Recommended by Mike Byham

I love this short! You can almost hear diner sounds and smell the burgers frying on the griddle. The dialogue in John Hilla’s PICKLES is so natural that you are transported there and become part of the scene. Sure - it’s familiar. But it’s extraordinarily well done. Nailed the ending too.

Ah, who doesn’t like to get together with old friends and reminisce? John Hilla provides us with a glimpse into an annual gathering of old friends (and bandmates) in RICKSHAW REDUX that left me wanting more. Interesting characters in an interesting setting saying interesting things. This short tells a story that creates an atmosphere brimming with opportunity for additional story-telling. An enjoyable read.

John Hilla crafts an intriguing short in CHAPTER AND VERSE where an environment is created with organized religion, moral beliefs, and legal codes wielded as weapons in a greedy battle over a case of an older woman’s crippling debt. Characters are clearly developed and the dialogue works well for each. Whether you have a definitive stance on the subject of using personal bankruptcy or you’re ambivalent, this 10-minute piece will make you think. Well done!

Brenton Kniess' PILLOW TALK is really weird in a really good way. Sharply drawn characters are provided with off-beat dialogue and action that moves the play along at a good pace. Sneaky creepy. I absolutely love the surprise at the end! Happily married takes on new connotations following this reading. What fun!

Morey Norkin hits all the right comedic notes with his touching portrayal of familial relationships lost and found with LAST LAUGH. Both characters are believable and unique, yet somehow Morey's dialogue ensures that there is no mistaking their connection. And witty dialogue at that! I would love to see this staged. Both audiences and actors alike would have a blast! Great piece of work.

Christopher Plumridge has mined the depths of a troubled mind to fight a foe all too relatable to many of us in THE UNIVITED. It is a monologue that puts on display the resolve necessary to survive episodes of depression. A touching and necessary work. Thank you, Christopher!

BACKYARD STONEHENGE, RECLAIMED really hit home to me as we're currently acting as caretakers of aging relatives. The characters are sharply drawn and relatable - I feel as though I've known MRS. FERRIA for quite some time. Perhaps that is due to the universal truth this piece is set in - the unwanted inevitability of life getting to the point where assistance is needed. The loving relationship between nephew and aunt is both moving and necessarily awkward. Very well done!

I’ll be thinking about David Hodge’s NEIGHBORLY for some time. The arguments presented over potential risks of making yourself vulnerable to help someone in need, the true nature of home ownership and the fragility of the material lives we lead is worth consideration. Unsettling and brutal in its setting, tone and action, this play leaves an intellectual and emotional mark. Interesting and well done.

ANDELA is an extraordinarily funny, fun and touching story! Colorful characters inhabit a world where the power of love (in all its forms) and belief (again - in all its forms) bring us to a happy conclusion. Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn has crafted an emotionally satisfying tale of an angel come to announce the second coming. The way that the angel revels in their corporeal humanness brings both heartwarming laughs and plain old silliness. Cleverly told with some wonderful dialogue, actor and audiences alike will love this play.

I'm not crying - you're crying! I AM HE by Deb Cole tugs at the heart strings, especially for those who struggle with loss (and those with daddy issues like me). But here's the genius of how it is written - it is not maudlin in any way, nor does it manipulate. It tells a simple story of dealing with grief in a positive manner. A lesson to be learned by all. We will all need it at some point. Very well done!