Recommended by Amanda Schumacher

  •

    WE ARE NOT DEAD is a deliciously chilling piece of horror, one that slowly draws you into its web. With its perfectly haunting setting and a creepy cast of characters, I wanted to stay in the rich world MacDowell Blue created. WE ARE NOT DEAD would make an excellent addition to any Halloween-set ten-minute play showcase.

    WE ARE NOT DEAD is a deliciously chilling piece of horror, one that slowly draws you into its web. With its perfectly haunting setting and a creepy cast of characters, I wanted to stay in the rich world MacDowell Blue created. WE ARE NOT DEAD would make an excellent addition to any Halloween-set ten-minute play showcase.

  •

    I love a spooky-cute romantic comedy! Set on the somber cliffs of Cumberland Falls during the full moon, Greg and Marisa meet and ultimately, find a genuine connection. Tacon does an excellent job of taking a local Kentucky ghost story and turning it into a sweet tale of second chances.

    I love a spooky-cute romantic comedy! Set on the somber cliffs of Cumberland Falls during the full moon, Greg and Marisa meet and ultimately, find a genuine connection. Tacon does an excellent job of taking a local Kentucky ghost story and turning it into a sweet tale of second chances.

  •

    Kniess' ten-minute MELT is a delightful dessert of horror comedy! Ice cream truck owners and couple Stacey and David scoop details to the audience casually, then quickly, then all at once. Fantastically paced, with a fun concept and just-creepy-enough premise, MELT would make an amazing addition to any spooky-themed short play festival!

    Note: I thought about eating some ice cream while I read this. I'm glad I didn't! ;)

    Kniess' ten-minute MELT is a delightful dessert of horror comedy! Ice cream truck owners and couple Stacey and David scoop details to the audience casually, then quickly, then all at once. Fantastically paced, with a fun concept and just-creepy-enough premise, MELT would make an amazing addition to any spooky-themed short play festival!

    Note: I thought about eating some ice cream while I read this. I'm glad I didn't! ;)

  •

    I still recall seeing this performed during Forward Theater's "Someone's Gotta Do It" monologue festival in 2016. This smart-and-sharply-written piece turns on its head at the last second, leading to an audience-wide collective jaw-dropping. Poignant with heart, this powerful and thought-provoking piece is as relevant then as it was in 2016. SPOTLESS is a must-read.

    I still recall seeing this performed during Forward Theater's "Someone's Gotta Do It" monologue festival in 2016. This smart-and-sharply-written piece turns on its head at the last second, leading to an audience-wide collective jaw-dropping. Poignant with heart, this powerful and thought-provoking piece is as relevant then as it was in 2016. SPOTLESS is a must-read.

  •

    I had the absolute joy of seeing this play in 2021 as part of Renaissance Theaterworks' Best of Brink Briefs festival. Wholesome and delightful for all audiences, this sweet ten-minute playfully explores the age-old idiom, "...when pigs fly" with an earnest sense of discovery and wonder. This play would nicely round out any ten-minute play festival!

    I had the absolute joy of seeing this play in 2021 as part of Renaissance Theaterworks' Best of Brink Briefs festival. Wholesome and delightful for all audiences, this sweet ten-minute playfully explores the age-old idiom, "...when pigs fly" with an earnest sense of discovery and wonder. This play would nicely round out any ten-minute play festival!

  • Amanda Schumacher: Spatial Awareness by Anastasia Wild
    “

    One thing I love about Anastasia's work is her seamless blending of humanity while addressing modern topics within sci-fi settings. SPATIAL AWARENESS is a futuristic play about sisters catching up while stationed around the universe, but also a discussion about timely topics, such as advancements in artificial intelligence and healthcare, climate change, and overall the need for genuine, real human connection. Like most works by Wild, I left this one thinking--while also smiling.

    One thing I love about Anastasia's work is her seamless blending of humanity while addressing modern topics within sci-fi settings. SPATIAL AWARENESS is a futuristic play about sisters catching up while stationed around the universe, but also a discussion about timely topics, such as advancements in artificial intelligence and healthcare, climate change, and overall the need for genuine, real human connection. Like most works by Wild, I left this one thinking--while also smiling.

    ”
  • Amanda Schumacher: 23 Opinions No One Wanted by Tristan B Willis
    “

    Uniquely written, poetry with a bite (in the best possible) way, 23 OPINIONS NO ONE WANTED has a pattern, its words a rhythm, and unfortunate relatability with every line. It moves so quickly, so swiftly, yet packs a punch-to-the-patriarchy with a succinct amount of sass.This would be such a fun piece to see performed at a local fringe festival or an evening of one acts or ten minute plays.

    Uniquely written, poetry with a bite (in the best possible) way, 23 OPINIONS NO ONE WANTED has a pattern, its words a rhythm, and unfortunate relatability with every line. It moves so quickly, so swiftly, yet packs a punch-to-the-patriarchy with a succinct amount of sass.This would be such a fun piece to see performed at a local fringe festival or an evening of one acts or ten minute plays.

    ”
  • Amanda Schumacher: Variations on the Return of the Lover by Deanna Strasse
    “

    We all have that one person--our first love, the one that got away, the one we wish we could forget. VARIATIONS ON THE RETURN OF THE LOVER speaks to every person who has ever wondered "what if?" When an ex-lover shows up out of the blue 6 years post-ghosting, Strasse weaves a fast-paced tale with charm, wit, and raw honesty, and answers the question "what if?" by deliciously showcasing every possible scenario.

    We all have that one person--our first love, the one that got away, the one we wish we could forget. VARIATIONS ON THE RETURN OF THE LOVER speaks to every person who has ever wondered "what if?" When an ex-lover shows up out of the blue 6 years post-ghosting, Strasse weaves a fast-paced tale with charm, wit, and raw honesty, and answers the question "what if?" by deliciously showcasing every possible scenario.

    ”
  • Amanda Schumacher: Cremains to Be Seen by Anastasia Wild
    “

    One thing (of many) that I love about Wild's plays are the lines of dialogue that just dig their hooks into your soul and won't let go. I'm a sucker for a good, memorable quote, and CREMAINS TO BE SEEN features them generously sprinkled throughout. Additionally, combining lighthearted humor with the subject of grief (as well as weaving in elements of faith in the face of death) is no easy feat, but Wild does so with such care, grace, and skill.

    One thing (of many) that I love about Wild's plays are the lines of dialogue that just dig their hooks into your soul and won't let go. I'm a sucker for a good, memorable quote, and CREMAINS TO BE SEEN features them generously sprinkled throughout. Additionally, combining lighthearted humor with the subject of grief (as well as weaving in elements of faith in the face of death) is no easy feat, but Wild does so with such care, grace, and skill.

    ”
  • Amanda Schumacher: Rewind by Morey Norkin
    “

    As a movie lover (whose favorite film is Back to the Future) who also happened to work at Blockbuster back in the day, REWIND hit all the nostalgic and time-travel vibes just right. And just when I thought I knew what was going on with REWIND, Norkin added another delightful twist and surprise. Fast-paced, intriguing and overall quite fun, REWIND is the type of play I would love to see staged with a full performance, receiving it's much deserved close-up.

    As a movie lover (whose favorite film is Back to the Future) who also happened to work at Blockbuster back in the day, REWIND hit all the nostalgic and time-travel vibes just right. And just when I thought I knew what was going on with REWIND, Norkin added another delightful twist and surprise. Fast-paced, intriguing and overall quite fun, REWIND is the type of play I would love to see staged with a full performance, receiving it's much deserved close-up.

    ”