Recommended by John Mabey

In CAMPUS CAMPER: A COLLEGE MONOLOGUE there is an incredible amount of depth and transformation for a character who is more than one layer. Asher Wyndham writes dialogue that flows from the character so naturalistically and yet still manages to surprise. I find this central character absolutely fascinating and the way in which they both see the world and their place inside of it (also exciting that the character may be of any gender). This is a monologue that will both entertain and inspire great discussion as well.

This is a wonderful 1-minute play and BONUS POINT is a perfect example of how much story can be crafted in such a short time. It's clear that Steven G. Martin has envisioned so many details of this broad world in the year 2117 with clever hints to our future throughout. The ending really packs a punch in a darkly comedic and thrilling manner.

What a deliciously funny play! Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend takes us on a fantastic adventure in THE EARLY FLIGHT with jealousy, high comedy, and milkshakes with a side of cake. The couple at the center of this play deal with a grounded reality in marriage while the situation around them rises to comedic heights. I was laughing throughout and picturing the staging in my head at the same time. Well done!

When reading HER FIRST THANKSGIVING, you're immediately transported to another time and from a perspective so clear and true. David Patton writes this character with such an intimate knowledge of her background as well as the ways in which she finds herself in a new world. There's beautiful subtext, too, that adds to the overall piece in delicate and poignant ways.

I adore plays that take even a slight twist on any season, and EVERYBODY HATES MARIAH CAREY majorly twists in such delectable ways. The holidays might be tough for many reasons, where not everyone has reason to celebrate, and the ways that Rachael Carnes heightens those reasons are darkly funny but also healing for those struggling with an otherwise joyful season. Christmastime can be tough and it's important to celebrate that, too.

There are many ways to celebrate culinary delights, and everyone has their preference. In POULTRY ... PLEASE!, we meet a couple who suffers through one dinner but celebrate their relationship by running to another. And in the process, Vivian Lermond makes us laugh and remember to-each-their-own.

This monologue HIBERNUS is such a beautiful ode to the changing of seasons and how each might be embraced differently, especially with time and new perspectives. Well done, Vivian Lermond, and for framing renewal in this dynamic way.

There is so much lyrical fabulousness to Vivian Lermond's MILLICENT AND MARLEE'S MINCE PIE MISADVENTURE! The sisters, the town and all the characters within are colorful and hysterical. Each deserving of their own play and the delightful misadventures within. Thanksgivin' indeed.

Every year I say I won't watch sappy seasonal movies, and every year I do! In GOIN’ BACK TO GOONSVILLE, Vivian Lermond reminds me why I enjoy them and always come back for more. Lermond plays with the formula in creative ways and adds enough detail that could easily lengthen this into its own film. With a spoof of memorable characters and a traditional story with refreshing twists, this is one sappy seasonal movie I'd gladly watch on repeat.

I had the great pleasure of watching a reading of this play and the audience response was incredible. In FAMILY TREE, Erin Considine crafts such an intimate story of generations in a family with the things they've shared and kept hidden. At the center is a woman losing parts of herself but growing at the same time. The playwright shifts between internal monologue and dialogue in such creative ways and there are so many poignant lines that resonate with deeper meaning throughout. This is a piece I can't wait to watch fully staged one day.