leading to dreams of “sanctuary” and freedom. A relatable use of neigh-sayers. Well done.

    A very sweet and clever riff on the Santa Exchange title prompt (I was expecting Christmas in Troy). Lovely dialogue leading to dreams of “sanctuary” and freedom. A relatable use of neigh-sayers. Well done.

    ”
  • Mike Byham: Blame It on The Eggnog by Marshall Logan Gibbs
    “

    Gibbs introduces a new holiday icon. I can easily see Jeremy introduced in a Stephen King story as Castle Rock Santa. So much horrible fun in five minutes. Audiences will be shocked and delighted.

    Gibbs introduces a new holiday icon. I can easily see Jeremy introduced in a Stephen King story as Castle Rock Santa. So much horrible fun in five minutes. Audiences will be shocked and delighted.

    ”
  • Mike Byham: The Believers Market by Hilary Bluestein-Lyons
    “

    So cute and normal, and then so strange. I absolutely love the wicked twist of this short that turns a simple slice of life holiday experience into an episode of the Twilight Zone or Outer Limits. Wonderful.

    So cute and normal, and then so strange. I absolutely love the wicked twist of this short that turns a simple slice of life holiday experience into an episode of the Twilight Zone or Outer Limits. Wonderful.

    ”
  • Mike Byham: This Is Not the Cotswolds and You’re Not Cameron Diaz by Philip Middleton Williams
    “

    Brilliantly written comedy. I had to read it twice - it’s worth it after getting to the punch line. I wish I didn’t identify so much but this is what age brings. Actors will have a blast with this short. Williams created fertile ground for the best kind of organized confusion. I would love to see this on stage.

    Brilliantly written comedy. I had to read it twice - it’s worth it after getting to the punch line. I wish I didn’t identify so much but this is what age brings. Actors will have a blast with this short. Williams created fertile ground for the best kind of organized confusion. I would love to see this on stage.

    ”