Recommended by Aly Kantor

This was my NPX 'play of the day' and I decided to check it out - after all, I have a free minute. Little did I know that it only takes a minute to break a heart! I'm constantly in awe of the artistry that goes into an effective one-minute play. I will be thinking about this one for more than a minute, I can tell you that much!

This tight relationship drama uses an extended metaphor - "the buzzing mosquito in the room" - to phenomenal theatrical effect. The play begins with action, not dialogue. It's the perfect vehicle for a skilled sound designer to ply their trade to glorious effect. It's filled with opportunities for gorgeous stage pictures, from moments of Hopper-esque isolation to moments of intimate hilarity. It's honest, carefully constructed, with an incredibly satisfying, full-circle ending. Ultimately, it's very human. I really hope these two make it!

I love the way this play begins with such a strong "kitchen sink" sensibility, with just enough of the uncanny valley to signal to careful readers that SOMETHING is up. Those delectable breadcrumbs are just enough to keep you perched on the edge of your seat as the colorful protagonists reveal the truth behind their odd circumstances! As goofy as it begins, it does ask a lot of thought-provoking questions, namely: would you choose a short, happy life or a long, miserable one... and what IS happiness, anyway? I love the creepy and abrupt ending! Spectacular sci-fi for the stage!

This spooky short is absolutely teeming with atmosphere from the first stage direction! The heightened language only adds to the sense that our characters are "outside of time." It asks (but doesn't dare answer) a lot of questions about the value of a life and the role of novelty - why surprises are the best and worst part of being human. I love the way the story comes full circle, justifying and validating those initial stone-in-your-stomach impulses. This is a masterclass in fitting an eternity into a ten-minute script. Really lovely and affecting work.

This riveting enemies-to-friends narrative tells the story of two characters who, abstractly, couldn't be more different. The beauty of this play is in the slow discovery (for the actors and the audience) of the things these unlikely companions have in common. That journey is not an easy one, and it will take two committed, empathetic performers to lead the audience to that gorgeous moment of catharsis. Don't be fooled by the happy ending—this play is challenging! Even so, it will leave you with a well-earned sense of hope.

I really wanted to figure out what this play was "about." Every time I thought I had it, I'd read another short, and my answer would change. Such is the nature of grief and healing - a nebulous, shape-shifting thing with no easy answers. The thesis? Actions have consequences!

This play explores beauty and pain from so many unique angles, all tied to one traumatic event. The collection is simultaneously heightened and mundane, relatable and thoroughly alien, but always incredibly moving. Finding the connections between plays kept me engaged, but each self-contained story is riveting on its own!

Gorgeously written!

This is a sweet, tight, and surprising short play that is not at all what it seems, which is why it would be such a treat for audiences! At first, the conflict doesn't quite add up, but little by little, we gain context... and so do the characters! I love the build-up - and the way the audience and the characters recognize what's REALLY going on at the same time. It's a really lovely moment that makes me wonder what might come next for these two! Really delightful, heartwarming work!

As snappy and petty as Doug and Kim may be, there is so much heart at the center of this short virtual play! I would even call it a "period piece," evoking lockdown-era nostalgia to glorious effect. Even as our neighbors began grating on us, so many of us took solace in nature and the outside world. I love the way those two realities combine to create a conflict (and a clever, really lovely twist) that leaves the bitter banker balking! Relatable, funny, and affecting!

The fun of this piece is that, ostensibly, the "main character" is not who you think...in more ways than one! I love the way these two quick-witted spouses slowly reveal more and more about the off-stage character as the play goes on. The "mystery" at the center of the piece keeps the audience engaged, wondering what wild "secrets" we'll learn next! The twist is exquisite! Laugh-out-loud banter consistently meets high emotional stakes, making this a fun and compelling one-act! Lots of fun for both actors and audiences!

When played with earnestness, this monologue sheds glorious light on a too-common brand of bigoted hypocrisy. It's hard to hear but succinct and tightly crafted, with a particularly strong button that will leave audiences thinking. A strong bit of material for an older actress with range!