Recommended by Aly Kantor

I am a huge fan of the "came back wrong" trope, and this "kitchen sink sci-fi" concept is such an inventive way to play with it! This play toes the line between 'botched resurrection' and 'end of the time loop' - arguably the best parts of any science-horror story! It's a sharp and efficient tragedy that reveals itself a little more with each page. It's entirely dialogue-driven and easy to produce, making genre theatre more accessible for theatres with any budget. Best of all, it will be relatable to nearly anyone who has been lost in a quagmire of grief.

Not only is this play for youth compelling and highly theatrical, but it's also SO MUCH FUN! Futuristic sci-fi elements color the world, with brilliant opportunities for designers to bring technology to life on stage. The dialogue has a gorgeous, poetic rhythm, but it's still playful and accessible for teens. Most of all, I love that it encourages teen girls to do their own research, think critically, stick together, and ACT! These characters are allowed to be both SMART and YOUNG, which shouldn't feel radical! I can see young performers having a BLAST with this thoroughly unique play!

Anyone who grew up with a narcissistic parent will see themselves reflected in this tight living room sibling drama, which explores the immediate aftermath of that parent's death (and the circumstances that required the reunion in the first place). While slightly heightened and absurd, it teeters on the edge of realism in really fascinating ways. I love how, structurally, we travel between two timelines, learning the information and backstory we need precisely when it packs the biggest punch. These quirky, deeply broken characters clearly have a long way to go, but watching them get this far was a blast!

This collection of monologues has such a fascinating collection of perspectives and specific voices, with pieces set over the past century... though every single one is relatable, and the ways that diametrically opposed characters harmonize is fascinating! It may be 'The Breast Monologues' but the piece touches on so much more than that - it's really an exploration of women's bodies vs the world. You'll feel just about every emotion over the course of an evening, and those who don't directly relate to the material will see the world in a new light. Enlightening, easily staged, and important!

This compelling, air-tight historical drama is full of colorful characters - and while it may be set in 1946, there are echoes of the Covid era in nearly every interaction, making it a brilliant choice for contemporary theatrical seasons. Who knew a small-town diner could be the setting of such an intriguing and heart-racing mystery? If you're like me, you'll spend the entire play learning forward, picking up clues, and trying to figure out what is really going on—and it still ends on a fun cliffhanger! There's something for everyone in Hilda's diner... but don't try the casserole!

There is a gorgeous, almost voyeuristic feel to this play—at moments, I really felt like I was eavesdropping on conversations in an airport terminal. It has a simple but sublime structure, going back in time with each act, providing a little more context for the one that came before. Nothing extravagant happens (which, I'd argue, is the conceit - a story about the only people in an airport who never go anywhere), and yet I found myself utterly riveted. The moment the three timelines come full circle is magical, and the doubling is brilliant. A surprisingly efficient, moving play.

This is a sweet, subtle queer coming-of-age story filled with fantastic roles for college-aged performers. It uses its nonlinear structure to fantastic effect to shed light on the complexity of the central friendship. The character voices are specific and consistent throughout. I love the way the timeline goes from a set fixture to a legitimate storytelling element that the actors interact with, allowing them to revisit and replay scenes with honesty. I think a lot of young people will be able to relate to and connect with these characters, and those who don't will leave the theatre with newfound empathy.

In this tense family drama, RFW has the reader on a string from the word "go." She masterfully reveals tiny hints one tempting tidbit at a time until you find yourself leaning so far forward in your seat that your forehead is touching the ground! As soon as the pieces begin to come together, your jaw will surely join your forehead! It's a complex story full of twists, turns, red herrings, and sneaky clues about the truth. Don't get too attached to any of the characters—there really are no "good guys" to be found here! What a tense ride!

There is value in history, tradition, and remembering the past. There is also value in embracing something new. When you're caught in the middle (or trapped in a blizzard... or scandal), which do you choose?

This play offers a hilarious vehicle for an ensemble of teens without ever condescending. The heightened history is a perfect match for the heightened teenage emotions, which rise to a fever pitch of gorgeous, chaotic complexity. There is some really clever doubling, too! Somehow, at its core, it offers a story about grief, generational trauma, and persistence under damaged systems. Quirky & thought-provoking!

If you're looking for a play for young teens (actors AND audiences), this is it! In this engaging, heartbreaking play, the kids all talk and behave like real kids, warts and all, and it's refreshing! Not only that, but the story is compelling, with elements of fantasy that would be a blast to bring to life on stage. Still, it never condescends, tackling tough (but real, important) topics in an accessible manner. The friendship at the center of the piece feels strong and genuine, which makes the climax all the more impactful. A unique offering for schools or family audiences!