Recommended by Jessica Feder-Birnbaum

"Heads You Lose," a grimly, funny cautionary tale that exemplifies both the human/device power struggle as well as the one between genders. The ending took me completely by surprise in the best kind of revengeful way. "Heads You Lose" would be great in any one act or comedy festival. It has great potential for physically absurd staging.

This short play is so important and impactful. JADEN and LILIA are well drawn and believable characters. I went into this play not knowing who to trust and what to believe. I finished feeling empowered and heartened. This play should be seen worldwide and by women of all ages everywhere.

One feels quite sorry for the downtrodden ABBY until RUBY comes along. This poignant and spirited ten minute play feels like a classic folktale as things aren't what they seem and wisdom comes in unexpected lessons. RUBY would be wonderful in a holiday, multi-generational play festivals.

Edna & Eddie starts out as a relatable and poignant slice of life then takes a surprising and cinematic turn. It has Twilight Zone elements and made me gasp out loud. It's a brilliant ten minute play and appropriate for all ages and populations.

Protagonist, SYLVIA, swiftly puts Neo-Nazi CLIFFORD in his place declaring herself his "Replacment Jew" without resorting to harsh words or violence. Both pathos and humor are put to good effect and a teachable moment is imparted to his CLIFFORD's son, CLIFFY. There is good reason that THE REPLACEMENT has been produced multiple times. It's terrific. It should also be part of a school's curriculum or anywhere that anti-semitic or bias crimes may occur.

FICTOPHILIA packs so many punches and hits all the right notes: Fantasy love, sibling rivalry, and our lives being at the mercy of internet service provider plans. The characters, MARVIN, BRUCE and MIKU are all distinctive and funny. Actors will enjoy playing these roles and audiences will love getting to know them. FICTOPHILIA with its topical humor and simple sets would enhance an evening of short plays, and be perfect for touring.

SHOPTALK is poignant, cinematic and universally satisfying. Grief and humor are often conflated in real life. The barber shop represents a third place (where to gather when you're not home) for so many men. I found myself both cracking up and with my heart in my throat as I read this wonderful play.

Sick, Sick is a devastating play that shows the awful effects of pharmaceutical corruption. Both sides of the story are vividly portrayed. The corporate big whigs care only about covering up their error and not what harm they have caused. We see the anguish in the innocent victims who suffer the consequences. Justice is served at the end in a surprising twist. This versatile play could easily be performed in theaters, non-traditional settings, and in an audio drama format. It would do well in a festival dedicated to multi-cultural social justice plays.

This poignant yet hopeful monologue beautifully depicts both the need to be fully seen and the need to make a living. I found myself rooting for the protagonist, DAWN, a trans woman, to get the job at The Women's Lunch Center, earn enough to save up, and achieve her dream of taking the "next step" to truly becoming a woman.

Quiet Storm is deeply atmospheric. I was on the edge of my chair wondering if Bethany and Harris would work out. Like the musical genre - Quiet Storm - this play has a wonderful rhythm and flow. Its hopeful message is especially welcome during these turbulent times. It would be great to see this play performed in a theatrical evening dedicated to love stories.