Recommended by John Mabey

Nick Malakhow is incredibly gifted for writing complex characters with depth and authenticity. And in this full-length, he places the story in covid-era times and provides such an engaging work about the intersections of sexuality, internalized homophobia, and mental health. Especially poignant are the themes of connection between the queer teens and their mothers, navigating the ways we can be vulnerable and strong together. There are also exciting production elements to this play that theatre artists will love to explore about living our realities in an online fantasy world.

In MASKING OUR BLACKNESS, Vincent Terrell Durham presents one of the most powerful plays I've read about racism and white privilege. The manner in which he navigates such a nightmarish comedy, drama, and horror is exceptional and makes this play incredibly unique and urgent in its themes. Produce this play!

There are so many layers of emotion to uncover beneath the surface in ROCKS THE CRADLE. And with expertly written dialogue, TJ Young explores aspects of parenthood not often seen in plays, juxtaposing a challenging conversation with a setting that's just perfect for the occasion. And with all their insecurities laid bare, these characters discover what they need most in order to move forward.

The characters and dialogue in LAST DANCE WITH MJ are so engaging, and Lindsay Partain writes in such an authentic way that I feel as if I'm watching the production as I read. The relationship between the characters is very strong as they both grapple with compassion and hard truths. Rejection and revenge have never been sweeter or this enjoyable.

The meanings of justice and punishment are so wonderfully complex in Ryan Kaminski's THE SENTENCE. It's the sign of a remarkable play when the audience is able to connect with the viewpoints of disparate characters, and the ending leaves both heartache and hope. Also wonderful is the ability to stage this play live for an audience and also as an audio play.

D. Lee Miller has written a short play with so much power in RECLAIMING THE NIGHT. Both mother and son struggle with much from their own lives as well as from their history together, and the journey to find the perfect spot in the hills mirrors their own journeys, too. With unexpected comedic moments as well, this superb play demonstrates the power of reclaiming one's life and the many paths we take to get there.

TAX DAY by Hilary Bluestein-Lyons is hauntingly beautiful. We're introduced to two women and at just the right moments we learn so much about their relationship and what they mean to each other, including the pain they're both holding inside. And just when you think you know where the play is going, it transforms into something even more. A special play exploring dementia and forgiveness that would make a great addition to short play festivals.

In this romantic comedy, THE RAFT, you'll be floating away in no time. Matthew Weaver has written a very unique fantasy that's grounded in genuine affection and love. The character of the alligator especially is a great role for any performer looking for an exciting challenge. Audiences will also love the experimental nature of the piece while rooting for the couple on the raft - I mean bed.

In STEAM, Samantha Marchant has infused so much insight into a short piece with clever use of comedy and a simultaneous voice over from the radio. Also this juxtaposition of a dressed-up version of ourselves with a bare reckoning of our authentic self is very compelling as well.

CONFLUENCE is a fantastic monologue to read and reflect on both what has passed with sheltering in place and also what's to come. Rachael Carnes writes so deftly and with such vivid imagery that the monologue is poetic as well. The lines about oceans and waves especially take on new meanings as I've reread this piece, too.